Plant Background

Bilberry

ุงู„ุชูˆุช ุงู„ุฃุฒุฑู‚ (Toot azrak)

๐ŸŒฑ Scientific Name Vaccinium myrtillus L.
๐ŸŒฟ Family Ericaceae
๐Ÿ“– Synonyms Vitis-idaea myrtillus (L.) Moench, Bogberry

Botanical Overview

Vaccinium myrtillus L., commonly known as the European blueberry or Bilberry, is a valuable medicinal plant recognized by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA). Belonging to the Ericaceae family, it is widely utilized for its rich phenolic profile and profound health benefits.

๐Ÿซ Part Used

Fresh and dried fruits.

Medicinal Part

Phytochemistry

The pharmacological activity of Vaccinium myrtillus is attributed to its vast array of major secondary metabolites.

๐Ÿงช Active Constituents

  • โ— Flavonoids: Flavan-3-ols (Procyanidins B1-B4, anthocyanins of cyanidin, delphinidin).
  • โ— Flavonols: Quercitrin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, astragalin, quercetin.
  • โ— Organic Acids: Malic, citric, and quinic acids.
  • โ— Phenolic Acids: Hydroxycinnamic acids, Tannins, Stilbenes.
Chemical Structure

โš•๏ธ Medicinal Uses

  • Support and maintenance of visual acuity and overall eye health.
  • Relief of symptoms related to mild venous insufficiency and capillary fragility.
  • Utilized for its potent systemic antioxidant and vasoprotective effects.

โš™๏ธ Mechanism

The pharmacological activity of Bilberry is primarily attributed to its exceptionally high concentration of anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds act as powerful antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, stabilize collagen complexes in vascular walls, reduce capillary permeability, and promote the regeneration of rhodopsin in the retina.

๐Ÿ›‘ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to Ericaceae plants.
  • High concentrated extracts should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation.

โš ๏ธ Side Effects

  • Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in standard food amounts.
  • Mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur rarely.

Commercial Products

Common pharmaceutical preparations:

  • ๐Ÿ’Š Dry Extract Capsules
  • ๐Ÿงช Liquid extracts & tinctures
  • โ˜• Herbal teas
Products

๐Ÿ’ก Bilberry Trivia

Tap the cards to reveal the answers!

โœˆ๏ธ

During World War II...

What did British RAF pilots eat to improve their night vision?

๐Ÿซ

Bilberry Jam!

Legend says they consumed it before night missions to help their eyes adapt to the darkness faster.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ

The Finger Test

How can you tell a wild bilberry from a regular supermarket blueberry?

๐Ÿฉธ

It Stains!

Bilberry flesh is dark red/purple and stains your hands, while blueberries have white flesh.

๐ŸŒก๏ธ

Color Shifter

What makes bilberries act like a natural pH indicator?

๐Ÿงช

Anthocyanins

These pigments turn red in acidic conditions and blue/green in basic conditions!