Bilberry
Introduction
Bilberry is a plant that is in the same family as the blueberry. Its berries and leaves have been used to treat eye problems, diabetes, and infections. It can be taken as a pill, juice, syrup, powder, or tea.
Dosages
500 milligrams once per day
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- Eye fatigue—may ease fatigue in people who use video screens A3
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take bilberry for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Bilberry can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:
- Bilberry may raise your blood glucose. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes.
- Bilberry may increase the effect of medicine that slows or prevents blood clots. It may raise the risk of bleeding.
References►
A1. Kolehmainen M, Mykkänen O, et al. Bilberries reduce low-grade inflammation in individuals with features of metabolic syndrome. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2012 Oct;56(10):1501-1510.
A2. Kamiya K, Kobashi H, Fujiwara K, Ando W, Shimizu K. Effect of fermented bilberry extracts on visual outcomes in eyes with myopia: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Apr;29(3):356-359.
A3. Ozawa Y, Kawashuma M, et al. Bilberry extract supplementation for preventing eye fatigue in video display terminal workers. J Nutr Health Aging. 2015;19(5):548-554.
A4. Widén C, Coleman M, et al. Consumption of bilberries controls gingival inflammation. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 May 11;16(5):10665-10673.
Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC Last Updated: 9/9/2019