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Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
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Bilberry/Drug Interactions:- AntibioticsAntibiotics: Based on an in vitro study, bilberry leaves may have antibacterial properties (48).
- Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: There is a theoretical bleeding risk based on the antiplatelet and potential anticoagulant actions of bilberry extract, although there has been a lack of human reports of bleeding in the available literature (23; 25; 26; 22; 24).
- Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In animal studies, bilberry leaf extract lowered glycemic levels in diabetic rats, normal dogs, and depancreatized dogs (15; 27; 28). However, another study using healthy rats found that an alcoholic extract of Vaccinium myrtillus leaves increased serum glucose levels compared to controls (49).
- AntidiarrhealsAntidiarrheals: Bilberry contains tannins that have been used medicinally as astringents and to treat diarrhea.
- AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: Bilberry has been theorized to potentially drop blood pressure, based on pre-clinical evidence of vascular smooth muscle-relaxing properties (44; 45; 46). Anthocyanoside extracts have been shown to have smooth muscle-relaxing activity, which may account for its purported effects in one series of women with dysmenorrhea (41). Bioflavonoids and extracts of anthocyanosides (such as those present in bilberry) have been shown to relax vascular smooth muscles in experimental models, possibly via stimulation of prostaglandins (44; 45; 46).
- Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: Based on an in vitro study, bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) may inhibit cancer cell growth (7).
- Antiulcer agentsAntiulcer agents: Based on an animal study, large doses of cyaniding chloride from bilberry may have antiulcer activity (42; 50; 16).
- EstrogensEstrogens: Based on a comparative study, bilberry extract may inhibit absorption of estrogens in the intestine by 75.5% (p<0.01) (47).
- Hepatotoxic agentsHepatotoxic agents: Based on animal research, anthocyans may have a protective effect on liver cells (51).
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Bilberry/Herb Interactions:- AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Based on an in vitro study, bilberry leaves may have antibacterial properties (48).
- Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: There is a theoretical bleeding risk based on the antiplatelet and potential anticoagulant actions of bilberry extract, although there has been a lack of human reports of bleeding in the available literature (23; 25; 26; 22; 24).
- AntidiarrhealsAntidiarrheals: Bilberry contains tannins that have been used medicinally as astringents and to treat diarrhea.
- AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Based on an in vitro study, bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) may inhibit cancer cell growth (7).
- AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Bilberry contains anthocyanosides that are flavonoid derivatives of anthocyanins (the blue, red, or violet pigments found in many berry varieties), which are closely related in structure and activity to flavonoids (29) and possess free radical scavenging/antioxidant properties. Antioxidant properties have been attributed to bilberry based on in vitro studies (1; 2; 3; 4), although studies in humans are not available.
- Antiulcer agentsAntiulcer agents: Based on an animal study, large doses of cyaniding chloride from bilberry may have antiulcer activity (42; 50; 16).
- Hepatotoxic herbsHepatotoxic herbs: Based on animal research, anthocyans may have a protective effect on liver cells (51).
- HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In animal studies, bilberry leaf extract lowered glycemic levels in diabetic rats, normal dogs, and depancreatized dogs (15; 27; 28). However, another study using healthy rats found that an alcoholic extract of Vaccinium myrtillus leaves increased serum glucose levels compared to controls (49).
- HypotensivesHypotensives: Bilberry has been theorized to potentially drop blood pressure, based on pre-clinical evidence of vascular smooth muscle-relaxing properties (44; 45; 46). Anthocyanoside extracts have been shown to have smooth muscle-relaxing activity, which may account for its purported effects in one series of women with dysmenorrhea (41). Bioflavonoids and extracts of anthocyanosides (such as those present in bilberry) have been shown to relax vascular smooth muscles in experimental models, possibly via stimulation of prostaglandins (44; 45; 46).
- PhytoestrogensPhytoestrogens: Based on a comparative study, bilberry extract may inhibit absorption of estrogens in the intestine by 75.5% (p<0.01) (47).
- QuercetinQuercetin: Bilberry may be a source of bioavailable quercetin, therefore, additive effects may be seen with concomitant administration (52).
- ResveratrolResveratrol: Based on laboratory studies, bilberry may contain resveratrol (53; 54), therefore, additive effects may be seen with concomitant administration.
- Vitamin CVitamin C: Based on a clinical study of subjects with normal platelet aggregation, ingestion of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanins and ascorbic acid may additively reduce platelet aggregation (23).
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Bilberry/Food Interactions:- Insufficient available evidence.
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Bilberry/Lab Interactions:- Blood pressureBlood pressure: Bilberry has been theorized to potentially drop blood pressure, based on pre-clinical evidence of vascular smooth muscle-relaxing properties (44; 45; 46). Anthocyanoside extracts have been shown to have smooth muscle-relaxing activity, which may account for its purported effects in one series of women with dysmenorrhea (41). Bioflavonoids and extracts of anthocyanosides (such as those present in bilberry) have been shown to relax vascular smooth muscles in experimental models, possibly via stimulation of prostaglandins (44; 45; 46).
- Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: Bilberry extract has been shown to have potential anticoagulant and antiplatelet actions, although there has been a lack of human reports of bleeding in the available literature (22; 23; 24; 25; 26).
- Serum glucoseSerum glucose: Hypoglycemia has been demonstrated in animal studies. Rats given an extract made from bilberry developed hypoglycemia, even in the setting of intravenous glucose administration (15; 27; 28). Human data are lacking.
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Bilberry/Food Interactions:- GlucoseGlucose: Based on animal evidence, bilberry may lower blood sugar levels (15; 27; 28). Human data are lacking.
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Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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