Bilberry Extract (25% Anthocyanin)
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract standardized to 25% anthocyanins; human studies are small but suggest potential support for eye-fatigue/dry-eye endpoints, with traditional use for microcirculation-related symptoms.
Bilberry Extract (25% Anthocyanin) standardized to 25% anthocyanins is a bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) fruit extract. “25% anthocyanins” means 25% of the extract’s weight is anthocyanins (purple/blue antioxidant pigments). Example: 400 mg extract → ~100 mg anthocyanins.
| Benefit | Typical study dose* | Key human findings | High-quality sources |
|---|
| 1 Eye strain / “screen fatigue” | ~240 mg/day for 12 weeks | Randomized placebo-controlled trial in near-work/VDT context reported improvements in measures related to eye fatigue/ciliary muscle strain. Promising but not definitive; studies remain limited. | Nutrients (MDPI) |
| 2 Dry eye symptoms | Daily bilberry extract for 4 weeks | Small randomized placebo-controlled study reported improved tear production (Schirmer’s test) and changes in oxidative-stress/antioxidant markers after 4 weeks. | European Review |
| 3 Minor venous circulation (traditional use) | Traditional use (EMA) | EMA lists bilberry fruit preparations as traditional herbal medicinal products for symptoms of minor venous circulation issues (e.g., heavy/tired legs) and capillary fragility; this is based on long-standing use rather than modern clinical proof. | EMA herbal monograph |
| Safety profile | Typical supplement ranges | Bilberry is generally well-tolerated and has not been strongly linked to liver injury. | LiverTox (NCBI) |
*Doses shown refer to the extract used in studies. For a “25% anthocyanins” extract, 240 mg/day corresponds to ~60 mg/day anthocyanins (25% by weight). Extract specifications and bioavailability can vary by manufacturer.
Mechanistic highlights
- Anthocyanin antioxidant network: Anthocyanins support redox buffering and may help mitigate oxidative stress discussed in eye-fatigue and ocular-surface contexts.
- Microvascular support: Polyphenols may support endothelial function and capillary resilience, aligning with traditional positioning around capillary fragility/heavy legs.
- Ocular surface defense: Antioxidant effects may support ocular-surface homeostasis; clinical evidence remains early.
Safety & practical use
- Usual supplemental range: Common standardized bilberry-extract regimens fall roughly around 120–480 mg/day; choose targets based on the anthocyanin standardization.
- Drug interactions: Use caution with anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs (possible platelet effects); consult a clinician before use.
- Under 18: Use in children/adolescents is not established due to limited data.
- Pregnancy/lactation: Avoid unless medically advised (limited human data).
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