Antioxidant effects: it is a potent antioxidant. It has been used to treat scurvy. Wound healing: bilberry relaxes smooth muscle (inside blood vessels), inhibits histamine-induced capillary hyperpermeability (blood vessels don’t leak), protects capillary fragility, and has antiplatelet activity (decreasing blood clots). It has been found to help in problems with: capillary fragility, bruises or purpuras, venous insuffiency, and varicose veins. Diabetes mellitus: this has a long history as a folk remedy for diabetes. It reduces hyperglycemia in normal and diabetic people. It has improved the vision of people with diabetic retinopathy. Dysmenorrhea: women taking 320 mg/day of bilberry anthocyanins for 3 days before menstruation reported reduced nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness. Inflammatory joint disease: bilberry has been shown to help people with rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Astringent: bilberry has been used for centuries to treat diarrhea and dysentery. Contraindications: Bilberry is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Adverse effects: irritation of the skin, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Drug interactions: increased risk of bleeding when taken with: anticoagulants, antiplatelet and thrombolytic agents, and low molecular weight heparins. Dosage: bilberry extracts are mostly found in tablets or capsules. •
Anthocyanosides: 20-40 mg three times /day
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Vaccinium myrtillus (25% extract): 80-160 mg three times /day
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Fresh berries: 55-115 g three times /day.
William H. Stager, DO, MS, MPH, FAAFP, FAMA, FAAO, FACOFP AOBNMM Board Certified: Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine/Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. AOBFP Board Certified: Family Medicine. Medical Acupuncture. Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, NSUCOM. Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, LECOM Medical Director, Flagler Institute for Rehabilitation, Inc. 311 Golf Road, Suite 1100, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Tel. 561-832-1894, Fax 561-832-1590.
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