Vaccinium myrtillus

Common Names: myrtle blueberry, myrtle whortleberry, whortleberry

Ethnobotanical Studies

Clinical Trials

Antiaging, Brightening, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Fermented Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

A study showed fermented bilberry extract (FBE) improved skin aging and complexion evenness by reducing wrinkles, increasing smoothness, firmness, elasticity, and antioxidant capacity, as well as improving skin coloration. FBE can support successful aging and skin youthfulness.

Nobile V et al (2024).
Nutrients.
DOI:
10.3390/nu16142203
PubMed:
39064646

Extract from Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus Improves near Visual Acuity in People with Presbyopia.

Szumny D et al (2024).
Nutrients.
DOI:
10.3390/nu16070926
PubMed:
38612968

A 12-Week-Long Intake of Bilberry Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Improved Objective Findings of Ciliary Muscle Contraction of the Eye: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Comparison Trial.

Kosehira M, Machida N and Kitaichi N (2020).
Nutrients.
DOI:
10.3390/nu12030600
PubMed:
32106548

Studies

Contribution to the knowledge of the anatomy, histochemistry, and phenolic composition of leaf and stems of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) cultivated in Tucumán, Argentina.

Phytochemistry
Mercado MI et al (2024).
Protoplasma.
DOI:
10.1007/s00709-024-01981-8
PubMed:
39223345

Potential ameliorative effects of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit extract on cisplatin-induced reproductive damage in adult male albino rats.

Mossa FB, Bakry N and El-Sawi MR (2024).
Clin Exp Reprod Med.
DOI:
10.5653/cerm.2023.06380
PubMed:
39210717

Characterization of cellulases from softening fruit for enzymatic depolymerization of cellulose.

Edema H et al (2024).
Carbohydr Polym.
DOI:
10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122493
PubMed:
39174143

Structure of Ground Vegetation and Natural Regeneration of Tree Species in 12- to 15-Year-Old Bilberry Pine Forest-Clear-cut Complex of Middle Taiga Subzone.

Genikova NV, Moshnikov SA and Teslya DV (2024).
Dokl Biol Sci.
DOI:
10.1134/S0012496624701102
PubMed:
39128962

Expression of Concern: Starkute et al. Characteristics of Unripened Cow Milk Curd Cheese Enriched with Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Industry By-Products. Foods 2023, 12, 2860.

Foods Editorial Office et al (2024).
Foods.
DOI:
10.3390/foods13142250
PubMed:
39063334

Analytical characterization of anthocyanins using trapped ion mobility spectrometry-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry.

Schnitker FA, Steingass CB and Schweiggert R (2024).
Food Chem.
DOI:
10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140200
PubMed:
38996637

Vaccinium myrtillus L. Leaf Waste as a Source of Biologically Potent Compounds: Optimization of Polyphenol Extractions, Chemical Profile, and Biological Properties of the Extracts.

Summary

Researchers optimized extraction of polyphenols from bilberry waste using various methods. Extracts showed high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, and promoted keratinocyte viability. Findings can inform pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Phytochemistry
Elferjane MR et al (2024).
Pharmaceutics.
DOI:
10.3390/pharmaceutics16060740
PubMed:
38931863

Investigation of Changes in the Polyphenol Profile Verified by LC-MS/MS and the Pro-Health Activities of Fruit Smoothie.

Phytochemistry
Borowiec K et al (2024).
Mol Nutr Food Res.
DOI:
10.1002/mnfr.202300426
PubMed:
38924345

Mitigating digestive disorders: Action mechanisms of Mediterranean herbal active compounds.

Review
Kmail A et al (2024).
Open Life Sci.
DOI:
10.1515/biol-2022-0857
PubMed:
38645751

Verified hypotheses on the "nurse" and "burial" effects on introduced Quercus rubra regeneration in a mesic Scots pine forest.

Woziwoda B et al (2024).
Ecol Evol.
DOI:
10.1002/ece3.11185
PubMed:
38571810

Green Approach to Enhance the Recovery of Polyphenols from Blackcurrant and Bilberry Leaves: Evaluation of Microwave-Assisted and Pressurized Liquid Extraction.

Elez Garofulić I et al (2024).
Molecules.
DOI:
10.3390/molecules29061351
PubMed:
38542987

First Report of Lingonberry Stunted Yellows Disease of Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. associated with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii'-Related Phytoplasma Strain in Lithuania.

Dėlkus M et al (2024).
Plant Dis.
DOI:
10.1094/PDIS-02-24-0284-PDN
PubMed:
38457635

Anti-inflammatory Polyketides from an Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium sp. UJN-EF006 of Vaccinium bracteatum.

