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Description:
- Bilberry is a perennial shrub native to Northern Europe, Northern America, a
Canada. The Bilberry plant produces a fruit similar to the American blueberry, but
containing higher quantities of constituents useful for visual acuity and night blindness.
Pharmacology:
- Through numerous studies Bilberry has shown to help control insulin levels and
strengthen connective tissue. It has also shown to have a positive effect on the
urinary tract by acting as a diuretic and an antiseptic. Other uses indicate
positive benefits towards hypoglycemia, inflammation, stress, anxiety, night blindness,
and cataracts. Research has also indicated that it may help halt or prevent macular
degeneration.
- Bilberry's active ingredient is
anthocyanosides. Bilberry is known to contain over 15
different anthocyanosides. which enables this herb to have a variety of
benefits. Numerous clinical studies have shown that Bilberry has a positive
effect in the treatment of circulation disorders, varicose veins, and other venous and
arterial disorders, by helping to to maintain the integrity of capillaries and ability
influence the stabilization of collagen. In other words, the
anthocyanosides.
protect veins and arteries by stabilizing the phospholipids of the endothelial cells, and
by increasing the synthesis of collagen and mucopolysaccharides which give the arterial
walls their structural integrity. Other research points to Bilberry as beneficial by
acting as a coadjutant in heme-ralopy and diabetic retinopathy and can stimulate rhodopsin
production. Other benefits of Bilberry herb indicate powerful and potent antioxidant
abilities.
Chemical and Nutrient Content:
- Fatty acids, flavonoids,
hydroquinone, iron, loeanolic acid, neomyrtillin, sodium,
tannins, ursolic acid.
Toxicity, Cautions & Contradictions:
References:
- Rebecca Flynn, M.S. and Mark
Roest, (1995) Your Guide to
Standardized Herbal Products.
- James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A.
Balch, C.N.C., (1997) Perscription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition.
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