Vaccinium myrtillus
Vaccinium myrtillus, commonly known as bilberry, is a versatile woodland shrub prized for its nutrient-dense fruit. Rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants, it is traditionally used to support eye health, enhance circulation, and combat oxidative stress. This potent medicinal plant offers significant therapeutic potential for modern wellness and holistic healing.
- Scientific name: Vaccinium myrtillus
- Family: Ericaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Ericales and the family Ericaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Vaccinium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Ericaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Vaccinium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Vaccinium myrtillus, exhibits a widespread distribution across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally throughout the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. The species also extends its reach to the islands of Føroyaar and Iceland. Furthermore, its habitat encompasses various parts of Great Britain. Together, these locations highlight the plant's preference for the northernmost territories of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Chemicals
Vaccinium myrtillus has 40 reported phytochemicals identified across 66 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanins, flavonoids, hyperoside, polyphenols, chlorogenic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 40
- Scientific sources
- 66
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthocyanins | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| flavonoids | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| hyperoside | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| isoquercetin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| ascorbic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| resveratrol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Vaccinium myrtillus has 12 reported activities identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antiaging, Antiallergenic, Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 18
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antiaging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiallergenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Vaccinium myrtillus has 22 reported medicinal uses identified across 26 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis.
- Total uses
- 22
- Scientific sources
- 26
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| type 2 diabetes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cryptosporidium parvum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Giardia duodenalis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| age-related macular degeneration | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cataract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |