vaccinium myrtillus

Vaccinium myrtillus is a plant species in the Ericaceae family, commonly known as bilberry or European blueberry. The parts used medicinally include both the fruit and the leaves. Bilberry leaves and fruits are rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, with other significant phytochemicals like hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols, flavonols, tannins, triterpenes, and phytosterols. Mechanistically, it exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vasoprotective, and antidiabetic effects relating primarily to its phenolic and flavonoid content, which modulate pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress, microvascular integrity, and bacterial adhesion. Traditionally, bilberry leaves are used for diabetes management, while the fruit is indicated for vision problems (e.g., retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration, night-blindness), venous insufficiency, diarrhea, and capillary fragility. The mechanisms of antimicrobial action include inhibition of bacterial cell wall adhesion, disruption of membrane integrity, and synergistic interactions with some antibiotics. The fruit is marketed as a standardized herbal medicine in Europe, and both leaf and fruit extracts feature as dietary supplements. There is no recognized pharmaceutical developer; primary indications are for eye health, venous disorders, and diabetes. Safety concerns are minimal, with rare allergic reactions and theoretical interactions with anticoagulants described[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

bilberryeuropean blueberrymyrtilli foliumblueberrymyrtillus