Arándano, Bleuet, Bleuet des Champs, Bleuet des Montagnes, Bleuets, Blueberries, Highbush Blueberry, Hillside Blueberry, Lowbush Blueberry, Myrtille, Rabbiteye Blueberry, Vaccinium altomontanum, Vaccinium amoenum, Vaccinium angustifolium, Vaccinium ashei, Vaccinium brittonii, Vaccinium constablaei, Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium lamarckii, Vaccinium pallidum, Vaccinium pensylvanicum, Vaccinium vacillans, Vaccinium virgatum.
Blueberry is a plant. People use the fruit and leaves to make medicine.
Be careful not to confuse blueberry with bilberry. Outside of the United States, the name “blueberry” may be used for a plant called “bilberry” in the U.S.
Blueberry is used for preventing cataracts and glaucoma and for treating ulcers, urinary tract infections (UTIs), multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), colic, fever, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. Blueberry is also used for improving circulation, and as a laxative.
Some women use blueberry for labor pains and as a tonic after miscarriage.
The dried fruit and leaves are used for diarrhea.
Tea made from the dried leaves is used for sore throat and swelling (inflammation) of the mouth or the skin lining the throat.
Health providers have used blueberry juice as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Contrast agents make it possible for radiologists to see and interpret the images.
Some people inhale the fumes of burning dried blueberry flowers for treatment of insanity.
How does it work?
Blueberry, like its relative the cranberry, might help prevent bladder infections by stopping bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder. Blueberry fruit is high in fiber which could help normal digestive function. It also contains vitamin C and other antioxidants.
QUESTION
Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See AnswerInsufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Diabetes. Early research suggests that taking a specific product containing blueberry leaf extract (Blueberin) three times daily for 4 weeks can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Also, taking a combination of blueberry and sea buckthorn appears to lower levels of hemoglobin A1c, a measurement of average blood sugar levels, in children with type 1 diabetes.
- Preventing cataracts and glaucoma.
- Ulcers.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Varicose veins.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Bad circulation.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Labor pains.
- Other conditions.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowDiabetes: Blueberry might lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use blueberry products. The dose of your diabetes medications may need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.
Surgery: Blueberry might affect blood glucose levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using blueberry at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)Interaction Rating: Minor Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Blueberry leaves might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking blueberry leaves along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
The appropriate dose of blueberry depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for blueberry. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Abidov, M., Ramazanov, A., Jimenez Del, Rio M., and Chkhikvishvili, I. Effect of Blueberin on fasting glucose, C-reactive protein and plasma aminotransferases, in female volunteers with diabetes type 2: double-blind, placebo controlled clinical study. Georgian.Med News 2006;(141):66-72. View abstract.
Andres-Lacueva, C., Shukitt-Hale, B., Galli, R. L., Jauregui, O., Lamuela-Raventos, R. M., and Joseph, J. A. Anthocyanins in aged blueberry-fed rats are found centrally and may enhance memory. Nutr Neurosci. 2005;8(2):111-120. View abstract.
Aziz, R. M., Nines, R., Rodrigo, K., Harris, K., and Stoner, G. D. The effect of freeze-dried blueberries on N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine tumorigenesis in the rat esophagus. Pharmaceutical Biology 2002;40:43-49.
Bagchi, D., Sen, C. K., Bagchi, M., and Atalay, M. Anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties of a novel anthocyanin-rich berry extract formula. Biochemistry (Mosc.) 2004;69(1):75-80, 1. View abstract.
Beck, J. A., Matulaitis, R. M., and Sapers, G. M. Detection of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in the skin of blueberry and cranberry fruits. Journal of Food Science 1987;52(1):155.
Blomhoff, R. [Antioxidants and oxidative stress]. Tidsskr.Nor Laegeforen. 6-17-2004;124(12):1643-1645. View abstract.
Casadesus, G., Shukitt-Hale, B., Stellwagen, H. M., Zhu, X., Lee, H. G., Smith, M. A., and Joseph, J. A. Modulation of hippocampal plasticity and cognitive behavior by short-term blueberry supplementation in aged rats. Nutr Neurosci. 2004;7(5-6):309-316. View abstract.