Immunology
Wang YY et al (2024).
Chem Biodivers.
DOI:
10.1002/cbdv.202400002
PubMed:
38411310

The Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Wild Bilberry Fruit Extracts Embedded in Mesoporous Silica-Type Supports: A Stability Study.

Immunology
Brezoiu AM et al (2024).
Antioxidants (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/antiox13020250
PubMed:
38397847

Specific Antimicrobial Activities Revealed by Comparative Evaluation of Selected Gemmotherapy Extracts.

Summary

Researchers tested various plant extracts for antimicrobial activity. Blackberry extract was most effective, olive extract showed strongest bactericidal results. These extracts could be potential antimicrobials to enhance antibiotic therapies and combat antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial
Héjja M et al (2024).
Antibiotics (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/antibiotics13020181
PubMed:
38391567

Acclimation of subarctic vegetation to warming and increased cloudiness.

Ndah FA et al (2023).
Plant Environ Interact.
DOI:
10.1002/pei3.10130
PubMed:
38323130

Weather in two climatic regions shapes the diversity and drives the structure of fungal endophytic community of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit.

Nguyen MP et al (2024).
Environ Microbiome.
DOI:
10.1186/s40793-024-00551-y
PubMed:
38254194

Anti-Aging Properties of Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Rich in Bilberry Fruit Extract.

Studzińska-Sroka E et al (2024).
Antioxidants (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/antiox13010105
PubMed:
38247529

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

Summary

A review found that (poly)phenols in berries do not significantly improve exercise performance or recovery in healthy individuals. Limited evidence suggests they may not impact markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Further studies are needed to understand their effects.

Review Immunology
Prieto Martínez A et al (2024).
Food Funct.
DOI:
10.1039/d3fo04435a
PubMed:
38165220

Unveiling the evolutionary history of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) through genome sequencing and assembly of European and North American subspecies.

Genetics
Hirabayashi K, Debnath SC and Owens GL (2023).
G3 (Bethesda).
DOI:
10.1093/g3journal/jkad294
PubMed:
38142435

Testing foraging optimization models in brown bears: Time for a paradigm shift in nutritional ecology?

Mikkelsen AJ et al (2023).
Ecology.
DOI:
10.1002/ecy.4228
PubMed:
38071743

Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Induced Anaphylaxis in a Chinese Child with Lipid Transfer Protein Sensitization.

Jiang N et al (2023).
J Asthma Allergy.
DOI:
10.2147/JAA.S436561
PubMed:
38022748

Src Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activity of Black Chokeberry and Bilberry Fruit Extracts Rich in Chlorogenic Acid.

Immunology
Vladimir-Knežević S et al (2023).
Int J Mol Sci.
DOI:
10.3390/ijms242115512
PubMed:
37958496

Vaccinium uliginosum and Vaccinium myrtillus-Two Species-One Used as a Functional Food.

Review
Kopystecka A et al (2023).
Nutrients.
DOI:
10.3390/nu15194119
PubMed:
37836403

Night-time water relations and gas exchange in cut shoots of five boreal dwarf shrub species: impact of soil water availability.

Kupper P, Tullus A and Rohula-Okunev G (2023).
Physiol Mol Biol Plants.
DOI:
10.1007/s12298-023-01350-4
PubMed:
37829697

HPLC-Mass spectrometry analysis of phenolics comparing traditional bilberry and blueberry liqueurs.

Medic A et al (2023).
Food Res Int.
DOI:
10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113373
PubMed:
37803708

Genome-Wide Identification of Bilberry WRKY Transcription Factors: Go Wild and Duplicate.

Summary

The study found that genes in bilberry are crucial for fruit ripening and anthocyanin production. They belong to different groups based on domains, with detected duplications and stress-response elements. Gene expression patterns provide insights into their functional features in bilberry.

Genetics
Felipez W et al (2023).
Plants (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/plants12183176
PubMed:
37765340

Hybrid Material Based on Vaccinium myrtillus L. Extract and Gold Nanoparticles Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Exposed to TGF-β.

Immunology
Filip M et al (2023).
Biomolecules.
DOI:
10.3390/biom13081271
PubMed:
37627336

Use climatic space-for-time substitutions with care: Not only climate, but also local environment affect performance of the key forest species bilberry along elevation gradient.

Auestad I et al (2023).
Ecol Evol.
DOI:
10.1002/ece3.10401
PubMed:
37600486

Effect of warming on ground vegetation in Carpathian Norway spruce stands, exemplified by European blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) nutrient stoichiometry.

