Bilberry Extract for Better Vision
March 09, 2009
European Bilberry has a long history of use for the prevention and treatment of vision problems. Scientific interest in bilberry was first aroused during World War II when British Royal Air Force pilots reported improved eyesight after eating bilberry jam prior to night flying missions. These early reports sparked further research which has since confirmed bilberry’s positive effects on vision.
Over 70 clinical trials, involving people from all walks of life, have shown that bilberry extract improves eyesight and relieves eyestrain.[1,2,3]
Those taking part in the clinical trials included: airline pilots, air-traffic controllers, car and truck drivers, students, computer terminal operators, navigators, watchmakers and even sportsmen.[4] Bilberry helps the eyes adapt more quickly to darkness or exposure to sudden glare. Bilberry anthocyanidins stimulate the production of rhodopsin (visual purple) in the retina of the eye. This enhances the eyes’ photosensitivity and enables the eyes to adjust more quickly to poor lighting conditions.[4]
Research shows that bilberry anthocyanidins help in the prevention and/or treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa and night blindness.[5] Most cases of blindness are thought to be caused by the proliferation of free radicals formed within the eyes from the action of sunlight. Bilberry anthocyanidins are powerful antioxidants that help protect the eyes by neutralizing free radicals.[6,7,8]
Bilberry extract may help prevent and relieve circulatory disorders. This includes the prevention of atherosclerosis (artery blockage) and blood clots. Regular use of bilberry extract may decrease calcium plaque deposits in blood vessels.[5]
Other research shows that bilberry is effective in the treatment of varicose veins and related conditions.[4] Scientists have found that bilberry anthocyanidins stabilize leaky or permeable capillaries. Poor capillary function underlies many disorders including: allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system, inflammatory responses, hypertension, and arterial or venous insufficiency. Research results indicate that bilberry actually restores and stabilizes capillary function.[9]
Bilberry anthocyanidins have been shown to strengthen connective tissue, including the tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Since connective tissue is often damaged or destroyed during the inflammatory process that occurs in arthritis, bilberry extract may help counteract the effects of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.[5]
The preferred European bilberry extract provides a minimum of 25% anthocyanidins from the fruit of vaccinium myrtillus. The standard dosage is one or two 60 mg capsule(s) 3x daily. Some people report immediate relief from eyestrain after taking bilberry. However, most people experience best results after several weeks of usage.[4,5]
For complete updated information on Standardized Bilberry Extract see The Textbook of Natural Medicine-Third Edition.[10]
1. Can one improve the night vision of aviators? Chevaleraud J, Perdriel G, Gaz Med De France, 18(25) June 1968.
2. Study of the effects of glucosides of anthocyanes on night vision of a flight crew, Belleoud, L, Leluan D, Boyer Y, Rev Med Aero Spat, 6,5, 1967.
3. Can one improve the night vision while driving cars? Rouher F, Sole P, Ann Med Accidents Traffic, 3-4, 1965.
4. Mowrey, Daniel, Ph.D., Guaranteed Potency Herbs–Next Generation Herbal Medicine, New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, pp 14-24,1990.
5. Murray Michael T, N.D., Pizzorno Joseph E, N.D., A Textbook of Natural Medicine, Seattle: Bastyr College Publications, V:VacMyr-3, 1987.
6. Flavonoids, a class of natural products of high Pharmacological potency, Havsteen B, Biochem Pharmacol, 32(7):1141-8, Apr 1,1983.
7. Anthocyanins in fruits of Vaccinium uliginsosum L.(Bog Whotleberry), Anderson OM, J Food Sci, 52, 665-6, 1987.
8. Pathogenetic factors of aging macular degeneration, Tso MO, Ophthalmology, 92(5):628-35, May 1985.
9. Preparation and therapeutic activity of some glucosides of anthocyanes, Pourrat, Bastide, Dorier, Pourrat, and Tronche, Chim Therap, 2(33), 1967.
10. Murray Michael T, N.D., Pizzorno Joseph E, N.D.,Textbook of Natural Medicine, Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry), St. Louis: Churchill Livingstone, Chapter 135, pp 1365-70, 2006.
Notice: The information herein is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, treat or prevent any disease or endorse any brand or product. For medical advice consult a health care professional.
Copyright ©2009 by Nutrition Information Services
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