Bilberries are closely related to blueberries, and offer many of the same health benefits. Rich in phytochemicals, bilberries have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of disorders, particularly digestive problems. Bilberries are also believed to affect vision; British World War II fighter pilots reputedly nibbled bilberries before combat to sharpen their eyesight. Bilberries are considered safe as a food and in recommended amounts. However, ingesting extremely large amounts of bilberry leaves or extracts over a prolonged time can have serious -- even fatal -- results. Consult your doctor before taking bilberry.
Features
Bilberries -- botanically known as Vaccinum myrtillus and also called wineberries and European blueberries -- are the fruit of a perennial shrub native to North and Central Europe. The flavorful black berries contain a quantity of brownish-red seeds, and are both tangy and sweet. Bilberries have traditionally been used to treat diarrhea, diabetes, varicose veins and mouth inflammations. Modern-day herbalists are likely to advise bilberry to treat poor vision, diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerosis, gastrointestinal conditions, urinary tract infections and circulatory problems, such as varicose veins and peripheral artery disease.
Constituents and Effects
Bilberries are rich in antioxidant plant pigments called anthocyanins, and also contain up to 10 percent tannins. Pectin, chromium and the compounds astragalin and hyperoside are present as well, along with the antioxidant quercetin. Dried bilberries and bilberry leaves contain higher amount of tannins than fresh berries.
Drugs.com -- which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers -- credits bilberry with protecting capillaries from the effects of high blood pressure, and possibly improving visual acuity and shortening the interval it takes to adjust to differences in lighting. Bilberry also has antiedema, antioxidant and gastroprotective effects. MedlinePlus concurs that tannins in bilberry can reduce swelling, while its phytochemicals can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol; it adds that bilberry may increase circulation in people with diabetes. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that bilberry extracts help to regenerate rhodopsin, which promotes night vision; bilberry extracts may also help to protect against macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.
Research
In a clinical study published in 2009 in "Cancer Prevention Research," researchers found that mirtocyan, an anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract, significantly reduced the proliferation of tumor tissue in patients with colorectal cancer. The team called for more study of bilberry anthocyanins to further investigate their chemopreventive effects.
Usage and Considerations
According to University of Maryland Medical Center, you may take bilberry extract, standardized to 25 percent anthocyanidins, in dosages of 80 to 120 mg twice a day. MedlinePlus reports that bilberries are likely safe when they are eaten in food amounts and taken in recommended doses. Taking very large amounts of bilberry leaves or bilberry extract over extended periods of time carries serious risks. According to Longwood Herbal Task Force, tannins can cause kidney and liver damage, as well as an increased risk of esophageal and nasal cancer. UMMC adds that excessive tannins can cause severe weight loss, muscle spasms and even death. Even at recommended doses, bilberry can interact with prescription drugs. Consult your doctor before taking bilberry. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, avoid bilberry in amounts larger than those found in foods.
References
- Drugs.com: Complete Bilberry Information
- MedlinePlus; Bilberry: MedlinePlus Supplements
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Bilberry; UMMC Staff; December 2008
- "Cancer Prevention Research"; Pilot Study of Oral Anthocyanins for Colorectal Cancer Chemoprevention; S. Thomasset, et al.; July 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Astragalus; Bilberry; March 2011
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