Bilberry fruit extract

A new star in the field of botanical skin protection.

Recently, the field of skin protection has shown a considerable interest in the use of botanicals. 

Bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus) contains several polyphenols and anthocyanins with many pharmacological properties. A recent study (3) demonstrated a powerful reduction of UVB-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity at low doses.

V. myrtillus extract also significantly reduced UVB-induced lipid peroxidation. With UVA-induced damage, V. myrtillus reduced genotoxicity as well as the imbalance of the redox intracellular status. Moreover, the extract reduced the UVA-induced apoptosis, 

Bilberry fruit extract has powerful free radical scavenging properties, reducing oxidative stress and apoptotic markers, especially in UVA-irradiated cells.

As study (1) shows, it has also powerful antimicrobial effect.

Bilberry anthocyanins exhibit an anti-pruritic (anti-itching) effect. (2)

Further scientifically relevant research regarding Bilberry fruit extract:  

1. antimicrobial, antioxidant: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19702172

2. antipruritus (skin itching): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23164040

3. UV-damage protection: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24577051