7 Best Benefits Of Vaccinium Myrtillus
Vaccinium myrtillus, also known as bilberry, is a type of shrub that belongs to the heather family, native to Europe and Western Asia.
The bioactive compounds found in Vaccinium myrtillus, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, are responsible for its numerous health benefits.
These compounds have been shown to ease inflammation, act as antioxidants, and support the immune system, making Vaccinium myrtillus a valuable resource for maintaining overall health and well-being.
The high content of anthocyanins, in particular, contributes to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Featured Study
According to Methods (San Diego, Calif.), Vaccinium myrtillus, also known as blueberry, has been found to have antigiardial activity, reducing the viability of Giardia duodenalis trophozoites in a dose-dependent manner, and also modifying the morphology of both G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Vaccinium myrtillus.
Table of Contents
1. Eases inflammation
Vaccinium myrtillus eases inflammation, which refers to the reduction of redness, swelling, and pain in the body, often a result of injury or illness.
This benefit is crucial as inflammation can lead to chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and can also exacerbate symptoms of conditions like acne, allergies, and asthma.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Vaccinium myrtillus are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Vaccinium myrtillus, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or infusions made from dried or fresh berries, or to use it topically in the form of creams or salves.
Top Preparations:
- Infusion
- Tincture
- Salve
The following table displays the major constituents of Vaccinium myrtillus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Quercetin | Arthritis, gout, sprains |
| Anthocyanin | Inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis |
| Tannins | Skin inflammation, ulcers, vasculitis |
2. Acts as antioxidant
Vaccinium myrtillus acts as antioxidant, which is a compound that prevents or reduces cell damage caused by free radicals, potentially leading to various health benefits.
This benefit is important because it can help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, and also support healthy aging, as well as alleviate oxidative stress-related symptoms like inflammation and fatigue.
The antioxidant properties of Vaccinium myrtillus are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
To harness the antioxidant benefits of Vaccinium myrtillus, it is best used in herbal preparations such as capsules, teas, or jams, which can be easily incorporated into a daily routine.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Blueberry antioxidant capsules
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Vaccinium myrtillus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Acts as antioxidant.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Anthocyanin | Inflammation, cancer, neurodegeneration |
| Quercetin | Inflammation, cardiovascular disease, allergies |
| Myricetin | Inflammation, cancer, diabetes |
| Cyanidin | Inflammation, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration |
| Delphinidin | Inflammation, cancer, eye disorders |
3. Supports immune system
Vaccinium myrtillus supports immune system by providing immunomodulatory effects, which refer to the ability to regulate and enhance the body's immune response.
This benefit is important because a healthy immune system helps protect against infections, reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases, and may even help prevent certain types of cancer.
Vaccinium myrtillus contains bioactive constituents such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for its immunomodulatory properties.
To utilize Vaccinium myrtillus for its immune-boosting properties, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations such as capsules, teas, or extracts, which can be found in health food stores or online.
Top Preparations:
- Extract (vme)
- Tincture (vmt)
- Tea (vmtea)
- Capsules (vmc)
- Infusion (vminf)
The following table displays the major constituents of Vaccinium myrtillus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Supports immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Anthocyanin | Herpes, impetigo, psoriasis |
| Quercetin | Tuberculosis, malaria, rheumatoid arthritis |
| Ellagic acid | Cancer, inflammatory diseases, aids |
4. Reduces oxidative stress
Vaccinium myrtillus reduces oxidative stress, which refers to the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, leading to cellular damage and inflammation.
This benefit is crucial as oxidative stress has been linked to various chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders, and can also exacerbate conditions like diabetes and arthritis.
The antioxidant properties of Vaccinium myrtillus are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to scavenge free radicals and modulate inflammatory responses.
To harness the antioxidant benefits of Vaccinium myrtillus, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations, such as capsules or teas, or use it as a supplement in moderation, after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Blueberry leaf tincture
- Tea
- Blueberry powder capsule
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Vaccinium myrtillus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces oxidative stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Anthocyanin | Alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease, diabetes complications |
| Quercetin | Rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, cancer prevention |
| Catechin | Neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease |
5. Improves cardiovascular health
Vaccinium myrtillus improves cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease, which is characterized by the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, leading to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.
This benefit is crucial as cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide, and reducing the risk of developing these conditions can significantly improve quality of life and increase lifespan.
The bioactive constituents present in Vaccinium myrtillus, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, are responsible for its cardiovascular benefits, including their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To harness the cardiovascular benefits of Vaccinium myrtillus, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or extracts, which can be easily incorporated into a daily routine.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Myrtillus berry tincture
- Leaf tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Vaccinium myrtillus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves cardiovascular health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Anthocyanins | Hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Quercetin | Inflammation, oxidative stress, thrombosis |
| Ellagic acid | Cardiac fibrosis, endothelial dysfunction, vasospasm |
6. Fights off infections
Vaccinium myrtillus fights off infections by possessing antimicrobial properties, which are its ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.
This benefit is crucial as it helps prevent illnesses and infections, reducing the risk of complications and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
The plant's antimicrobial properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity.
To harness the benefits of Vaccinium myrtillus in fighting off infections, it is best used in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and capsules, which can be consumed as a supplement to boost the immune system and prevent infections.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Vaccinium myrtillus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights off infections.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Anthocyanins | Urinary tract infection, bronchitis, pneumonia |
| Tannins | Gastroenteritis, food poisoning, diarrhea |
| Quercetin | Influenza, common cold, sinusitis |
7. Treats diarrhea
Vaccinium myrtillus treats diarrhea by reducing the frequency and severity of loose stools and watery bowel movements, helping to restore normal bowel function.
This benefit is crucial as diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with compromised immune systems.
The bioactive constituents responsible for this benefit include anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to soothe and protect the gastrointestinal tract.
To harness the anti-diarrheal properties of Vaccinium myrtillus, it is best consumed as a herbal tea or capsule, with a recommended dose of 250-500 mg of dried fruit or leaf extract per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Decoction
The following table displays the major constituents of Vaccinium myrtillus and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats diarrhea.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Tannins | Acute diarrhea, cholera, gastroenteritis |
| Ellagic acid | Diarrhea-predominant ibs, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease |
| Quercetin | Acute diarrhea, cholera, gastroenteritis |
| Anthocyanins | Diarrhea-predominant ibs, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease |