Bilberry

Bilberry (5:1 extract)

Bilberry, also known as European blueberry, is a close relative of blueberries. These are delicious berries which have been valued for their therapeutic effectiveness in a wide array of health conditions since many centuries. In fact, British pilots during World War II used bilberry to improve their vision. Bilberry also contains numerous phenolic compounds and potent antioxidants, including anthocyanins, flavonols, quercetin, catechins, tannins and ellagitannins. Today, bilberries are used as a delicious ingredient in preserves, pies, jams and other international cuisines. People can reap the many potential health benefits of bilberries by eating them fresh or dried, drinking bilberry tea, or taking bilberry supplements.

Benefits of Bilberry

A large body of scientific studies confirms that bilberries do present a range of health benefits, including:

Healthy Eyes

According to a 2015 study, bilberry extract supplementation at a dose of 480 mg/day in 281 video display terminal workers (aged 20-40 years) significantly improved eye fatigue sensation, eye pain, eye heaviness and uncomfortable eye sensation compared to placebo.^[1] Aside from preventing eye fatigue, there is also strong evidence that bilberry can help protect the eyes. According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research, bilberry extract protected human corneal cells and increased its viability after 48 hours of incubation, suggesting that bilberry is vital for eye health.^[2]

Improved Blood Sugar Levels

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that patients with type 2 diabetes who ingested a single oral capsule of 0.47 g standardized bilberry extract experienced a significant reduction in their blood sugar levels compared to those who took placebo.^[3] Researchers therefore concluded that the probable mechanisms for the improved blood sugar response of diabetic patients were reduced rates of carbohydrate digestion and/or absorption.

Improved Cholesterol Profile

A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that overweight women who consumed frozen bilberries for 30 days significantly reduced their triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.^[4]  

Cancer Treatment

One laboratory study found that the anthocyanins in bilberry extract inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells, suggesting that bilberry has potent anti-cancer properties.^[5] Researchers found that the specific mechanism by which bilberry exerts this effect is by inducing programmed cell death of cancer cells.

Anti-Inflammatory

Chronic inflammation can lead to a wide array of serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Interestingly, a 2016 study found that bilberry extract supplementation in patients with ulcerative colitis (long-lasting intestinal inflammation and ulceration) was able to reduce the levels of several inflammatory markers.^[6]

Improved Blood Circulation

There is increasing evidence that bilberry supplementation can be beneficial in patients suffering from blood circulation problems such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This condition occurs when the valves of the veins in the legs are damaged, thus impairing blood circulation. Interestingly, clinical trials have shown that bilberry supplementation in patients with CVI induced increase in flexibility of the capillaries, restored normal blood flow, and improved core symptoms such as cramps, heaviness, and swelling of the calf and ankle.^[7-9]

References:

1. Ozawa Y, Kawashima M, Inoue S, et al. Bilberry extract supplementation for preventing eye fatigue in video display terminal workers. J Nutr Health Aging. 2015;19(5):548-54.
2. Song J, Li Y, Ge J, et al. Protective effect of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extracts on cultured human corneal limbal epithelial cells (HCLEC). Phytother Res. 2010;24(4):520-4.
3. Hoggard N, Cruickshank M, Moar K-M, et al. A single supplement of a standardised bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract (36 % wet weight anthocyanins) modifies glycaemic response in individuals with type 2 diabetes controlled by diet and lifestyle. Journal of Nutritional Science. 2013;2:e22. doi:10.1017/jns.2013.16.
4. Larmo PS, Kangas AJ, Soininen P, et al. Effects of sea buckthorn and bilberry on serum metabolites differ according to baseline metabolic profiles in overweight women: a randomized crossover trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2013;98(4):941-951. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.060590.
5. Kuntz S, Wenzel U, Daniel H. Comparative analysis of the effects of flavonoids on proliferation, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines. Eur J Nutr. 1999;38:133–142.
6. Roth S, Spalinger MR, Gottier C, et al. Bilberry-Derived Anthocyanins Modulate Cytokine Expression in the Intestine of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis. Bamias G, ed. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(5):e0154817. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154817.
7. Guerrini M. Report on clinical trial of bilberry anthocyanosides in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Instituto di Patalogia Speciale Medica e Methodologia Clinica, Universita di Siena. 1987.
8. Corsi S. Report on trial of bilberry anthocyanosides (Tegens – Inverni delta Beffa) in the medical treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Casa di Cura S. Chiara, Florence, Italy. 1987.
9. Gatta L. Controlled clinical trial among patients designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Tegens 160. Ospedale Filippo del Ponte, Varese, Italy 1982.