Overview
Why is bilberry important?
It's an excellent, natural way to support healthy vision:†
Bilberry's visual supportive property was first clinically studied by French researchers on Royal Air Force pilots during World War II.† Administration of bilberry extract resulted in support of nighttime vision, adjustment to darkness, and quick response after exposure to glare.†
Why use Bilberry Extract?
It provides the very best of bilberries to support healthy eye function:†
Bilberry Extract provides a strong extract of bilberries. In fact, it takes 100 pounds of bilberries to yield one pound of this superior extract. Plus, Bilberry Extract is standardized to contain the fruit's key flavonoid compounds that disarm damaging free radicals - an important factor for eye health.†
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Technical Data
Description
Bilberry Extract provides a potent extract of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) for the support of healthy vision.
† It takes 100 pounds of bilberries to yield one pound of this superior, concentrated extract. Standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanosides,
Bilberry Extract was developed in accordance with the safety and efficacy standards set forth by the German Commission E, the world wide recognized authority for effective herbal remedies.
1
Bilberry Extract:
- Standardized for consistent results
- Meets and exceeds German Commission E monograph
- Vegetarian formula
Structure/Function
Bilberry Extract supports healthy eye function.
†
How Does It Work?
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a low growing perennial plant commonly found in the woodlands of Europe, Asia, and North America. Its edible berry, which is closely related to the blueberry, has been valued for it health supportive benefits for centuries.
1, 2
Bilberry contains several active constituents including anthocyanoside flavonoids (anthocyanins), vitamins, sugars, and pectins. The anthocyanosides are considered the most important of the pharmacologically active bilberry compounds. While past research has shown that anthocyanosides support digestive, immune, pulmonary, and endocrine health, current bilberry research is focused on ocular health.
†1-3
Bilberry has been shown to enhance vision and healthy eye function through multiple mechanisms.
† As a source of powerful antioxidants, bilberry helps protect the cells of the eye against free radical damage.
†4-7 The anthocyanosides found in bilberry also help strengthen blood vessel walls and reinforce connective tissue, leading to improved circulation in the small blood vessels found in the eye.
† The increased delivery of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the eye can have a beneficial impact on all aspects of ocular health.
† Research has also shown that bilberry anthocyanosides have a unique affinity for rhodopsin, a photosensitive pigment in the retinal rods, which are responsible for night vision and adjustments to light and dark.
†1, 2, 4-6
Bilberry's visual supportive property was first clinically studied by French researchers on Royal Air Force pilots during World War II.
† Administration of bilberry extract resulted in support of nighttime visual acuity, adjustment to darkness, and restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare.
†1
In another study, 50 individuals received a combination of bilberry, standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanosides, (180 mg twice daily) and vitamin E, in the form of dl-tocopheryl acetate, (100 mg twice daily) or placebo. After four months, 96 percent of the subjects (n=25) in the bilberry-vitamin E group experienced significant support of visual acuity.
†8
Additional Benefits
The mechanisms through which bilberry enhances vision can also beneficially impact other areas of health. For example, bilberry has been shown to enhance circulation to the extremities and throughout the veins of the leg.
† A single-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 60 volunteers showed that bilberry extract improved circulation and participants well-being after only one month of use.
†1, 2
Conclusion
Bilberry Extract provides natural support for eye health.
† This potent extract is standardized for 25 percent anthocyanosides to yield consistent and effective results.
Recommendations
Two UltraCaps
™ three times daily.
Precautions
If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
How Is It Supplied?
Storage Recommendations
Store at controlled room temperature, 59
° to 86
°F (15
°-30
°C).
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. Bilberry fruit. In: The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council; 1998: 88.
- Monograph. Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry). Altern Med Rev. 2001 Oct;6(5):500-4.
- Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Apr;6(2):141-66. Review.
- Faria A, Oliveira J, Neves P, Gameiro P, Santos-Buelga C, de Freitas V, Mateus N. Antioxidant properties of prepared blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extracts. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Aug 24;53(17):6896-902.
- Fursova AZh, Gesarevich OG, Gonchar AM, Trofimova NA, Kolosova NG. Dietary supplementation with bilberry extract prevents macular degeneration and cataracts in senesce-accelerated OXYS rats. Adv Gerontol. 2005;16:76-9.
- Viljanen K, Kylli P, Kivikari R, Heinonen M. Inhibition of protein and lipid oxidation in liposomes by berry phenolics. J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Dec 1;52(24):7419-24.
- Myhrstad MC, Carlsen H, Dahl LI, et al. Bilberry extracts induce gene expression through the electrophile response element. Nutr Cancer. 2006;54(1):94-101.
Li>Bravetti G. Preventive medical treatment of senile cataract with vitamin E and anthocyanosides: clinical evaluation. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul 1989;115:109.