Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)

Abstract

Inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. The anti-inflammatory properties of berries have been investigated but the anti-inflammatory activity of bilberry has received little attention and a detailed review is yet to be published. Therefore, we compiled information on the phytochemicals of bilberry and preclinical and clinical studies of its anti-inflammatory properties. The review was based on studies from 2007 to date. Phytoconstituents of bilberries were phenolic acids, organic acids, anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonols, flavanols, tannins, terpenoids, and volatile chemicals. Data from cell and animal model studies show that bilberry has an anti-inflammatory effect by lowering tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β expression, inducing nitric oxide synthases and cyclooxygenases, and altering the nuclear factor kappa B and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. Bilberry supplementation as fruits (frozen, processed, and whole), juices, and anthocyanins reduced levels of inflammatory markers in most clinical studies of metabolic disorders. Therefore, bilberry may be useful for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders.

Chewable tablet with herbal extracts and propolis arrests Wuhan and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus

“…Through cell, animal, and human clinical trials, green tea and its main component, EGCG, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects ( Ohishi, Goto, Monira, Isemura, & Nakamura, 2016 ). Moreover, bilberry and pomegranate extracts have been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity ( Sharma and Lee, 2022 , Ismail et al, 2012 ). Previous in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted on the effects of propolis on inflammation ( Pahlavani et al, 2020 ).…”

In Vivo Acute Toxicity and Immunomodulation Assessment of a Novel Nutraceutical in Mice

“…The health benefits associated with the consumption of hydrolyzed collagen [22][23][24][25][26][27] as well as other animal-origin active substances such as whey [28][29][30][31] and royal jelly [32][33][34][35] promote them as ideal ingredients for immunomodulation purposes. Moreover, the antioxidant properties of Vaccinium myrtillus [36][37][38][39] and Echinacea purpurea [40][41][42][43], coupled with their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, sustain their use for promoting immunomodulation and homeostasis.…”

Effects of Vaccinium berries (blueberries, cranberries and bilberries) on oxidative stress, inflammation, exercise performance, and recovery – a systematic review

“…Vaccinium berries, such as blueberries, have been shown to possess comparable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 22–24 They are easily available to the public and have affordable pricing in comparison to other berries, which makes them attractive to consumers. There are other (poly)phenol-rich berries such as chokeberries ( Aronia melanocarpa ) that have been previously studied as sports supplements, 25 yet they might not be accessible and affordable to most consumers.…”