Health Benefits of Bilberry - Research and Studies, Usage and Dosage

Research and studies on the possible health benefits of bilberry herb are, generally, still quite limited.

Much of the information and knowledge regarding bilberry health benefits are thus still largely based on traditional wisdom.

Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis

Bilberry has been shown in test tube studies to prevent cholesterol from oxidizing. Although this is believed to help prevent atherosclerosis, there is a lack of evidence, as far as human trials are concerned, to prove the assertion that bilberry benefits this condition.

Night Vision

Has bilberry been proven in trials to help people with night blindness? Earlier trials and studies had suggested that bilberry may be helpful for people who have night blindness. However, it seems that more recent human trials carried out on volunteers with healthy eyesight have not found any obvious benefits of bilberry on night vision.

Some preliminary trials carried out in Europe have suggested that bilberries may help to prevent cataracts, and may even be useful in helping to treat mild retinopathies, for example macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Overall Eye Health

Due to the reports / stories of British pilots claiming miraculous improved vision during World War II due to bilberry preserves, these reports led Italian and French scientists in the 1960s to research the berries for their effects on vision problems.

But as there have not been many documented cases of scientific study on the uses and benefits of bilberry, as also the side effects of bilberry, there is very little to prove the efficacy of this much appreciated herbal remedy.

However, an Italian study, conducted on 50 people with early stage cataracts, was fairly conclusive. The participants in this study were given bilberry extracts 3 times a day in conjunction with vitamin E. The treatment stopped the progression of the cataracts in 97 percent of the cases.

Conclusion on Studies of the Health Benefits of Bilberry

In light of the above, and all the other word-of-mouth stories passed down from the ages, regarding the benefits of this multi-faceted healing herb, it is evident that bilberry is indeed enjoying a renewed surge of popularity and usage in contemporary times. Whether taken as a supplement or enjoyed as a delicious fruit, there is much reason to revere the bilberry.

Usage, Dosage and Administration

Fresh or dried bilberries can be taken as a medicinal supplement for the various conditions described in all the related bilberry articles.

However, since it may not be accessible to all in natural form, commercially available bilberry in tinctures and capsules can be ingested in the recommended doses, as follows.

One 80 - 160 mg extract capsule standardized to 25 percent anthocyanidin can be taken three times per day.

You may also want to follow the recommended dosages which come with the respective supplements.

More information regarding the various bilberry health benefits are discussed in the other related bilberry articles.

Bilberry Pages | Bilberry Herb - History and Information | Bilberry Health Benefits | Health Benefits of Bilberry - Research and Studies, Usage and Dosage | Bilberry Eye Health Effects | Possible Side Effects, Contraindications and Drug Interactions of Bilberry

Read More: Information on some Herbs | Natural Healing Herbs, Herbals Formulas and Foods - My Favorites | Herbal Remedies for Various Health Conditions and Ailments | Home Page | Site Search

To find an online source of good quality herbs and herbal products at reasonable prices, click here.

	Get Quality Natural Health Supplements at Reasonable Prices. $5 or $10 discount for new customers
Get natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for hundreds of health conditions and ailments. GO.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read. Leave a comment in the box below.