Bilberry aka European blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Possible applications:

• Atherosclerosis
• Cataract
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Dysmenorrhea
• Inflammation
• Neuralgia and Neuropathy
• Peptic Ulcer
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Pregnancy-related Illness (varicose veins)
• Retinopathy
• Vascular Fragility
• Visual Dysfunction

Bilberry is a wild European perennial growing in the woods.   The black berry-like fruit is similar to the American blueberry.  Bilberry contains a flavanoid-like antioxidant and is capable of vascular stabilization. It has a capability of aiding the eyes by decreasing capillary fragility, venous insufficiency, etc. and is of particular interest in opthalmology.  It was discovered that British RAF pilots reported improved night vision when consuming bilberry.

It contains anthocyanosides which have an affinity for the part of the retina responsible for  vision.   The amount of bilberry needed for a standard dose is dependent upon the anthocyanidin percentage.   A reasonable dose of  80 to160 mg is based upon the anthocyanidin content of 25%.   The toxicity is not high as excessive bilberry consumption is excreted through the urine and bile.

ŠJamie Longstreet 1996-2004