Evidence supporting the use of: Blueberry
For the health condition: Alzheimer's Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum and related species) has garnered scientific interest for its potential role in supporting cognitive function and possibly slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The justification for its use is primarily based on scientific research rather than traditional medicine, as there is no strong historical precedent for blueberries being used specifically to treat dementia or related conditions in folk medicine systems.
The scientific rationale centers on blueberries’ high content of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are relevant because oxidative stress and inflammation are thought to contribute to Alzheimer's pathology. Several animal studies have shown that blueberry supplementation can improve memory and cognitive performance, possibly by reducing oxidative damage and modulating neuronal signaling pathways.
In humans, small-scale clinical trials have provided preliminary evidence that blueberry supplementation may improve certain aspects of cognitive function in older adults or those with mild cognitive impairment. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in 2010 found that daily blueberry juice consumption improved memory performance in older adults. However, these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and variations in dosing and product standardization.
Overall, while there is scientific interest and some early positive findings, the evidence base is still limited and not robust enough to fully endorse blueberries as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Larger, long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Other ingredients used for Alzheimer's Disease
acai berryacetyl l-carnitine
akkermansia muciniphila
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
berberine
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
black garlic
black tea
blueberry
broccoli
butyrate triglyceride
caffeine
cannabis sativa oil
caprylic acid
catechins
Chinese salvia root
chokeberry
choline
cinnamon
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
gamma tocopherol
genistein
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
grape
green tea
hemp oil
hesperetin
hesperidin
huperzine A
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-serine
l-theanine
lentinula edodes mycelia
lion's mane
lutein
luteolin
lycopene
mackerel
magnesium
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
naringin
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
oyster mushroom
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
pregnenolone
butyric acid
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
selenium
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tocotrienols
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vinpocetine
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
mulberry
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
gastrodia
tinospora cordifolia
lingzhi
morus
ferulic acid
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
terpene lactones
polyphenols
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
cocoa
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
soy isoflavones
2-(carbamimidoyl-methyl-amino) ethoxyphosphonic acid
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Anserine
Avocado
Agmatine
Acetylcholine
Amentoflavone
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Ampelopsin
Aniracetam
Apocynin
Black Seed
Bilobalide
Butylphthalide
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bacopin
Baicalein
Benfotiamine
Basidiomycota
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bifidobacteria
bacoside
Baicalin
Caffeic Acid
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Crocin
Carnosine
Catalpol
Cyanidin
Curcuminoid
Curcumen
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Creatine
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Convolvulus prostratus
Crocetin
Cytidine
Carnosic acid
Cannabigerol
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Decursin
Dihydrolipoic Acid
epicatechin
Ellagic Acid
Ergothioneine
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Estrogen
Ecklonia
Flavonoids
Fo-Ti
Fish
Fatty acids
Flavanones
Flavans
Flavonones
Flavanols
Flavones
Gallic Acid
Ginsenosides
Garcinol
Ginkgetin
Galantamine
Gallate
Ginkgolides
Ginkgo Flavone Glycoside
Ginkgoside
Ginkgoheteroside
Glucoraphanin
Gastrodin
Ketone Salts
walnut
Other health conditions supported by blueberry
Alzheimer's DiseaseArteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cataracts
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Concentration (poor)
Confusion
Constipation (children)
Dementia
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eye Problems
Eyesight (poor)
Free Radical Damage
Hypertension
Inflammation
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Osteoporosis
Triglycerides (high)
Wrinkles
Products containing blueberry
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas (Sugar Free)
Nature's Sunshine CardioxLDL®
Nature's Sunshine Love and Peas
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets Pouch
Nature's Sunshine Power Beets To-Go Packs
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens
Nature's Sunshine Power Greens To-Go
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Power Meal
Nature's Sunshine Sunshine Heroes Whole Food Papayazyme
Nature's Sunshine Sunshine Heroes Probiotic Power
Nature's Sunshine Solstic Immune
Nature's Sunshine Super Trio
Nature's Sunshine Thai-Go Mangosteen Juice