bilberry

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The mechanism of action of bilberry is believed to be related to its ability to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation. Specifically, the anthocyanins in bilberry can help improve the health and function of the blood vessels in the eye, leading to improved vision and a reduced risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. 

In addition to its potential benefits for eye health, bilberry has also been studied for its antimicrobial properties. Some research suggests that bilberry may be effective against certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. 

Overall, the spectrum of activity of bilberry is relatively broad, with potential benefits for eye health and the prevention of certain types of bacterial infections. However, more research is needed to fully understand this natural remedy’s mechanisms of action and spectrum of activity. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Anemia 

Excitation at high doses (animal studies) 

Cachexia 

Icterus 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Blood thinning medications: bilberry may have blood-thinning properties, and if taken with other medications that have the same effect, it can increase the risk of bleeding.  
• Diabetes medication: bilberry may lower blood sugar levels, benefiting people with diabetes. However, if you take medications to lower your blood sugar, adding bilberry supplements may cause your blood sugar levels to drop too low. 
• Allergies: bilberry is part of the same family as blueberries, and if you have a known allergy to blueberries, you may have an allergic reaction to bilberry. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information about the safety of bilberry supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid taking them or consult a healthcare provider before using them. 
• Surgery: bilberries may have blood-thinning properties that can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. It is recommended to stop taking bilberry supplements at least two weeks before any scheduled surgical procedures. 

Caution: 

• Interactions with medications: bilberry may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications. If you take any medications, speaking with a healthcare provider before taking bilberry supplements is recommended. 
• Quality of supplements: The quality and purity of dietary supplements can vary widely, so purchasing bilberry supplements from reputable sources that adhere to good manufacturing practices is essential. 
• Allergies: bilberry is part of the same family as blueberries, and if you have a known allergy to blueberries, you may have an allergic reaction to bilberry. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information about the safety of bilberry supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid taking them or consult a healthcare provider before using them. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.   

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The pharmacology of bilberry is not fully understood, but it is believed that its active constituents, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tannins, may play a role in its potential health benefits. Here are a few of the known pharmacological effects of bilberry: 

• Antioxidant: bilberry contains high levels of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. 
• Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest that bilberry extracts may have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial for treating certain conditions such as arthritis. 
• Cardiovascular effects: bilberry extracts have been shown to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure, which may benefit overall cardiovascular health. 
• Eye health: bilberry extracts have been studied for their potential benefits for eye health, particularly for improving night vision and preventing age-related macular degeneration. 
• Gastrointestinal effects: bilberry extracts have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties, which may be beneficial for treating certain gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) contains various compounds believed to contribute to its potential health benefits, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tannins. Here are a few of the known pharmacodynamic effects of bilberry: 

• Antioxidant activity: bilberry is a rich source of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which can help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. 

• Anti-inflammatory activity: bilberry extracts have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial for treating conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. 
• Cardiovascular effects: bilberry extracts have been shown to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure, which may benefit overall cardiovascular health. 
• Eye health: bilberry extracts have been studied for their potential benefits for eye health, particularly for improving night vision and preventing age-related macular degeneration. 
• Gastrointestinal effects: bilberry extracts have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties, which may be beneficial for treating certain gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. 
• Neuroprotective effects: bilberry extracts have been shown to have potential neuroprotective effects, which may be beneficial for protecting against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The bioavailability of bilberry supplements can vary depending on the form of the supplement (e.g., extract, powder, capsule) and the method of administration. bilberry extracts are generally well-absorbed by the body when taken orally. Still, the absorption rate can be affected by other factors, such as food intake and individual variations in metabolism. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, the active constituents of bilberry are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. Some studies have shown that anthocyanins from bilberry can cross the blood-brain barrier, suggesting that they may benefit brain health. 

Metabolism 

The liver primarily metabolizes the active constituents of bilberry through various metabolic pathways, including glucuronidation, sulfation, and methylation. The specific metabolites produced depend on the individual and the specific form of the supplement. 

Elimination and Excretion 

The metabolites of bilberry are primarily excreted from the body via the kidneys and feces. The elimination half-life of bilberry extracts can vary depending on the specific form of the supplement and individual variations in metabolism.

Adminstartion

Administration: 

bilberry supplements are typically available in several forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and powders. The recommended dosage of bilberry supplements can vary depending on the specific product and the treated condition. Here are some general guidelines for the administration of bilberry supplements: 

• Capsules and tablets: bilberry supplements in capsule or tablet form are typically taken orally with water. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the strength of the supplement and the condition being treated. Always follow the instructions on the label or a healthcare provider’s direction. 

• Liquid extracts: bilberry supplements in liquid extract form can be added to water or another beverage and taken orally. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the strength of the extract and the condition being treated. Always follow the instructions on the label or a healthcare provider’s direction. 

• Powders: bilberry supplements in powder form can be mixed with water or another beverage and taken orally. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the strength of the powder and the condition being treated.  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: bilberry 

Why do we use bilberry? 

bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, and modern research has investigated its potential health benefits. Here are some of the common uses of bilberry: 

• Eye health: bilberry is commonly used for its potential benefits for eye health, particularly for improving night vision and preventing age-related macular degeneration. The anthocyanins in bilberry help protect the retina from oxidative damage. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: bilberry extracts have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial for treating conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. 
• Cardiovascular health: bilberry extracts have been shown to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure, which may benefit overall cardiovascular health. 
• Gastrointestinal health: bilberry extracts have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties, which may be beneficial for treating certain gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. 
• Cognitive function: bilberry extracts have been shown to have potential neuroprotective effects, which may be beneficial for protecting against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. 
• Skin health: bilberry extracts have been investigated for their potential benefits for skin health, including anti-aging effects and reducing inflammation.