Everything You Need to Know About
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Botanical family: Ericaceae
Parts used: Leaves, Fruits
Overview & Health Benefits
The tart, wine-dark flesh of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), long foraged from the mossy understorey of northern European forests, offers more than a fleeting summer treat: it is a concentrated source of anthocyanins, pigments that not only stain the fingers but also underpin bilberry’s reputation in herbal medicine. Modern research confirms that these berries and their leaves are rich in polyphenols and tannins, compounds responsible for a range of biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vascular-protective, and antimicrobial effects (Chu et al., 2011; Kopystecka et al., 2023; Pires et al., 2020). While folklore celebrates bilberry’s role in improving night vision, scientific evidence more robustly supports its use in promoting vascular health, managing mild gastrointestinal disturbances, and modulating metabolic risk factors (Chu et al., 2011; Kopystecka et al., 2023; Chan et al., 2020).
Vascular health and microcirculation: Bilberry anthocyanins have demonstrated the ability to strengthen capillaries, reduce capillary permeability, and improve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and related microvascular disorders. Clinical and preclinical studies support its use for alleviating leg discomfort, heaviness, and swelling, likely due to enhanced vascular tone and reduced oxidative stress (Chu et al., 2011; Chan et al., 2020; Kopystecka et al., 2023).
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity: Bilberry is among the richest edible sources of anthocyanins and other polyphenols, which scavenge free radicals and modulate inflammatory pathways. These effects are linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers. Both in vitro and clinical studies confirm significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions (Pires et al., 2020; Kopystecka et al., 2023; Popović et al., 2016).
Metabolic health–blood sugar and lipid regulation: Bilberry fruit and leaf have been traditionally used for glycaemic control. However, while animal and some human studies suggest modest improvements in insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, systematic reviews conclude that evidence for bilberry leaf as an antidiabetic agent is inconsistent and does not robustly support traditional claims (Helmstädter & Schuster, 2010; Chehri et al., 2022; Chan et al., 2020). Nonetheless, bilberry’s polyphenols may contribute to metabolic health as part of a balanced diet (Kopystecka et al., 2023).
Gastrointestinal and oral health: Dried bilberry fruit is used to manage mild, non-specific diarrhoea and minor inflammation of the mouth and throat. Its astringent tannins and anti-inflammatory effects are recognised in European herbal monographs and supported by clinical and traditional use (Chu et al., 2011; European Medicines Agency, 2015).
Vision and eye health: Although bilberry is popularly associated with improved night vision, further research is required to support its efficacy for enhancing normal night vision in healthy adults (Canter & Ernst, 2004). However, there is evidence that bilberry extracts may help protect retinal microvasculature in diabetic conditions and reduce eye fatigue, warranting further research in specific clinical populations (Kim et al., 2015; Kopystecka et al., 2023).
Antimicrobial and cytoprotective effects: Recent studies highlight bilberry’s antimicrobial activity, particularly against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, as well as its cytoprotective and pro-apoptotic effects in experimental models (Ștefănescu et al., 2022; Popović et al., 2016). These actions are attributed to the unique cocktail of polyphenols and tannins present in both fruit and leaves.
Safety Profile
Bilberry fruit is generally considered safe when consumed as food or in standardised extract form, with clinical studies and toxicological reviews reporting a high margin of safety and few adverse effects (Ulbricht et al., 2009). In contrast, the safety of bilberry leaf preparations is less well established; preclinical data and regulatory reviews advise against long-term use due to insufficient clinical evidence and the potential for adverse effects (Ștefănescu et al., 2022). Both fruit and leaf extracts may lower blood glucose, so individuals with diabetes or those taking hypoglycaemic medications should use caution regarding high, longer-term doses, to avoid hypoglycaemia (Ștefănescu et al., 2022; Ulbricht et al., 2009). There is a lack of safety data regarding use during pregnancy and lactation, so use is not recommended in these populations (European Medicines Agency, 2015). While no clinically significant drug interactions have been documented for bilberry fruit, theoretical interactions with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs have been suggested due to possible effects on blood clotting (Ulbricht et al., 2009). As with any herbal remedy, it is best to consult with a qualified medical herbalist or healthcare professional before using bilberry, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking prescription medications.
References
Canter, P. H., & Ernst, E. (2004). Anthocyanosides of Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) for night vision—a systematic review of placebo-controlled trials. Survey of Ophthalmology, 49(1), 38–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2003.10.006
Chan, S. W., & Tomlinson, B. (2020). Effects of bilberry supplementation on metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk. Molecules, 25(7), 1653. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25071653
Chehri, A., Yarani, R., Yousefi, Z., Shakouri, S. K., Ostadrahimi, A., Mobasseri, M., & Araj-Khodaei, M. (2022). Phytochemical and pharmacological anti-diabetic properties of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), recommendations for future studies. Primary Care Diabetes, 16(1), 27–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcd.2021.12.017
Chu, W.-K., Cheung, S. C. M., Lau, R. A. W., & Benzie, I. F. F. (2011). Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.). In I. F. F. Benzie & S. Wachtel-Galor (Eds.), Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2nd ed., Chapter 4). CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/
European Medicines Agency. (2015, December 16). Myrtilli fructus siccus – Dried bilberry fruit: Summary for the public (EMA/685398/2015). https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/myrtilli-fructus-siccus
Helmstädter, A., & Schuster, N. (2010). Vaccinium myrtillus as an antidiabetic medicinal plant—research through the ages. Pharmazie, 65(5), 315–321. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20503920/
Kim, J., Kim, C.-S., Lee, Y. M., Sohn, E., Jo, K., & Kim, J. S. (2015). Vaccinium myrtillus extract prevents or delays the onset of diabetes-induced blood–retinal barrier breakdown. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 66(2), 236–242. https://doi.org/10.3109/09637486.2014.979319
Kopystecka, A., Kozioł, I., Radomska, D., Bielawski, K., Bielawska, A., & Wujec, M. (2023). Vaccinium uliginosum and Vaccinium myrtillus—Two Species—One Used as a Functional Food. Nutrients, 15(19), 4119. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194119
Pires, T. C. S. P., Caleja, C., Santos-Buelga, C., Barros, L., & Ferreira, I. C. F. R. (2020). Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruits as a novel source of phenolic compounds with health benefits and industrial applications – A review. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 26(16), 1917–1928. https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612826666200317132507
Popović, D., Đukić, D., Katić, V., Jović, Z., Jović, M., Lalić, J., Golubović, I., Stojanović, S., Poklar Ulrih, N., Stanković, M., & Sokolović, D. (2016). Antioxidant and proapoptotic effects of anthocyanins from bilberry extract in rats exposed to hepatotoxic effects of carbon tetrachloride. Life Sciences, 157, 168–177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2016.06.007
Ștefănescu, R., Laczkó-Zöld, E., Ősz, B.-E., & Vari, C.-E. (2022). An Updated Systematic Review of Vaccinium myrtillus Leaves: Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Pharmaceutics, 15(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15010016