Cloutier, N. R., Dave, N. K., and Lim, T. P. Ra-226 concentrations in blueberries Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. near an inactive uranium tailings site in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada. Environmental Pollution Series B: Chemical & Physical 1985;10(4):301.
Devareddy, L., Hooshmand, S., Collins, J. K., Lucas, E. A., Chai, S. C., and Arjmandi, B. H. Blueberry prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. J Nutr Biochem 2008;19(10):694-699. View abstract.
Dhanaraj, A. L., Alkharouf, N. W., Beard, H. S., Chouikha, I. B., Matthews, B. F., Wei, H., Arora, R., and Rowland, L. J. Major differences observed in transcript profiles of blueberry during cold acclimation under field and cold room conditions. Planta 2007;225(3):735-751. View abstract.
Goyarzu, P., Malin, D. H., Lau, F. C., Taglialatela, G., Moon, W. D., Jennings, R., Moy, E., Moy, D., Lippold, S., Shukitt-Hale, B., and Joseph, J. A. Blueberry supplemented diet: effects on object recognition memory and nuclear factor-kappa B levels in aged rats. Nutr Neurosci. 2004;7(2):75-83. View abstract.
Harris, C. S., Burt, A. J., Saleem, A., Le, P. M., Martineau, L. C., Haddad, P. S., Bennett, S. A., and Arnason, J. T. A single HPLC-PAD-APCI/MS method for the quantitative comparison of phenolic compounds found in leaf, stem, root and fruit extracts of Vaccinium angustifolium. Phytochem.Anal 2007;18(2):161-169. View abstract.
Huang, C., Zhang, D., Li, J., Tong, Q., and Stoner, G. D. Differential inhibition of UV-induced activation of NF kappa B and AP-1 by extracts from black raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Nutr Cancer 2007;58(2):205-212. View abstract.
Joseph, J. A., Denisova, N. A., Arendash, G., Gordon, M., Diamond, D., Shukitt-Hale, B., and Morgan, D. Blueberry supplementation enhances signaling and prevents behavioral deficits in an Alzheimer disease model. Nutr Neurosci. 2003;6(3):153-162. View abstract.
Joseph, J. A., Neuman, A., Bielinski, D. F., and Fisher, D. R. Blueberry antagonism of C-2 ceramide disruption of Ca2+ responses and recovery in MAChR-transfected COS-7 cell. J Alzheimers.Dis 2008;15(3):429-441. View abstract.
Joseph, J. A., Shukitt-Hale, B., and Casadesus, G. Reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal communication and behavior: beneficial properties of fruit polyphenolic compounds. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81(1 Suppl):313S-316S. View abstract.
Kalt, W., Blumberg, J. B., McDonald, J. E., Vinqvist-Tymchuk, M. R., Fillmore, S. A., Graf, B. A., O'Leary, J. M., and Milbury, P. E. Identification of anthocyanins in the liver, eye, and brain of blueberry-fed pigs. J Agric.Food Chem 2-13-2008;56(3):705-712. View abstract.
Karantanas, A. H., Papanikolaou, N., Kalef-Ezra, J., Challa, A., and Gourtsoyiannis, N. Blueberry juice used per os in upper abdominal MR imaging: composition and initial clinical data. Eur.Radiol. 2000;10(6):909-913. View abstract.
Kay, C. D. and Holub, B. J. The effect of wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) consumption on postprandial serum antioxidant status in human subjects. Br.J.Nutr. 2002;88(4):389-398. View abstract.
Kornman, K., Rogus, J., Roh-Schmidt, H., Krempin, D., Davies, A. J., Grann, K., and Randolph, R. K. Interleukin-1 genotype-selective inhibition of inflammatory mediators by a botanical: a nutrigenetics proof of concept. Nutrition 2007;23(11-12):844-852. View abstract.
