Vaccinium myrtillus

Vaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae, Tannins, arbutin (leaves), myrtilline, glykokinones, glycosides, anthocyanosides (Similar effect with vitamin P), glykokinine (leaves), carbohydrates, pectin, organic acids
Vaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae, Tannins, arbutin (leaves), myrtilline, glykokinones, glycosides, anthocyanosides (Similar effect with vitamin P), glykokinine (leaves), carbohydrates, pectin, organic acidsVaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae, Tannins, arbutin (leaves), myrtilline, glykokinones, glycosides, anthocyanosides (Similar effect with vitamin P), glykokinine (leaves), carbohydrates, pectin, organic acidsVaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae, Tannins, arbutin (leaves), myrtilline, glykokinones, glycosides, anthocyanosides (Similar effect with vitamin P), glykokinine (leaves), carbohydrates, pectin, organic acidsVaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae, Tannins, arbutin (leaves), myrtilline, glykokinones, glycosides, anthocyanosides (Similar effect with vitamin P), glykokinine (leaves), carbohydrates, pectin, organic acidsVaccinium myrtillus, Ericaceae, Tannins, arbutin (leaves), myrtilline, glykokinones, glycosides, anthocyanosides (Similar effect with vitamin P), glykokinine (leaves), carbohydrates, pectin, organic acids
Botanical Nomenclature Vaccinium myrtillus
Common Name Bilberry, European Blueberry, Whortleberry
Taxonomy- Family Ericaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Vaccinium myrtillus is a small, deciduous shrub growing from 30 to 50cm, with oval, wavy, green leaves and pendulous, green or pink bell-shaped flowers in inflorescence (bunches). The flowering lasts from April to June and the harvesting takes place from June to September.
Region Found Ioannina (Gramos, Pindos, Smolikas)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves, seeds
Active Substances Tannins, arbutin (leaves), myrtilline, glykokinones, glycosides, anthocyanosides (Similar effect with vitamin P), glykokinine (leaves), carbohydrates, pectin, organic acids
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has hypoglycemic properties and it is effective in patient with type II diabetes (non-insulin-dependent), as it reduces blood sugar levels. Also it has antiseptic properties and it is recommended for treatment of diarrhea, caused by micro-organisms (bactericidal and bacteriostatic). Finally, it is used as analgesic against stomach pain, inflammation of the bowel, cystitis, dysentery and cold.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as hypoglycemic and antiseptic in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried leaves in a cup of boiled water, twice a day). Plant's juice can be used for gargling against the inflammations of the upper respiratory tract.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Hypoglycemia is possible to be observed. Caution in insulin-dependent diabetics. No side effects are reported.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, A' τόμος, σελίδες: 134 2) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 211-212, 3)http://health-from-nature.net/Bilberry.html 4)http://www.healthcentral.com/ibd/r/medications/bilberry-vaccinium-myrtillus-oral-17307 5)http://www.nativeremedies.com/ingredients/health-benefits-of-bilberry.html 6)http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bilber37.html 7)http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-bilberry.html