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Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Arthritis / joint pain: evidence and sources
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
For educational purposes only, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants, especially alongside prescribed medication, during pregnancy, or for a serious condition.
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Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's anti-inflammatory action. The evidence below supports that pharmacology:
Inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of berries have been investigated but the anti-inflammatory activity of bilberry has received little attention and a detailed review is yet to be published. Therefore, we compiled information on the phytochemicals of bilberry and preclinical and clinical studies of its anti-inflammatory properties. The review was based on studies from 2007 to date. Phytoconstituents of bilberries were phenolic acids, organic acids, anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonols, flavanols, tannins, terpenoids, and volatile chemicals. Data from cell and animal model studies show that bilberry has an anti-inflammatory effect by lowering tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β expression, inducing nitric oxide synthases and cyclooxygenases, and altering the nuclear factor kappa B and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. Bilberry supplementation as fruits (frozen, processed, and whole), juices, and anthocyanins reduced levels of inflammatory markers in most clinical studies of metabolic disorders. Therefore, bilberry may be useful for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders.