Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, but its application for colitis is primarily supported by emerging scientific evidence rather than longstanding tradition. Several preclinical and a few clinical studies have investigated bilberry's potential benefits in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis. The bioactive compounds in bilberry, particularly anthocyanins, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gut barrier–protective properties.

A key pilot clinical trial published in Gut (2010) involved patients with active ulcerative colitis who consumed bilberry extract. Participants showed clinical improvement and reduced markers of inflammation, such as fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein. Animal studies have also demonstrated that bilberry and its anthocyanins can reduce colonic inflammation, restore tight junction proteins, and modulate the gut microbiota, which may contribute to its beneficial effects in colitis.

Despite these promising findings, the clinical evidence is still limited; studies often involve small sample sizes and lack replication in large-scale, rigorous trials. Thus, while bilberry is not a standard treatment for colitis, there is moderate scientific support for its adjunctive use, and ongoing research may clarify its role. Anyone considering bilberry for colitis should consult a healthcare provider, as it is not a substitute for conventional therapy.

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