 Bilberry is a good source of antioxidant actually, bilberry

has 4x more antioxidant level than blueberry. This is due to bilberry

having much higher levels of the anthocyanins (cyanidin, delphinidin, and
peonidin), while blueberry is only richer in one subtype of anthocyanin –
malvidin.
 Bilberry is the richest berry source of anthocyanin, supplying 300-700
mg per 100 g of berries

Bilberry suggested uses include for chest pain (angina), hardening of

the arteries (atherosclerosis), circulatory problems, degenerative
retinal conditions, diarrhea, mouth/throat inflammation
(topical), retinopathy, and varicose veins.
Chronic venous insufficiency
bilberry extracts to treat this condition, which occurs when valves in veins in the legs
that carry blood to the heart are damaged. 

Atherosclerosis
Studies show that anthocyanosides may strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation,
and prevent the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, a major risk factor for
atherosclerosis (plaque that blocks blood vessels, leading to heart attack and stroke).

they’re rich in vitamin K, a vitamin that helps prevent the formation of blood

clots, reducing your risk of heart attack and stroke

Diabetes

bilberry leaves have been used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
anthocyanins in bilberries may also stimulate the secretion of insulin, the
hormone needed to help move sugar from your blood into your cells

DOSAGES OF BILBERRY

Suggested Dosing
Dried Ripe Berries

 20-60 g/day orally

Extract

 20-60 g/day orally

Tea

 1 cup orally; 1 g dried leaf/150 ml water

Topical

 Apply 10% decoction topically as needed; dried berries boiled in water

for decoction

Common side effects of Bilberry include:

 Wasting syndrome (cachexia): weight loss, muscle loss, fatigue,

weakness, loss of appetite
 Anemia
 Yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice)
 Excitation at high doses 

Precautions:

 Bilberry fruit is considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in

foods, or as an extract for 6 months to a year.
 Bilberry leaves may be unsafe when taken orally (by mouth) in high doses or for
long periods of time.
 Little is known about whether it’s safe to use bilberry during pregnancy or while
breastfeeding. (Consuming amounts typically found in foods is considered safe.)
 Bilberry may interact with a cancer drug called erlotinib (Tarceval), antidiabetes
drugs, or medications that slow blood clotting.
 Diagnostic studies

A complete blood cell (CBC) count with differential should be obtained. An adequate
hemoglobin concentration is necessary to ensure oxygen delivery in shock; hemoglobin
should be maintained at a level of 8 g/dL.

Acute-phase reactants and platelets usually increase at the onset of any serious stress.
With persistent sepsis, the platelet count will fall, and disseminated intravascular
coagulation (DIC) may develop.

A metabolic assessment should be performed with measurement of serum electrolytes, including

magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and glucose, at regular intervals. Renal and hepatic function
should be assessed with measurement of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN),
bilirubin, alkaline phosphate, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Increased BUN and creatinine
Indicates impaired kidney function caused by hypoperfusion as a result of severe vasoconstriction

Arterial blood gas testing is indicated.

Respiratory Found in early shock secondary to hyperventilation.

alkalosis

Metabolic acidosis Occurs later in shock when lactate accumulates in blood from anaerobic
metabolism.

Measurement of serum lactate provides an assessment of tissue hypoperfusion.

Elevated serum lactate indicates that significant tissue hypoperfusion exists with the
shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. This signals a worse degree of shock and a
higher mortality.

Liver enzymes
(ALT, AST, ↑ Elevations indicate liver cell destruction in progressive
GGT) stage of shock.
Coagulation status should by assessed by measuring the prothrombin time (PT) and the
activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Patients with clinical evidence of
coagulopathy require additional tests to detect the presence of DIC.

Patients at risk for bacteremia include adults who are febrile with elevated WBC or
neutrophil band counts, elderly patients who are febrile, and patients who are febrile
and neutropenic. These populations have a 20-30% incidence of bacteremia. The
incidence of bacteremia is at least 50% in patients with sepsis and evidence of end-
organ dysfunction.

A urinalysis and a urine culture should be ordered for every patient who is in a septic
state. Urinary infection is a common source of sepsis, especially in elderly individuals.
Adults who are febrile without localizing symptoms or signs have a 10-15% incidence of
occult urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other Diagnostic and Supportive Procedures

Procedures such as cardiac monitoring, noninvasive blood pressure
monitoring, and pulse oximetry are necessary because patients often require
admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) for invasive monitoring and support.
Supplemental oxygen is provided during initial stabilization and resuscitation.
.