Bilberry

Other common names: European blueberry; huckleberry;
whortleberry
Latin name: Vaccinium myrtillus L. [Ericaceae]
Plant part: Fruit

Both the leaves and fruits of bilberry (European blueberry) have
been used medicinally. Most commercial preparations are standardized
to contain a percentage of flavonoids, specifically anthocyanidins
or anthocyanins (anthocyanidins with sugars attached). These
molecules are natural pigments responsible for the blue to purple
color of the fruit. They also have strong antioxidant activity (Upton
et al., 2001).

Bilberry products have been used to treat circulatory disorders,
namely fragility and altered permeability of blood vessels that is either
primary or secondary to arterial hypertension, arteriosclerosis, or
diabetes. In vitro studies have shown that bilberry extracts have antioxidant
activity, inhibit platelet aggregation, prevent degradation of
collagen in the extravascular matrix surrounding blood vessels and
joints, and have a relaxing effect on arterial smooth muscle. These actions
have been described as vasoprotective, increasing capillary resistance
and reducing capillary permeability (Morazzoni and Bombardelli,
1996). We report here a total of six studies with treatments
for diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, senile cataracts, pupillary
reflex, varicose veins, and primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).

Retinopathy is an eye disorder that results from changes to the
blood vessels in the retina. It is characterized by an increase in vascular
permeability and decrease in resistance of the vessels, resulting in
microaneurisms, edema, and eventually hard exudates (Perossini
et al., 1987). Varicose veins are blood vessels that have become
twisted and swollen when their one-way valves begin to leak or when
the vein wall weakens. The symptoms include edema in the legs and
ankles, sensation of pressure, cramps, and tingling or “pins and needles”
sensations (Gatta, 1988). Although the cause of primary dysmenorrhea
is unknown (unlike secondary dysmenorrhea, it is not
caused by an observable abnormality), it is characterized by pelvic
pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, headache, swollen breasts, and a
sensation of heaviness in the legs and feet (Colombo and Vescovini,
1985).