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 Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain bilberry. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting. Scientists have studied bilberry for the following health problems:
Bilberry has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before using bilberry for any unproven use.
Allergies People with allergies to plants in the Ericaceae family or to anthocyanosides may be allergic to bilberry. Side Effects Few side effects have been reported when bilberry is used at recommended doses. Safety is often assumed because bilberry has historically been used as a food source and has appeared to be safe. Side effects based on effects seen in animals include decreased blood sugar levels, decreased blood pressure and an increased risk of bleeding. If you take drugs to control diabetes or to lower blood pressure and are considering using bilberry, discuss this with your health care provider. Because bilberry may increase the risk of bleeding, you may need to stop taking it before some surgeries; discuss this with your health care provider. Fresh bilberry fruit may have a laxative effect. When bilberry is used for treating diarrhea, only dried bilberry should be taken. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Bilberry is assumed to be safe because it is used as a food product, but it has not been studied for safety in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs In theory, bilberry may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with bilberry. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox). Bilberry may also lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are also taking drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using bilberry. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Antibiotics, antidiarrheals, blood pressure drugs, estrogens, cancer drugs, ulcer drugs and drugs that may damage the liver may also interact with bilberry. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements In theory, bilberry may increase the risk of bleeding when also taken with other products that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include Ginkgo biloba and garlic (Allium sativum). Bilberry may also lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using bilberry. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Berries seem to be a good source of bioavailable quercetin, and therefore additive effects may be seen when taken together. In one study, which involved cooking bilberries with water and sugar to make soup, 40 percent of the quercetin was lost. Berries also contain resveratrol which has been studied as an antioxidant, for cardiovascular disease and cancer. Antibacterials, antidiarrheals, antineoplastics, antiulcer agents, herbs and supplements that may damage the liver, that alter blood pressure or contain phystoestrogens and vitamin C may interact with bilberry. The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. In most European studies, bilberry products have been standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanidin, but preparations available in the United States may differ. For Chronic Venous Insufficiency And Eye Diseases Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Extract: A dose of 80 to 480 milligrams daily, divided in two or three doses, has been taken by mouth. General Doses recommended by some experts based on traditional use are: fresh berries 55-115g three times daily, or 80-160mg of aqueous extract three times daily (standardized to 25% anthocyanosides). Acute diarrhea Some herbalists caution that for the treatment of diarrhea, only preparations of dried bilberry should be used, as the fresh fruit may actually exert a laxative effect. Topical: For mucus membrane inflammation, some herbalists recommend gargling with a mouthwash of 10% dried fruit decoction as needed. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of bilberry have not been studied thoroughly in children, and therefore bilberry is not recommended. Other For various health conditions, doses based on tradition include 55 to 115 grams of fresh berries taken three times per day by mouth or 80 to 160 milligrams of extract taken three times per day by mouth. Although bilberry has been suggested for many conditions, it has not been proven for the treatment of any health condition. Bilberry appears to be safe, but if you have diabetes or high blood pressure or are prone to bleeding disorders or have cancer, you need to discuss this with your health care provider before using bilberry. Consult your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects. Many interactions are possible and therapies should be closely monitored. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Selected Scientific Studies: Bilberry Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
Last updated September 03, 2008 ©©1996-2000 InteliHealth Inc. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions .
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