Bilberries and Their Health Benefits

The consumption of herbal medicines is growing gradually worldwide as a substitute treatment for relieving several health problems. Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) have been conventionally consumed and used in traditional medicine since ancient times. Based on preclinical data, a recent study suggests that anthocyanin, an active component of bilberries, is the reason for its anti-diabetic properties. The study findings were published in the journal Primary Care Diabetes on January 04, 2022.

According to studies, bilberries have several benefits, among which anti-glycemic and antioxidant properties are associated with diabetes. Although the bilberries have other valuable properties such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, Dr. Reza Yarani and his team conducted a study to evaluate the phytochemical, pharmacological, and anti-diabetic properties of bilberries in the treatment of diabetes.

Bilberries on Obesity

Treatment of obesity has been one of the most critical human challenges throughout history.

The authors noted that bilberries effect on obesity is by:

• Decreasing lipogenesis
• Reducing lipid absorption
• Proliferation of pre-adipocytes
• Decreasing differentiation
• Increasing lipolysis
• Inhibition of pro-inflammatory adipokine secretion

Bilberries on Cardiovascular Diseases (CD)

The authors highlighted some proven research that has shown that the consumption of bilberries was associated with a reduced risk of CD. They noted that it acts by:

• Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
• Inhibiting DOX-induced elevations of LDH
• Altering troponin I levels

With regards to anti-cancer activity, they wrote, "By consuming the bilberries, the cancer cells' microtubules polymerization and their accumulation were affected and led to the elimination of tumors and cancer cells".

Bilberries on Diabetes

Anthocyanins are one of the plentiful components in bilberries and act as a potent antioxidant agent. They are among the most important polyphenols and act as pigments in plants, particularly in fruits such as berries. Anthocyanins of bilberries scavenge radicals and chelate metal ions and may have various effects on human health. The authors noted that although bilberries contain many bioactive compounds, anthocyanin is the essential compound with antidiabetic properties.

The authors concluded, "It has been frequently proven from the early 20th century, bilberries were among the most favorable antidiabetic therapeutic plants. It was one of the intensively used hypoglycemic and antioxidant agents. The main reason for its anti-diabetic properties is the presence of active compounds such as anthocyanin. Human data are missing concerning anthocyanin's from bilberry, even though some animal studies have been performed."

They further added, "Future studies should be to more accurately identify the mechanism of molecular effect of blueberry bioactive compounds in clinical trials and real samples."

For further information:

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcd.2021.12.017