The bilberry is related to the blueberry but the berries are smaller, darker in color and the bilberry plant is more difficult to grow compared to the blueberry. The plant thrives in acid soils much like blueberry plants, but the berries are formed in pairs as opposed to clusters like on blueberry plants. The bilberry has flavonoids, antioxidants, and beneficial plant pigments. Billberry is currently being researched in applications for treatment of macular degeneration, glaucoma, ulcerative colitis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, dementia, and allergies.
Bilberry and ulcerative colitis:
Individuals suffering from mild to moderate ulcerative colitis (UC, ulcers in the lining of the rectum and colon) may benefit from anthocyanin-rich bilberry supplementation. After 6 weeks of patients (n=13) taking a daily anthocyanin-rich bilberry preparation, 63.4% and 90.9% of patients reported remission and showed a response, respectively. The Mayo score, which is used to assess UC activity such as stool frequency, rectal bleeding etc), also improved. Additionally, fecal calprotectin levels, which become elevated with UC, significantly decreased by an average of 473 μg/g from the start of the study to the end of treatment. The study was done on a small number of patients. The response of the UC to the bilberry supplement was measurable by fecal calprotectin levels but an increase in these levels and disease activity began after the supplement was stopped. No serious side-effects were reported. The study did not report the amount of bilberry ingestion. (1)
Adverse reactions and interactions of bilberry:
Adverse reactions and interactions of bilberry includes antiplatelet effects and may interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and aspirin to increase risk of bleeding. (2)
Assessment and Plan: Bilberry
- There is currently not enough research evidence to support bilberry intake for treatment of any specific health conditions. A small study showed benefit in remission status in subjects with ulcerative colitis but more research is needed. Bilberries may be considered for general health enhancement as part of the diet.
- Bilberry ingestion did not result in any serious side effects in a small study in 13 patients over 6 weeks as noted above, but theoretically may increase risk of bleeding due to anti-platelet effects and should not be taken by patients with bleeding disorders, by patients taking antiplatelet agents, or by patients taking anticoagulants such as the following: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, Plavix, ticlodipine, and aspirin.
- Please review the section on blueberries as the benefits of bilberry intake may be similar to that of blueberries.
References:
1.Biedermann L, Mwinyi J, Scharl M, et al. Bilberry ingestion improves disease activity in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis – an open pilot study. J Crohns Colitis. 2013 May;7(4):271-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22883440
2.Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002 Dec;27(6):391-401. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12472978