Kupka D et al (2023).
Sci Total Environ.
DOI:
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166396
PubMed:
37597568

Effects of understory characteristics on browsing patterns of roe deer in central European mountain forests.

Schwegmann S et al (2023).
Ecol Evol.
DOI:
10.1002/ece3.10431
PubMed:
37589040

Inhibitory Potential of Different Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Extracts on Human Salivary α-Amylase.

Karcheva-Bahchevanska D, Nikolova M and Iliev I (2023).
Molecules.
DOI:
10.3390/molecules28155820
PubMed:
37570789

Optimisation of Polyphenols Extraction from Wild Bilberry Leaves-Antimicrobial Properties and Stability Studies.

Summary

The researchers used a factorial model and statistical analysis to optimize the extraction of polyphenols from wild bilberry leaves. The optimized extract had beneficial properties and showed antimicrobial potential.

Antimicrobial
Brezoiu AM et al (2023).
Molecules.
DOI:
10.3390/molecules28155795
PubMed:
37570765

Characteristics of Unripened Cow Milk Curd Cheese Enriched with Raspberry (Rubus idaeus), Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Industry By-Products.

Starkute V et al (2023).
Foods.
DOI:
10.3390/foods12152860
PubMed:
37569128

The Action Mechanisms, Anti-Cancer and Antibiotic-Modulation Potential of Vaccinium myrtillus L. Extract.

Summary

The study explored the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of extracts from bilberry leaves and stems. These extracts contain high levels of beneficial compounds.

AntimicrobialCancer
Ginovyan M et al (2023).
Discov Med.
DOI:
10.24976/Discov.Med.202335177.59
PubMed:
37553312

Protective Effect of Vaccinium myrtillus Extract on X-ray Irradiation-Induced Retinal Toxicity via eNOS and 8-OHdGexpression.

Findik H et al (2023).
Cells Tissues Organs.
DOI:
10.1159/000532011
PubMed:
37517384

Antidepressant effects of p-coumaric acid isolated from Vaccinium bracteatum leaves extract on chronic restraint stress mouse model and antagonism of serotonin 6 receptor in vitro.

Summary

Researchers investigated the effects of p-coumaric acid (CA) on chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced immobility and serotonin (5-HT) receptor activity in mice. CA is the main active component of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. leaves, which are used in traditional medicine to treat various biological diseases. The study found that CA reduced CRS-induced immobility and increased 5-HT receptor activity, suggesting a potential therapeutic use in stress-related disorders.

Neuroscience
Oh DR et al (2023).
Phytomedicine.
DOI:
10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154871
PubMed:
37270968

Climate change will cause climatic niche contraction of Vaccinium myrtillus L. and V. vitis-idaea L. in Europe.

Puchałka R et al (2023).
Sci Total Environ.
DOI:
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164483
PubMed:
37268126

Establishment of a Sonotrode Extraction Method and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Potential of an Optimized Vaccinium myrtillus L. Leaves Extract as Functional Ingredient.

AntimicrobialCancerImmunology
Gil-Martínez L et al (2023).
Foods.
DOI:
10.3390/foods12081688
PubMed:
37107483

Monitoring genotoxic, biochemical and morphotoxic potential of penoxsulam and the protective role of European blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract.

Acar A and Singh D (2023).
Sci Rep.
DOI:
10.1038/s41598-023-34068-0
PubMed:
37101000

Recent insights into the hepatoprotective potential of medicinal plants and plant-derived compounds.

Review
Thilagavathi R et al (2023).
Phytother Res.
DOI:
10.1002/ptr.7821
PubMed:
37022281

Inhibitory Potential of α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase, and Pancreatic Lipase by a Formulation of Five Plant Extracts: TOTUM-63.

Haguet Q et al (2023).
Int J Mol Sci.
DOI:
10.3390/ijms24043652
PubMed:
36835060

Wild sweet cherry, strawberry and bilberry as underestimated sources of natural colorants and bioactive compounds with functional properties.

Vega EN et al (2023).
Food Chem.
DOI:
10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135669
PubMed:
36821927

Biodiversity of Fungi Inhabiting European Blueberry in North-Western Russia and in Finland.

Gomzhina MM et al (2022).
Dokl Biol Sci.
DOI:
10.1134/S0012496622060047
PubMed:
36781539

Habitat Characteristics and Mineral Nutrition Status of Rubus chamaemorus L. in Latvia.

Āboliņa L, Osvalde A and Karlsons A (2023).
Plants (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/plants12030528
PubMed:
36771613

Botanical Ingredient Forensics: Detection of Attempts to Deceive Commonly Used Analytical Methods for Authenticating Herbal Dietary and Food Ingredients and Supplements.

