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Bilberry
The bilberry has been used for centuries both medicinally and as a food in jams, jellies, and pies. For the past 300 years, it was consumed just like another other fruit, but the majority were collected and used as flavoring agents. For decades, the fruit, leaves, and roots have been a beneficial dietary supplement for diabetics (1). They are also typically consumed by individuals that have problems with night vision, cataracts, or glaucoma (6),(7),(9). Vitamins, Minerals and Phytochemical Components Bilberry fruits contain chemicals known as anthocyanosides, which are plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties(2). They scavenge foreign particles that can cause damage in the body known as free radicals and this in turn prevents or reverses damage to cells (3). Anthocyanins in particular, have vasoprotective properties that aid the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases (2). Antioxidants have been shown to help prevent a number of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and an eye disorder called macular degeneration (4),(6). The fruits contain vitamin C, a well know antioxidant and have large amounts of tannins. Tannins are substances that act as an astringent. Tannins also have anti-inflammatory properties that may help the body overcome diarrhea, treat ulcers, and control blood sugar levels in diabetics (1),(8). Medicinal Uses Based on Scientific Studies To date, more studies involving the plant have been performed rather than the fruit. There are very few clinical studies on the and most of the reports are anecdotal. On the other hand, animal studies have shown that the leaves help control dyslipidaemia (abnormal levels of lipids in the blood) (5). According to earlier and more recent studies the plant, particularly its leaves, have antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, antiulcer, and vasoprotective properties in addition to compounds that treat vision problems (1),(2),(4),(6),(7),(8). Extracts from the bilberry are specifically used to treat chronic venous insufficiency and atherosclerosis, improve heart function, control blood sugar levels, relieve diarrhea, heal open ulcers and improve vision. For years, people that practiced folk medicine used extracts from bilberry leaves to treat gastrointestinal ailments, skin infections, and for infusions. Unfortunately, despite the hype about the bilberry and its healing properties, there is no clinical evidence that prove whether or not the consumption of the bilberry fruit or plant can heal, cure, or treat any of the previously mentioned conditions. All reports are anecdotal and its use in alternative medicine lacks validity. References 1. Bailey C, Day C. (1989) Traditional plants medicine as treatments for diabetes. Diabetes Care, 12:553-564. 2. Bell DR, Gochenaur K. Direct vasoactive and vasoprotective properties of anthocyanin-rich extracts. J Appl Physiol . 2006 Apr; 100(4):1164-70. 3. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Boston, Mass: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998. 4. Bomser J, Madhavi DL, Singletary K, et al. In vitro anti-cancer activity of fruit extracts from Vaccinium species. Planta Med. 1996; 62:212–216. 5. 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 . 1996;84(5):311-322. 6. Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Altern Med Rev. 2001; 6(2):141-166. 7. Kramer JH. Anthocyanosides of Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) for night vision—a systematic review of placebo-controlled trials. Surv Ophthalmol. 2004 Nov-Dec; 49(6):618. 8. Magistretti NJ, Conti M, Cristini A. Antiulcer activity of an anthocyanidin from Vaccinium myrtillus. Arzneim-Forsch . 1988;38:686–690. 9. Muth ER, Laurent JM, Jasper P. The effect of bilberry nutritional supplementation on night visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Altern Med Rev. 2000; 5(2):164-173.
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