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Bilberry Extract Uses

Bilberry extract is used to treat several different symptoms, though it hasn't been tested by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness. Bilberry is also known as vaccinium myrtillus, bog bilberries or whortleberries. Bilberry active ingredients include tannins and anthocyanidins. Tannins are plant polyphenols that possess astringent properties. Anthocyanidins are plant pigments that possess antioxidant properties. Bilberry extract comes in a variety of forms, including dried fruit, topical solution, capsule and liquid.

  1. Treat Gastrointestinal Symptoms

    • Bilberry extract's astringent and antioxidant properties help treat inflammation. Inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can cause diarrhea. Bacteria may also cause diarrhea. By treating the underlying inflammation and possibly harmful bacteria, bilberry extract may improve or stop diarrhea.

      Bilberry extract may also treat throat and mouth inflammation.The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) report that bilberry extract is used to treat diarrhea, but they do not list mouth or throat inflammation as conditions that bilberry extract may treat.

    Treat Vascular Disorders

    • Bilberry extract inhibits blood clotting, which may prevent thrombosis, a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel. According to the article "Bilberry -- Benefits and Uses of Bilberry" in American Chronicle, bilberry extract "...provide[s] symptomatic relief from vascular disorders (including capillary weakness, venous insufficiency, and hemorrhoids)..." The NIH and NCCAM report that bilberry may treat circulatory problems, varicose veins and venous insufficiency. This condition keeps veins from efficiently returning blood from the lower body up to the heart. People who take medication that thins the blood or inhibits blood-clotting should not take bilberry extract, since it also prevents clotting.

    Treat Ocular Disorders

    • Bilberry extract helps regenerate a pigment ( rhodopsin) found in the retina, so it may help improve macular degeneration, poor night vision, glaucoma and cataracts according to the American Chronicle. Drugs.com also reports that bilberry extract may positively affect declining vision. However, the NIH and the NCCAM both report that clinical studies have not found bilberry extract to improve night vision.

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