Review
Gafner S et al (2023).
J Nat Prod.
DOI:
10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00929
PubMed:
36716213

Computational screening for new neuroprotective ingredients against Alzheimer's disease from bilberry by cheminformatics approaches.

Summary

Researchers used advanced artificial intelligence models and target prediction methods to screen natural products for potential medicinal compounds to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). They identified a new ingredient, Ma-3-gal-Cl, found in bilberries that showed significant effects on protecting cells from AD-related damage, decreasing intracellular ROS, maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, reducing activated caspase-3, and inhibiting Aβ aggregation. These promising results suggest that natural products could be a valuable resource for drug discovery to treat AD.

Neuroscience
Xiao R et al (2022).
Front Nutr.
DOI:
10.3389/fnut.2022.1061552
PubMed:
36570129

Caucasian Blueberry: Comparative Study of Phenolic Compounds and Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Potential of Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium arctostaphylos Leaves.

Summary

Leaf extracts of two Caucasian blueberry bushes, L. and L., were analyzed for phenolic compounds and their potential neurotropic effects were studied. Hydroxycinnamates and flavonoids were identified, with 5-caffeoylquinic acid being the dominant metabolite. The extracts improved cerebral hemodynamics, reduced brain tissue necrosis, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. The study suggests that the extracts can be used as therapeutic agents in treating neurological diseases.

NeurosciencePhytochemistry
Shamilov AA et al (2022).
Life (Basel).
DOI:
10.3390/life12122079
PubMed:
36556444

Bilberry Anthocyanins (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Induced Apoptosis of B16-F10 Cells and Diminished the Effect of Dacarbazine.

Yu X et al (2022).
Nutr Cancer.
DOI:
10.1080/01635581.2022.2157450
PubMed:
36533932

Plant defense under Arctic light conditions: Can plants withstand invading pests?

Mithöfer A et al (2022).
Front Plant Sci.
DOI:
10.3389/fpls.2022.1051107
PubMed:
36507393

Traceability of bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) of the Baltic-Nordic region using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS): DFT simulation-based DNA analysis.

Genetics
Vaitiekūnaitė D, Dodoo D and Snitka V (2023).
Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc.
DOI:
10.1016/j.saa.2022.122192
PubMed:
36493623

Neuroprotective effects of Vaccinium myrtillus on damage-related brain injury.

Summary

A study evaluated anthocyanin's therapeutic effects on secondary brain injuries resulting from traumatic brain injuries in rats. They investigated Malondialdehyde content, Na+-K+-ATPase content, and cleaved caspase-3 content. Trauma and solvent-control groups had more severe brain damage and increased Malondialdehyde and cleaved caspase-3 levels, and decreased Na+-K+-ATPase activity compared to the control group. The treatment group had similar histological signs, but Malondialdehyde and Na+-K+-ATPase activity were similar to the control group, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were lower compared to the trauma and solvent-control groups. Anthocyanin extracts may lessen secondary brain injury through anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Neuroscience
Ozdemir A et al (2023).
J Chem Neuroanat.
DOI:
10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102193
PubMed:
36414183

Insight into the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Bacterial Communities Inhabiting Blueberries in Portugal.

Summary

This study focuses on a dwarf shrub found on the Iberian Peninsula threatened by climate change and wildfires. The researchers aimed to determine its potential as a biofertilizer by analyzing its root and rhizospheric bacterial communities. The study found that the endophytic bacterial diversity is dependent on the plant and that certain strains could be used as multifunctional biofertilizers due to their plant growth-promoting mechanisms and high colonization capacities. The research has implications for sustainable agriculture practices.

Neuroscience
Gonçalves AC et al (2022).
Microorganisms.
DOI:
10.3390/microorganisms10112193
PubMed:
36363783

Quality Assessment of Bilberry Fruits (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Bilberry-Containing Dietary Supplements.

Gaspar DP, Lechtenberg M and Hensel A (2021).
J Agric Food Chem.
DOI:
10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07784
PubMed:
33587635

Herbal Medicines in Glaucoma Treatment.

Review
Ige M and Liu J (2020).
Yale J Biol Med.
PubMed:
32607093

Bilberry.

Review
(2021).
PubMed:
30000885

Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews.

Review
Posadzki P, Watson LK and Ernst E (2013).
Clin Med (Lond).
PubMed:
23472485

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.).

Review
Benzie IFF et al (2011).
PubMed:
22593936

Vaccinium myrtillus as an antidiabetic medicinal plant--research through the ages.

Review Diabetes
Helmstädter A and Schuster N (2010).
Pharmazie.
PubMed:
20503920