Levi, A., Panta, G., Parmentier, C., Muthalif, M., Arora, R., Shanker, S., and Rowland, L. Complementary DNA cloning, sequencing and expression of an unusual dehydrin from blueberry floral buds. Physiologia Plantarum 1999;107(1):98-109.
Martineau, L. C., Couture, A., Spoor, D., Benhaddou-Andaloussi, A., Harris, C., Meddah, B., Leduc, C., Burt, A., Vuong, T., Mai, Le P., Prentki, M., Bennett, S. A., Arnason, J. T., and Haddad, P. S. Anti-diabetic properties of the Canadian lowbush blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(9-10):612-623. View abstract.
Matchett, M. D., MacKinnon, S. L., Sweeney, M. I., Gottschall-Pass, K. T., and Hurta, R. A. Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase activity in DU145 human prostate cancer cells by flavonoids from lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium): possible roles for protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein-kinase-mediated events. J Nutr Biochem 2006;17(2):117-125. View abstract.
McDougall, G. J., Shpiro, F., Dobson, P., Smith, P., Blake, A., and Stewart, D. Different polyphenolic components of soft fruits inhibit alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. J Agric.Food Chem 4-6-2005;53(7):2760-2766. View abstract.
McGuire, S. O., Sortwell, C. E., Shukitt-Hale, B., Joseph, J. A., Hejna, M. J., and Collier, T. J. Dietary supplementation with blueberry extract improves survival of transplanted dopamine neurons. Nutr Neurosci. 2006;9(5-6):251-258. View abstract.
McIntyre, K. L., Harris, C. S., Saleem, A., Beaulieu, L. P., Ta, C. A., Haddad, P. S., and Arnason, J. T. Seasonal phytochemical variation of anti-glycation principles in lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium). Planta Med 2009;75(3):286-292. View abstract.
Nemes-Nagy, E., Szocs-Molnar, T., Dunca, I., Balogh-Samarghitan, V., Hobai, S., Morar, R., Pusta, D. L., and Craciun, E. C. Effect of a dietary supplement containing blueberry and sea buckthorn concentrate on antioxidant capacity in type 1 diabetic children. Acta Physiol Hung. 2008;95(4):383-393. View abstract.
Neto, C. C. Cranberry and blueberry: evidence for protective effects against cancer and vascular diseases. Mol.Nutr Food Res 2007;51(6):652-664. View abstract.
Ono, M., Masuoka, C., Koto, M., Tateishi, M., Komatsu, H., Kobayashi, H., Igoshi, K., Ito, Y., Okawa, M., and Nohara, T. Antioxidant ortho-benzoyloxyphenyl acetic acid ester, vaccihein A, from the fruit of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei). Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2002;50(10):1416-1417. View abstract.
Pan, M. H., Chang, Y. H., Badmaev, V., Nagabhushanam, K., and Ho, C. T. Pterostilbene induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human gastric carcinoma cells. J Agric.Food Chem 9-19-2007;55(19):7777-7785. View abstract.
Parry, J., Su, L., Luther, M., Zhou, K., Yurawecz, M. P., Whittaker, P., and Yu, L. Fatty acid composition and antioxidant properties of cold-pressed marionberry, boysenberry, red raspberry, and blueberry seed oils. J Agric.Food Chem 2-9-2005;53(3):566-573. View abstract.
Prior, R. L., Gu, L., Wu, X., Jacob, R. A., Sotoudeh, G., Kader, A. A., and Cook, R. A. Plasma antioxidant capacity changes following a meal as a measure of the ability of a food to alter in vivo antioxidant status. J Am Coll Nutr 2007;26(2):170-181. View abstract.
Puupponen-Pimia, R., Nohynek, L., Hartmann-Schmidlin, S., Kahkonen, M., Heinonen, M., Maatta-Riihinen, K., and Oksman-Caldentey, K. M. Berry phenolics selectively inhibit the growth of intestinal pathogens. J Appl Microbiol. 2005;98(4):991-1000. View abstract.
