Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Eyesight (poor)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a longstanding traditional use for supporting eyesight, particularly in Europe. The association between bilberry and improved vision, especially night vision, dates back to World War II, when it was rumored that British Royal Air Force pilots consumed bilberry jam to enhance their night-time visual acuity. This anecdote led to widespread traditional use of bilberry for various eye-related issues, such as poor eyesight, eye fatigue, and retinopathy.

Bilberries are rich in anthocyanins, plant compounds thought to have antioxidant and vasoprotective effects. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that these compounds may help protect retinal cells and improve microcirculation in ocular tissues. However, human clinical trials have yielded inconsistent results. A handful of small studies have reported modest benefits for night vision or retinal health, but larger, well-controlled studies generally fail to confirm significant improvements in visual acuity or night vision in healthy individuals. The overall quality of evidence is low, and systematic reviews have concluded that scientific support for bilberry improving eyesight is weak.

Therefore, while bilberry remains popular in traditional herbal medicine for eye health, robust scientific validation is lacking. Most claims are based on historical use and preliminary research, rather than strong clinical evidence.

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