Historically, bilberry fruit was used to treat diarrhea, scurvy and other conditions. Today, the fruit is used as a traditional remedy for diarrhea, eye problems, varicose veins, poor circulation and even cancer prevention.

The Powerful Science Behind the Bilberry

The bilberry plant, a low-growing shrub with flowers seen in red, blue and purple colors, is native to Northern Europe and also grows in North America and northern Asia. But its image belies a medically beneficial plant.

Most notably, the bilberry, also know as Vaccinium myrtillus L. in the medical world, is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are polyphenolic components that give bilberry its blue/black color and super-high antioxidant content.

It’s these powerful anthocyanins that are believed to be the key bioactives responsible for the numerous health benefits of bilberry and similar berry fruits. Bilberry is most famous for its ability to improve vision, but it has been reported to lower blood glucose, have anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, promote antioxidant defense and lower oxidative stress. This makes bilberry highly sought after in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, inflammation, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia or increased oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and dementia in addition to other age-related diseases.

Before using bilberry:

Some medical conditions may interact with bilberry. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diabetes

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with bilberry. However, no specific interactions are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if bilberry may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine