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Bilberry
(Vaccinium myrtillus)
DESCRIPTION
Bilberry is a perennial shrub originating from northern and
central Europe. Traditionally, bilberry is used to promote
good vision.
HERBAL USES
Traditionally, bilberry
is used for eye conditions. Bilberry is stated to possess
astringent and diuretic properties. The herb also has an application
in the management of gastrointestinal disorders and Diarrhoea.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
Part of the plant used:
fruit
Herb powder, 5-10 g three
times daily.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Bilberry has been used for
Hypertension, Arteriosclerosis, haemorrhages, blood vessel
problems (including Varicose veins), kidney haematuria, phlebitis,
myopia, day and Night blindness, retinitis and general visual
acuity (sharpness of vision).
Eye Health:
Bilberry is useful in the treatment of visual problems including
ight blindness (Nyctalopia), by accelerating adaptation to
light following exposure to bright light (1,2). Bilberry has
been shown to speed-up the regeneration of rhodopsin (visual
purple) - a process which is slowed in many eye conditions.
Bilberry has been used to
treat severe myopia (shortsightedness), retinal disturbances,
macular degeneration and visual Fatigue (caused by prolonged
reading and working in dim light). In addition, the anthocyanosides
act favourably on a number of important enzymes involved in
the metabolism of retinal in the eye (3).
Capillary Health:
Anthocyanosides are used in maintaining the structural integrity
of capillaries and other blood vessels and in stabilising
collagen (4-7). As a result, bilberry has been shown to reduce
the permeability and fragility of capillary walls. Bilberry
has been shown to be effective in the treatment of circulatory
disorders, Varicose veins, and other arterial/venous disorders.
In addition, bilberry may be effective for certain central
nervous system disorders.
Heart Health:
Anthocyanosides in bilberry prevent aggregation (clumping/clotting)
and the sticking of blood platelets to the blood vessel walls,
a process that is linked to the development of Atherosclerosis
(8). Bilberry improves the structural integrity of the blood
vessels, lowers high blood pressure and protects the heart
from stress caused by physical exertion.
Enteritis:
Due to its tannin content, bilberry has been used successfully
as an antidiarrhoeic, especially in cases of enteritis (Inflammation
of the intestine) (9).
Diabetes:
Bilberry is effective in lowering blood sugar (glucose) levels
in diabetics and for certain eye conditions related to diabetes
(10,11).
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Bilberry is free from side
effects.
Pregnant and lactating women
should consult with a qualified health professional before
taking bilberry due to a lack of safety data during these
times.
Bilberry is not recommended
for use by children.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
The anti-inflammatory activity
of bilberry may be inhibited by phenobarbitol, certain sedatives
and hypnotics.
Bilberry may potentiate
the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as heparin.
REFERENCES
1.
Jayle GE and Aubert L. Action des glucosides d'anthocyanes
sur la vision scotopique et mesopique du sujet normal. Therapie
19: 171-185, 1964.
2. Jayle GE, et al. Etude concernant l'action sur la vision
nocturne. Ann Ocul (Paris) 198: 556-562, 1965.
3. Wegmann R, et al. Effects of anthocyanosides on photoreceptors.
Cyto-enzymatic aspects. Ann Histochim 14: 237-256, 1969.
4. Monboisse JC, et al. Non-enzymatic degradation of acid-soluble
calf skin collagen by superoxide ion: Protective effect of
flavonoids. Biochem Pharmacol 32: 53-58, 1983.
5. Havsteen B. Flavonoids, a class of natural products of
high pharmacological potency. Biochem Pharmacol 32: 1141-1148,
1983.
6. Gabor M. Pharmacologic effects of flavonoids on blood vessels.
Angiologica 9: 355-374, 1972.
7. Mian E, et al. Anthocyanosides and the walls of microvessels:
Further aspects of the mechanism of action of their protective
effect in syndromes due to abnormal capillary fragility. Minerva
Med 68: 3565-3581, 1977.
8. Puilleiro G, et al. Ex vivo study of the inhibitory effects
of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on human platelet aggregation.
Fitoterapia 60: 69-75, 1989.
9. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, N Grainger Bissett,
Medpharm, 1994.
10. Bone K, et al. Mediherb Professional Review 59(3): 1997.
11. Scharrer A, et al. Anthocyanosides in the treatment of
retinopathies. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd 178: 386-389, 1981.
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