Evidence supporting the use of: Berries (unspecified)
For the body system: Capillaries
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Various types of berries, especially those rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins (such as blueberries, blackcurrants, elderberries, and bilberries), have been studied for their effects on vascular health, including the capillaries. The scientific rationale is primarily based on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds, which are known to help protect the integrity of blood vessels. Research suggests that anthocyanins can reduce capillary fragility and permeability, which may be beneficial in conditions characterized by microvascular dysfunction or increased capillary permeability, such as diabetic retinopathy or venous insufficiency.
Clinical studies have shown that extracts from berries like bilberry can improve microcirculation and reduce symptoms such as bruising, swelling, and visual disturbances linked to fragile capillaries. However, most studies are small, use concentrated extracts, and sometimes combine multiple plant ingredients, making it difficult to isolate the effects of "berries (unspecified)." Traditional European herbal medicine also used berries, especially bilberry, for capillary support, lending some historical precedent.
While the evidence is promising and there is a plausible mechanism for capillary support, the lack of large, standardized clinical trials—especially with unspecified berries—means the evidence is moderate but not definitive.
Other ingredients that support Capillaries
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrinanthocyanins
apple
astragalus
bilberry
black currant
blueberry
butcher's broom
Chinese salvia root
chokeberry
citrus bioflavonoids
fish oil
flavonols
garlic bulb
ginkgo biloba
gotu kola
grape
onion
hawthorn
hesperidin
horse chestnut
Japanese sophora
l-arginine
nattokinase
orange
phenolic acids
pine bark
quercetin
rutin
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin E
vitamin K
water
capsicum
lingzhi
yarrow
yarrow
prickly ash
sodium salt
terpene lactones
polyphenols
purslane
shepherd's purse
herbal blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
Asiaticoside
Aronia melanocarpa
Aescin
anthocyanidins
anthocyanosides
Apocynin
Astragalin
Baikal Skullcap
Baicalein
Benfotiamine
berry
Bioflavonoids
Coumarin
Centella triterpenes
Cyanidin
Citrus
Centella asiatica
Coca
Capers
cypress
Cranesbill
Collinsonia
Diosmin
Danshen
Delphinidin
Dextran
Diosmetin
epicatechin
Erigeron
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Escin
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Periwinkle
Other body systems supported by Berries (unspecified)
ArteriesBlood
Brain
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Eyes
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Gums
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Kidneys
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
Lymphatics
Mitochondria
Mucus Membranes
Muscles
Nerves
Ovaries
Pancreas Head
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Senses
Skeletal System (Bones)
Skin
Spleen
Stomach
Urinary System
Veins