vaccinium myrtillus

bilberry

Similar to blueberries. Ripe blueberries are white or light green inside, while bilberries and huckleberries are red or purple throughout. Bilberries are most often found singularly or in pairs, while blueberries are most often found in clusters. High in vitamin C and bioflavonoidswhich helps keep connective tissues healthy and strengthens small blood vessels and capillaries, factors that keep skin youthful. Lowers blood pressure. GREAT FOR EYES- increases rhodopsin which helps night blindness. It protects against macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Also has a strong effect on lowering blood sugar. Very astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory. Dried berry and leaf tea used for diarrhea, diabetes, dysentery, diuretic, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), mouth inflammations, stop bleeding, arthritis, hardening of arteries, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, rebuilding connective tissue (skin, wrinkles).

Vaccinium myrtillus

bilberry

(bill-beh-ree) bilberry,

Vaccinium myrtillus

(trade name)

Classification

Therapeutic: ocular agents
Visual acuity improvement, atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcer disease, osteoarthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Action

Anthocyanidins in bilberry have a variety of effects including increased glycosaminoglycans synthesis, decreasing vascular permeability, reducing membrane thickness, redistribution of microvascular blood flow and formation of interstitial fluid.

Therapeutic effects

Decreased inflammation.Decreased edema.Decreased blood glucose.Improved circulation.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.Distribution: Unknown.Metabolism and Excretion: Eliminated by the kidneys.Half-life: Unknown.

Time/action profile

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity or allergy to bilberry; Leaves are potentially toxic with chronic use of 1.5 g/kg/day.Use Cautiously in: Diabetic patients; Patients at risk for bleeding; Obstetric: Avoid use in pregnancy due to lack of safety data.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Endocrinologic

low blood sugar

Gastrointestinal

diarrhea
upset stomach

Hematologic

bleeding
bruising

Interactions

May ↑ effects of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs and ↓ platelet activity.May ↑ effects of antidiabetic agents and cause hypoglycemia.Avoid use with chromium-containing herbs and supplements (bilberry contains chromium).Avoid use with herbs with hypoglycemic properties.Oral (Adults) 80-480 mg of bilberry extract daily in 2-3 divided doses.

Availability

Liquid extract: Tablets: Softgel capsules:

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

Monitor BP periodically during therapy, coagulation panel, blood glucose.
Lab Test Considerations: Monitor coagulation studies in patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
- Monitor blood glucose periodically during therapy. May cause hypoglycemia.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Activity intolerance (Indications)
Diarrhea (Indications)

Implementation

Administer without regard to food.

Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct patient to take bilberry as directed.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Improvement in vascular insufficiency.
Decrease in diarrhea.

bilberry

Herbal medicine
A shrub, the berries of which contain anthocyanosides; bilberry is said to prevent atherosclerosis, and has been used internally for eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, myopia, night blindness, diabetes) and GI complaints (colic, constipation, diarrhoea, hypertension), and externally for burns, haemorrhoids, dermatitis, spider nevi and varicose veins.