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used with caution by people with haemorrhagic disorders. Avoid use with topoisomerase chemo- therapy drugs until safety can be established. Practice points/Patient counselling

• Bilberry has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and astringent actions and has considerable poly- phenol content, and may therefore be of great- est benefit in the prevention of disorders where inflammation is a known precursor.

• BE is a popular treatment in Europe for prevent- ing and treating retinopathy. It is also used to treat several other ophthalmic conditions, such as poor night vision, poor light adaptation and sensitivity to glare, photophobia, glaucoma, myopia, dry eye, asthenopia and cataract. Some clinical research suggests a possible role in glaucoma, reti- nopathy and dry eye, whereas the evidence for use in improving night vision is unclear. • Some research also suggests that it is useful in

venous insufficiency, peripheral vascular disor- ders (such as Raynaud’s syndrome) and capil- lary fragility.

• There is new clinical research suggesting that BE has significant hypoglycaemic activity and lipid-lowering activity and that it may be ben- eficial in ulcerative colitis.

• Bilberry is approved by Commission E for the treatment of non-specific, acute diarrhoea and mild inflammatory conditions of the mouth and throat.

• Preliminary evidence suggests it may prevent peptic ulcer formation due to non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs or stress; however, clinical research is still required to confirm these effects.

PATIENTS’ FAQs

What will this herb do for me?

Bilberry is used to relieve the symptoms of mild diarrhoea and improve poor night vision, sensitivity

B

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