B
mission E reports leaf not permitted for therapeutic use; higher doses or prolonged use can
produce chronic poisoning; chronic administration of 1.5 g/kg/day is lethal in some animals
(AEH). For fruits, none reported (PIP). “Bilberry does not interact with commonly prescribed
drugs; no known contraindications in use during pregnancy or lactation; no known side effects
with bilberry extracts” (SKY). Berries contain anthocyanosides, said to be helpful in treating
eye problems, diarrhea, reducing arterial deposits, and lowering blood sugar in diabetics. Fresh
berries may cause diarrhea.
Extracts (Bilberry) — Flavonoids antiaggregant, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic,
preserve capillaries and collagen (PED). Anthocyanosides inhibited barium-induced contraction of
isolated thoracic vein and coronary artery smooth muscle, in vitro, possibly by vasodilatory pros-
taglandin production (PNC). Chromium content (of the leaves) may underlie antidiabetic activity
(PHR). Anthocyanins and polyphenols in berries of several Ribes, Rubus, and Vaccinium spp. have
in vitro antiradical activity on chemically generated superoxide radicals. The extracts also inhibit
xanthine oxidase. All crude extracts were highly active toward chemically generated superoxide
radicals. Ribes nigrum extracts exhibited most activity, being the richest in both anthocyanins and
polyphenols. But Ribes rubrum extracts seem to contain more active substances (X1332092).
Bilberry extracts (equivalent to 9–72 mg/kg anthocyanins) sometimes exceeded carbenoxolone or
cimetidine in antiulcer activity (MAB).BIRCH (Betula spp.) ++Betula pendula Roth, Betula pubescens Ehrh. (Synonym — Betula alba L., Betula verrucosa Ehrh.)
Some taxonomists know that the cop-out approach is to refer to the genus rather than all the poorly
separable species of birch. PH2 listed pendula and pubescens, and APA, no more taxonomically
adept, added B. lenta, B. pubsecens, B. verrucosa (=B. pendula). I’ve added all PH2 activity/indi-
cation entries here.
Activities (Birch) — Analgesic (1; FAD); Antibacterial (1; PH2); Antiinflammatory (1; FAD; SHT);
Antimelanomic (1; APA); Antipyretic (1; PHR; PH2); Antiseptic (1; APA); Aquaretic (1; SHT);
Astringent (1; PNC); Counterirritant (1; FAD); Depurative (f; APA; PHR; PH2); Diuretic (2; APA;
KOM; PIP; PH2); Parasiticide (1; PHR; PH2); Saluretic (1; PHR; PH2).
Indications (Birch) — Alopecia (f; APA; PHR; PH2); Arthrosis (1; APA); Bacteria (1; PH2);
Bladder Stone (2; PHR; PH2); Bronchosis (1; FAD); Cholecystosis (1; FAD); Cystosis (f; APA);
Dandruff (f; PHR; PH2); Dermatosis (1; PHR; PH2); Diarrhea (1; PNC); Dyspepsia (f; APA);
Eczema (1; APA); Fever (1; APA; FAD; PHR; PH2); Gout (1; APA; FAD; PH2); Gravel (2;
KOM; PIP; PH2); Infection (1; APA); Inflammation (1; APA; FAD; SHT); Kidney Stone (2;
APA; PHR; PH2); Melanoma (1; APA); Myalgia (1; FAD); Nephrosis (1; KOM; PH2); Neuralgia
(1; APA; FAD); Pain (1; FAD); Parasite (1; PHR; PH2); Psoriasis (f; APA; PH2); Pulmonosis
(1; FAD); Rheumatism (2; FAD; KOM; PIP; PH2); Scabies (1; PH2); Scrofula (f; FAD); Sta-
phylococcus (1; X10857921); Stomachache (f; FAD); Stone (SHT); Urethrosis (2; KOM); UTI
(2; KOM; PHR; PH2; SHT); Water Retention (2; APA; KOM; PIP; PH2); Worm (f; APA); Wound
(f; APA).
Dosages (Birch) — 1–2 tbsp chopped leaf/cup water, several ×/day (APA); 2–3 g several ×/day
(KOM; PIP); 12 g/day (SHT).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Birch) — Class 1 (AHP). Contraindications
reported as edema due to cardiac or renal insufficiency (AEH). Not for use in edema in patients
with cardiac or nephrotic problems. (PH2). None reported (PIP). “Health hazards not known with
proper therapeutic dosages” (PH2). Warning: EO toxic; easily absorbed through the skin (FAD).