Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the body system: Eyes

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a long history of traditional use to support eye health, particularly in Europe. Folklore claims, especially from World War II, suggest that British Royal Air Force pilots consumed bilberry jam to improve night vision. However, scientific evidence for these effects is limited and largely anecdotal.

Bilberries are rich in anthocyanins—plant pigments with antioxidant properties—that are thought to benefit eye health by supporting blood vessel integrity and reducing oxidative stress. Some small clinical studies and animal research have explored bilberry extracts for potential benefits in conditions such as night vision, retinal health, and diabetic retinopathy, but results are inconsistent and not conclusive. Systematic reviews generally find that high-quality evidence supporting bilberry for improving vision or treating eye diseases is lacking. The European Medicines Agency recognizes bilberry as a traditional herbal remedy, not as a clinically validated treatment.

In summary, while bilberry has a strong tradition of use for supporting the eyes and contains compounds of biological interest, robust scientific validation for its effectiveness in eye health remains limited. Most claims are based on historical use and preliminary research rather than large, well-controlled clinical trials.

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