FolkKB

bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus

Vaccinium myrtillus, commonly known as bilberry, is a plant utilized extensively in various traditional medicinal systems. Historically, it has been applied to address infections, diabetes, dysentery, inflammation, and scurvy, while also serving as an astringent or diuretic. Scientific evidence regarding its efficacy remains limited and varied. Some studies suggest modest improvements in visual-field parameters and near contrast sensitivity through anthocyanin supplementation, while animal models indicate potential benefits for renal function in diabetic contexts. Additionally, leaf extracts have shown alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
infections · antidote
Traditions
Western phytotherapy · traditional
Best evidence
B
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • infections Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • antidote traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • catarrh Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • diabetes traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • inflammation traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • intestinal complaints Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • refrigerant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • scurvy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • typhoid traditional T3 DRDUKE

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. B PMID
  • A water-soluble anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract dose-dependently improved renal function and reduced lipid peroxidation-driven ferroptosis in diabetic kidney disease mice. D PMID
  • The study found that blueberry by-products contain high levels of bioactive compounds and can be safely used as food ingredients after heat treatment. D PMID
  • Blueberry leaf extract showed significant α-amylase inhibitory activity among tested medicinal plants. D PMID
  • Both Vaccinium myrtillus (blueberry) and Morus alba extracts showed cardioprotective effects, with blueberry extract being more effective in reducing atherosclerosis in female mice. D PMID

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 is bilberry traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record bilberry for: infections, antidote, astringent, bleeding, catarrh, diabetes. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use bilberry?

bilberry appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional.

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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. 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
  3. T2 Physical-Chemical and Microbiological Characterisation of Blueberry By-Products (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) as Potential Food Ingredients. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Preclinical Evaluation of Berry Extracts as a Nutritional Intervention to Alleviate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Atherosclerosis Development. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Water-soluble anthocyanins from Vaccinium myrtillus L. alleviate diabetic kidney disease by targeting ALOX15-mediated lipid peroxidation. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Natural α-Amylase Inhibitors from Medicinal Herbs: In Vitro Evaluation of Extracts Prepared with Food-Compatible Solvents. literature abstract metadata

More Vaccinium plants