Press Release

Carol Cheow, CEO of ingredient supplier Cactus Botanics, has announced that the company is now offering European Bilberry powder extract.

Bilberry is a berry abundant with effective antioxidants, including anthocyanins, and it contains higher levels of total antioxidants than any other berry, Cheow noted.  There are three key condition-specific benefits that can be obtained from European Bilberry powder extract:

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (www.umm.edu), bilberry’s active antioxidants are anthocyanosides, which have been shown to help support viability of blood vessels, ensuring healthy circulation throughout the body, including capillaries in eyes. IN related research, bilberry anthocyanosides accelerate production of a pigment in the eyes called rhodopsin (specifically, found in the rods); this pigment helps improve the ability to see in the dark and adapt to changes in light. Some studies have also shown that bilberry extract may help delay cataract development, as well as help support the eyes in cases of retinopathies (along with medical treatments).

Anthocyanosides also have shown the ability to thwart blood platelets from aggregating, an activity that can produce dangerous blood clots. As antioxidants, anthocyanosides help prevent cholesterol from oxidizing, as shown in some in vitro studies.

And, according to the University of Michigan (Michigan Medicine; www.uofmhealth.com), extracts of bilberry that are standardized to 25% anthocyanosides have been studied in people with early-stage diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy, as well as macular degeneration – one trial using 600 mg bilberry extract per day for 30 days showed a reduction in hemorrhagic tendencies in the eyes, along with reports of improved vision. One study using 160 mg of bilberry twice daily for 30 days also reported improvements in blood vessel structure and integrity in those with retinopathies.

“In today’s modern world where our eyes tend to be glued to flat screens (TV, laptop, tablets, phones), eye strain is on the rise,” Cheow explains. “Although there are no studies (yet) with bilberry’s direct effects on computer vision syndrome, adding bilberry extract with anthocyanosides may be worthwhile for vision support supplements aimed at tired/strain eyes.”

Cactus Botanics’ European Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus L.) is available in 100:1 anthocyanins 25% UV and 50:1 anthocyanidins 25% HPLC.

About Cactus Botanics

Botanics is an international expert in botanical extracts. It is US FDA registered; ISO 9001:2008, Kosher/Halal Certified and all its operations are cGMP compliant.  The company's ingredient quality can be assured by both inside labs and reputable third-party labs. Its warehouses in California and in Germany provide convenience. Cactus Botanics adheres to prioritizing Quality, Innovation and Customer Service to ensure customer success.