Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Spider Veins
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for improving circulation and supporting vascular health. Its berries are rich in anthocyanins, which are plant pigments believed to strengthen blood vessel walls, reduce capillary fragility, and improve microcirculation. This traditional use has led to bilberry being recommended for conditions related to poor vein health, such as spider veins and varicose veins.
However, the scientific evidence supporting bilberry’s effectiveness for spider veins specifically is limited. Most of the available studies focus on its general effects on circulation and capillary integrity, not directly on spider veins. Some small clinical trials and animal studies suggest anthocyanins may improve vascular tone and decrease vascular permeability, which could theoretically benefit those with spider veins. Nonetheless, there is a lack of robust, high-quality clinical trials directly linking bilberry supplementation to a reduction in the appearance or severity of spider veins.
In summary, bilberry’s use for spider veins is primarily based on traditional herbal practices and extrapolated from broader research on vascular health. While there is some mechanistic plausibility and limited supportive evidence, more research is needed to firmly establish its efficacy for this specific condition.
Other health conditions supported by bilberry
ArteriosclerosisBleeding (internal)
Bloodshot Eyes
Bruises (healing)
Capillary Weakness
Cardiovascular Disease
Cataracts
Cholera
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cold Hands and Feet
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Convalescence
Debility
Dementia
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Edema
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyes (spots before)
Eyesight (poor)
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hypertension
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Memory and Brain Function
Night Blindness
Spider Veins
Ulcers
Products containing bilberry
Thorne
Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
Bilberry 160 mg
Vitabase
Bilberry Extract Plus
Metagenics
Cardiogenics® Intensive Care
Thorne
Diabenil
Integrative Therapeutics
Glutathione Cell Defense
Integrative Therapeutics
Glycemic Manager
Douglas Laboratories
Juvenon Pro Cognitive
Klean Athlete
Klean Focus®
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Pure Encapsulations
Macular Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations
Macular Support Formula
Designs For Health
OcuForce™
Designs For Health
OcuForce™ Blue 60 Capsules
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green
Vitabase
Vision Support