bilberry
Vaccinium myrtillus
Vaccinium myrtillus, commonly known as bilberry, is a traditional European plant with a long history of use. It has been traditionally employed in various folk remedies but specific uses are not well-documented in historical or contemporary medical literature. Scientific evidence for its efficacy is limited; short-term studies suggest that anthocyanin-rich extracts may modestly improve visual function and renal health, though the results are not conclusive. In diabetic kidney disease models, a water-soluble bilberry extract showed promise by improving renal function and reducing lipid peroxidation-driven ferroptosis. Additionally, blueberry leaf extract demonstrated significant α-amylase inhibitory activity among tested plants. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Short-term AKB supplementation was associated with modest improvements in near contrast sensitivity and visual-field parameters, along with directionally favourable changes in some circulating biomarkers.
- A water-soluble anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract dose-dependently improved renal function and reduced lipid peroxidation-driven ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease mice.
- The study found that blueberry by-products contain high levels of bioactive compounds and can be safely used as food ingredients after heat treatment.
- Blueberry leaf extract showed significant α-amylase inhibitory activity among tested medicinal plants.
- Both Vaccinium myrtillus (blueberry) and Morus alba extracts showed cardioprotective effects, with blueberry extract being more effective in reducing atherosclerosis in female mice.
Frequently asked questions
What is bilberry?
bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about bilberry?
5 sourced findings are recorded for bilberry; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Short-term AKB supplementation was associated with modest improvements in near contrast sensitivity and visual-field parameters, along with directionally favourable changes in some circulating biomarkers.
How strong is the evidence for bilberry?
The strongest finding for bilberry carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is bilberry safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for bilberry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does bilberry interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for bilberry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of bilberry?
bilberry is also known as: черника, Myrtille.
Is bilberry a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Standardized Berry Extract Improves Selected Visual Function Outcomes in Presbyopia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial with Exploratory Biomarker Analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physical-Chemical and Microbiological Characterisation of Blueberry By-Products (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) as Potential Food Ingredients. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Preclinical Evaluation of Berry Extracts as a Nutritional Intervention to Alleviate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Atherosclerosis Development. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Water-soluble anthocyanins from Vaccinium myrtillus L. alleviate diabetic kidney disease by targeting ALOX15-mediated lipid peroxidation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Natural α-Amylase Inhibitors from Medicinal Herbs: In Vitro Evaluation of Extracts Prepared with Food-Compatible Solvents. literature abstract metadata