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Bilberry
(Vaccinium myrtillus)
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| Introduction |
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| Bilberry is one of the most popular herbs on the market today. During World War II when British air pilots ate bilberries, they reported an improved ability to adjust to glare and an increase in their visual acuity and nighttime vision.(1) These days, people still use bilberry to support healthy vision as well as other aspects of overall health. |
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| Reported Uses |
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Bilberry is best known for its reported ability to improve and protect vision, especially for the elderly. Scientists have proposed that because bilberry may improve overall oxygenation of tissues, it can lessen free radical damage to the eyes. These effects may be helpful for diabetics suffering from vision problems related to the disease, as well as patients with macular degeneration or cataracts.(2, 3)
These benefits carry over into other systems of the body. Because bilberry is classified as an antioxidant, it may support collagen in the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, thus decreasing arthritis symptoms.(4) Additionally, scientists are exploring bilberry's potential for strengthening the capillaries and increasing blood flow, both of which could be of benefit to people with artherosclerosis and vericose veins.(5, 6)
Most of the studies have been done on extracts from the berries, but studies have also been done on extracts from the the leaf of the plant. In laboratory and animal studies, extracts from the leaf have shown benefit in helping control the LDL (bad) cholesterol(7) and triglyceride(8) components of lipids or fats in the body. Other laboratory and animal studies on bilberry leaf extract have shown support for cancer,(9, 10, 11) diabetes,(12, 13, 14) and chronic fatigue syndrome.(15)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 80-240mg (standardized extract) daily, in divided doses.
Tea: 1 cup, 2 to 3 times daily with one gram of herb per cup.(16)
A 10% decoction is prepared for external use.(16)
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80mg (standardized extract), 2 times daily.
Tea: 1 cup, 2 times daily with one gram of herb per cup.
A 10% decoction is prepared for external use.
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects. |
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.(17) |
Health Conditions
If you have a bleeding disorder talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.
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Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding. |
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Jayle GE, et al. Study Concerning the Action of Anthocyanoside Extracts of Vaccinium myrtillus on Night Vision. Ann Ocul. Paris. 1965;198(6):556-62.
2 Bonanni R, et al. Clinical Study of the Action of Myrtillis Alone or Associated with Betacarotene on Normal Subjects and on Patients with Degenerative Changes of the Fundus Oculi. Atti Accad Fisiocrit Siena. 1968; 17(2):1470-88.
3 Varma SD, et al. Diabetic Cataracts and Flavonoids. Science. 1977;195:205-06.
View Abstract
4 Jonadet M, et al. Anthocyanosides Extracted from Vitis vinifera, Vaccinium myrtillus and Pinus maritimus, I. Elastase-inhibiting Activities in Vitro, II. Compared Angioprotective Activities in Vivo. J Pharm Belg. 1983;38(1):41-46.
5 Detre Z, et al. Studies on Vascular Permeability in Hypertension: Action of Anthocyanoside. Clin Physiol Biochem. 1986;4(2):143-49.
View Abstract
6 Bottecchia D, et al. Vaccinium myrtillus. Fitoterapia. 1977;48:3-8.
7 Laplaud PM, Lelubre A, Chapman MJ. Antioxidant Action of Vaccinium myrtillus Extract on Human Low Density Lipoproteins In Vitro: Initial Observations. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 1997;11(1):35-40.
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8 Cignarella A, Nastasi M, Cavalli E, et al. Novel Lipid-lowering Properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. Leaves, A Traditional Antidiabetic Treatment, in Several Models of Rat Dyslipidaemia: a Comparison with Ciprofibrate. Thromb Res. Dec1996;84(5):311-22.
View Abstract
9 Bomser J, Madhavi DL, Singletary K, et al. In Vitro Anticancer Activity of Fruit Extracts from Vaccinium Species. Planta Med. Jun1996;62(3):212-6.
View Abstract
10 Seeger PG. The Anthocyans of Beta vulgaris var. rubra (red beets), Vaccinium myrtillis (whortleberries), Vinum rubrum (red wine) and Their Significance as Cell Respiratory Activators for Cancer Prophylaxis and Cancer Therapy. Arztl Forsch. Feb1967;21(2):68-78.
11 Katsube N, Iwashita K, Tsushida T, Yamaki K, Kobori M. Induction of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells by Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and the Anthocyanins. J Agric Food Chem. Jan2003;51(1):68-75.
View Abstract
12 Vervoort G, Lutterman JA, Smits P, et al. Transcapillary Escape Rate of Albumin is Increased and Related to Haemodynamic Changes in Normo-albuminuric Type 1 Diabetic Patients. J Hypertens. Dec1999;17(12 Pt 2):1911-6.
View Abstract
13 Cohen-Boulakia F, Valensi PE, Boulahdour H, et al. In Vivo Sequential Study of Skeletal Muscle Capillary Permeability in Diabetic Rats: Effect of Anthocyanosides. Metabolism. Jul2000;49(7):880-5.
View Abstract
14 Colantuoni A, Bertuglia S, Magistretti MJ, et al. Effects of Vaccinium myrtillus Anthocyanosides on Arterial Vasomotion. Arzneimittelforschung. Sep1991;41(9):905-9.
View Abstract
15 Logan AC, Wong C. Chronic fatigue syndrome: oxidative stress and dietary modifications. Altern Med Rev. Oct2001;6(5):450-9.
View Abstract
16 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:77.
17 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 2000:76.
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