Family: Vacciniaceae.

Synonyms: Whortleberry. Black Whortles. Whinberry. Trackleberry. Huckleberry. Hurts. Bleaberry. Hurtleberry. Airelle. Vaccinium Frondosum. Blueberries.

Part Used: The ripe fruit and the leaves.

Active Compounds

Anthocyanosides, the bioflavonoid complex in bilberries, are potent antioxidants. They support normal formation of connective tissue and strengthen capillaries in the body. Anthocyanosides may also improve capillary and venous blood flow.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Bilberry may help in the treatment of:

• Atherosclerosis
• Bruising
• Cataracts
• Circulation
• Diabetes
• Macular degeneration
• Night blindness
• Retinopathy
• Varicose veins

Recent research showed that Bilberry extract has promising anti-ulcer activity, both preventive and curative. It also has shown anti-cancer properties in animal experiments.

When administered to diabetes patients, Bilberry normalized capillary collagen thickness and blood sugar levels in humans and animals.