Pycnogenol is a type of oligomeric proanthocyanidin, or OPC, that's typically derived from grape seed or pine bark extract, while bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit originating from Northern Europe. Both bilberry and pycnogenol are used primarily for their antioxidant properties. In fact, bilberries contain OPCs, although pycnogenol is not usually derived from these fruits. You might use either remedy to help treat a wide variety of medical conditions, but talk to your doctor before taking them.
Uses
Bilberry is most commonly used for treating diarrhea, type 1 and 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, as well as vision problems like retinopathy, cataracts, night blindness and macular degeneration, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Pcynogenol is usually recommended for helping to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, high blood pressure, inflammation and erectile dysfunction, says the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. You could take pycnogenol to prevent frequent or easy bruising, treat edema and deep vein thrombosis and support weight loss, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Both pycnogenol and bilberry may have some benefits for chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
Function
Bilberry contains anthocyanosides, similar to OPCs, which provide strong antioxidant actions, says the University of Michigan Health System. Anthocyanosides are plant pigments that also play an important role in the rods in your eyes for proper nighttime vision. The antioxidant actions of pycnogenol and bilberry are responsible for the remedies' purported medicinal uses and effects. In general, anthocyanosides appear to protect your body's cells from free radicals that can cause damage and even cell death, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Potential
Pycnogenol may have the potential to treat asthma, lupus, menopausal symptoms, periodontal disease, premenstrual syndrome and cirrhosis of the liver, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Like bilberry, pycnogenol could help treat diabetes, retinopathy and night blindness, as well as prevent atherosclerosis. Pycnogenol could also potentially help prevent cancer, as well as treat hemorrhoids, allergies and aging skin. No widely accepted medical evidence supports the use of bilberry or pycnogenol for any of these medicinal purposes, however.
Dosages
The typical therapeutic dosage of bilberry is 240 to 600 milligrams daily in the form of tablets or capsules standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanosides, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Alternatively, you might take 150 to 300 milligrams of pycnogenol or OPCs per day, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. As little as 50 milligrams of pycnogenol is sometimes recommended for antioxidant effects. Before you start taking any amount of pycnogenol or bilberry, ask your physician about the dosage that's right for you.
Warnings
Because bilberry is a widely consumed fruit, it's considered safe, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. But taking extracts of bilberry, particularly in excessive doses and for prolonged time periods, may be fatal or cause weight loss and muscle spasms. Bilberry may increase the effects of certain medications like diabetes drugs used to lower your blood sugar. Both pycnogenol and bilberry can increase the effects of blood thinners like Coumadin, posing potential bleeding risks. Likewise, the antioxidant actions of pycnogenol could interfere with certain chemotherapy drugs and immunosuppressants like cyclosporine, warns the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
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