Bilberry extract powder

• Product Detail

Product name	Bilberry extract powder
Latin Name	Vaccinium myrtillus L
Active ingredients	Anthocyanins
synonyms	Airelle, Dyeberry, European Blueberry, Huckleberry, Vaccinium myrtillus, Whortleberry, Wineberry
Appearance	Dark violet fine powder
Part used	Berry
Specification	Anthocyanins 1-25% UV
Dosage	250-1500mg daily
Main benefits	Antioxidant, Eye health, Heart Health
Applied industries	Medicine, food additive, dietary supplement

What is Bilberry extract powder?

Bilberry is a shrubby plant which bears edible red or purple-colored fruits. The fruit looks and tastes similar to American blueberries. The fruit is smaller than that of the blueberry but with a fuller taste. Bilberries are darker in colour, and usually appear near black with a slight shade of purple. While the blueberry's fruit pulp is light green, the bilberry's is red or purple, heavily staining the fingers and lips of consumers eating the raw fruit.

The scientific name of bilberry is Actinium myrtillus and this plant comes from Western Asia, Europe and the rocky mountains of North America.

British Royal Air Force pilots during World War II who regularly ate bilberry jam and preserves reported an improvement in their night vision. Since then, bilberry extract has been used to treat ailments ranging from eye problems to digestive disorders.

Research discovered that bilberries contain two compounds; anthocyanosides and tannins. Each of these compounds is known for their health benefits. While anthocyanosides improves blood circulation throughout the body, tannins are useful in the treatment of diarrhea, sore throats, and mouth inflammations.

Chemical constituents of Bilberry extract powder

Research discovered that bilberries contain two compounds; anthocyanosides and tannins.

Benefits of taking Bilberry extract powder supplements:

Anthocyanosides are plant pigments that are responsible for the deep purple color of the fruit. Anthocyanosides have high anti-oxidant properties and they belong to a group of phytochemicals called flavonoids. These are powerful anti-oxidants that neutralize the free radicals and toxins, thereby, protecting the cells of the eyes and other parts of the body. Anthocyanosides are known to improve blood circulation to the eyes and rest of the body. Bilberry has found relevance in the treatment of vision disorder such as cataract and poor night vision. Anthocyanosides are also known to help varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Certain research studies have shown that the phytochemicals present in the bilberry reduce blood pressure, prevent blood clots and thus, increase the supply of blood to the central nervous system. Tannins in the bilberry extract are known for its anti-inflammatory, astringent and blood clotting properties. The tannins and anthocyanins may equalize and complement each other for medicinal purposes, when the benefits are considered. Bilberry extract is used in the treatment of number of aliments.

Heart Disease

Studies show that anthocyanosides may strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, and prevent the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, a major risk factor for atherosclerosis (plaque that blocks blood vessels, leading to heart attack and stroke).

In Europe, health care professionals use bilberry extracts to treat this condition, which occurs when valves in veins in the legs that carry blood to the heart are damaged.

Diabetes

Traditionally, bilberry leaves have been used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Research shows that all berries help reduce the body's glucose response after eating a high sugar meal. Studies suggest bilberry may be effective for managing blood sugar levels, particularly when combined with oatmeal.

Diarrhea and wounds

Bilberry has been used in European medicine for nearly one thousand years, primarily to treat diarrhea. The fruit contains tannins, substances that act as both an anti-inflammatory and an astringent (constricting and tightening tissues). Bilberry is believed to help people with diarrhea by reducing intestinal inflammation.

Vision

Anthocyanosides found in bilberry fruits may also be useful for people with vision problems. During World War II, British fighter pilots reported improved nighttime vision after eating bilberry jam. Studies have shown mixed results, however. Bilberry has been suggested as a treatment for retinopathy (damage to the retina) because anthocyanosides appear to help protect the retina. Bilberry has also exhibited protective effects against macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.

A 2012 study published in the journal "Laboratory Investigation" found that the anthocyanins contained in bilberry extract may help prevent retinal inflammation and retinal damage.

Side effects and safety of Bilberry extract powder

In high dosages, bilberry extract can cause muscle spasms and extreme weight loss.

Dosage of Bilberry extract powder supplement:

People using bilberry extract for general health purposes commonly take two doses of the supplement equaling 80 to 120 milligrams daily, while individuals using bilberry for eye problems may take between 80 and 480 milligrams in three separate doses each day, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.

There are some other Anthocyanin Series available from Nutragreen biotechnology such as

Anthocyanin Series	Specification
Black Currant Extract	Anthocyanin 25% UV
Black Soybean Hull Extract	Anthocyanin 25% UV
Blueberry Extract	Anthocyanin 25% UV
Bilberry Extract	Anthocyanin 25% UV
Chokeberry Extract	Anthocyanin 25% UV
Cranberry Extract	Anthocyanin 25% UV
Elderberry  Extract	Anthocyanin 25% UV
Lingonberry extract	Anthocyanin 25% UV