Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillius)

Bilberry is a type of European blueberry. There are many different species and subspecies of this particular fruiting shrub that are indigenous to the European continent. Bilberry contains active compounds called proanthocyanidins. Standardized extracts of vaccinium compounds usually contain approximately 0.1-0.25% of the concentrated extract, yielding an anthocyanidin content of 25%.

Bilberry extracts tend to have collagen stabilizing action similar to extracts of grape seed and pine bark (or pycnogenol). Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for maintaining the integrity and strength of connective tissue, such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Anthocyanin compounds have the tendency to enhance the ability of the body to strengthen collagen fibers through cross-linking and to prevent free-radical damage secondary to their anti-oxidant activity. They may also inhibit enzymatic breakage of certain types of connective tissue, decrease inflammatory reactions, and modulate allergic responses.

Anthocyanidins generate a stabilizing activity in the circulatory system and are often very helpful, especially in conjunction with ascorbic acid or vitamin C, in the treatment of capillary permeability and fragility. Easy bruising tends to occur in many people, especially with advancing age. This is thought to be related to the fragility of their circulatory systems. Anthocyanidins, such as bilberry, bioflavonoids, and vitamin C can be significantly helpful. In my own clinical practice, I have seen many of these situations improve dramatically with combinations of bilberry, pycnogenol, bioflavonoids (such as quercetin and rutin) and vitamin C.

Bilberry also has an anti-clotting effect, and it may be helpful in preventing heart attacks and other circulatory disorders. It can also limit excessive platelet aggregation, which is thought to be linked to atherosclerosis and certain types of clot formation. In addition, bilberry has been demonstrated to have a modulating effect in blood sugar, by enhancing control of blood sugar metabolism. Therefore, it may be useful in the treatment of diabetes.

Bilberry can also have an effect on relaxing smooth muscle activity, which can be helpful in spasmolytic problems. In addition, bilberry extracts have a supportive effect on the digestive system and have been shown to be helpful in the treatment of many types of gastritis and ulcer.

The most popular use of bilberry is generally with eye disorders. It seems that bilberry has high affinity for certain pigmented epithelial areas of the retina where a visual purple protein is in high concentration. Supplementation of bilberry extract tends to enhance dark to light and light to dark accommodation and may actually play a role in the prevention of cataracts and macular degeneration, primarily through the enhancement of circulatory stability and oxygen delivery to the ocular tissue.

Dosage of bilberry is usually in the order of 20-40 mg of anthocyanidins or 80-160 mg of standardized bilberry extract. There has been no noted toxicity in clinical studies related to bilberry, even at very high doses.

If you have further questions, please contact the Advanced Medical Center.

Dale Guyer, M.D.