Vaccinium myrtillus extract

Vaccinium myrtillus extract, derived from the bilberry plant, is a complex pharmacological mixture rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols (NIH NCCIH, 2020). It is not a discrete molecular target but a therapeutic substance that interacts with various biological pathways to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective effects (PubMed, PMID: 23384397). The extract is primarily utilized in the management of vascular and ocular disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and chronic venous insufficiency, where it helps maintain capillary integrity and reduces oxidative damage to tissues (PubMed, PMID: 15570057). Its mechanism involves the neutralization of free radicals and the modulation of enzymes involved in connective tissue degradation (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2004). While generally considered safe, its use requires caution in patients taking blood-thinning or glucose-lowering medications due to potential additive effects (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Bilberry extractEuropean blueberry extractWhortleberry extractVaccinium myrtillus fruit extract

Vaccinium myrtillus extract acts through multiple mechanisms, primarily by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6 (PubMed, PMID: 20170356). It stabilizes capillary walls by increasing collagen cross-linking and inhibiting proteolytic enzymes like elastase and collagenase (Phytotherapy Research, 2008). In the retina, it facilitates the regeneration of rhodopsin, enhancing night vision and protecting against light-induced damage (Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2005).