Rimando, A. M., Kalt, W., Magee, J. B., Dewey, J., and Ballington, J. R. Resveratrol, pterostilbene, and piceatannol in vaccinium berries. J Agric Food Chem 7-28-2004;52(15):4713-4719. View abstract.
Rimando, A. M., Nagmani, R., Feller, D. R., and Yokoyama, W. Pterostilbene, a new agonist for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha-isoform, lowers plasma lipoproteins and cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. J Agric.Food Chem 5-4-2005;53(9):3403-3407. View abstract.
Seeram, N. P., Adams, L. S., Zhang, Y., Lee, R., Sand, D., Scheuller, H. S., and Heber, D. Blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, red raspberry, and strawberry extracts inhibit growth and stimulate apoptosis of human cancer cells in vitro. J Agric.Food Chem 12-13-2006;54(25):9329-9339. View abstract.
Shukitt-Hale, B., Lau, F. C., Carey, A. N., Galli, R. L., Spangler, E. L., Ingram, D. K., and Joseph, J. A. Blueberry polyphenols attenuate kainic acid-induced decrements in cognition and alter inflammatory gene expression in rat hippocampus. Nutr Neurosci. 2008;11(4):172-182. View abstract.
Srivastava, A., Akoh, C. C., Fischer, J., and Krewer, G. Effect of anthocyanin fractions from selected cultivars of Georgia-grown blueberries on apoptosis and phase II enzymes. J Agric.Food Chem 4-18-2007;55(8):3180-3185. View abstract.
Suh, N., Paul, S., Hao, X., Simi, B., Xiao, H., Rimando, A. M., and Reddy, B. S. Pterostilbene, an active constituent of blueberries, suppresses aberrant crypt foci formation in the azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis model in rats. Clin Cancer Res 1-1-2007;13(1):350-355. View abstract.
Sundaram, K. M. S., Boyonoski, N., Cadogan, B. L., and Wing, R. W. Simultaneous determination of fenitrothion and aminocarb in blueberry foliage and fruits: application to the analysis of residues in field samples. Journal of Environmental Science & Health, Part B -- Pesticides, Food Contaminants, & Agricultural Wastes 1987;B22(5):565.
Sweeney, M. I., Kalt, W., MacKinnon, S. L., Ashby, J., and Gottschall-Pass, K. T. Feeding rats diets enriched in lowbush blueberries for six weeks decreases ischemia-induced brain damage. Nutr Neurosci. 2002;5(6):427-431. View abstract.
Tonstad, S., Klemsdal, T. O., Landaas, S., and Hoieggen, A. No effect of increased water intake on blood viscosity and cardiovascular risk factors. Br J Nutr 2006;96(6):993-996. View abstract.
Torri, E., Lemos, M., Caliari, V., Kassuya, C. A., Bastos, J. K., and Andrade, S. F. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of blueberry extract (Vaccinium corymbosum). J Pharm Pharmacol 2007;59(4):591-596. View abstract.
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Vuong, T., Martineau, L. C., Ramassamy, C., Matar, C., and Haddad, P. S. Fermented Canadian lowbush blueberry juice stimulates glucose uptake and AMP-activated protein kinase in insulin-sensitive cultured muscle cells and adipocytes. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2007;85(9):956-965. View abstract.
Wang, S. Y., Chen, C. T., Sciarappa, W., Wang, C. Y., and Camp, M. J. Fruit quality, antioxidant capacity, and flavonoid content of organically and conventionally grown blueberries. J Agric.Food Chem 7-23-2008;56(14):5788-5794. View abstract.
Wilms, L. C., Boots, A. W., de Boer, V. C., Maas, L. M., Pachen, D. M., Gottschalk, R. W., Ketelslegers, H. B., Godschalk, R. W., Haenen, G. R., van Schooten, F. J., and Kleinjans, J. C. Impact of multiple genetic polymorphisms on effects of a 4-week blueberry juice intervention on ex vivo induced lymphocytic DNA damage in human volunteers. Carcinogenesis 2007;28(8):1800-1806. View abstract.
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