Phytotherapy

Bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus · Bilberry

Mechanism

The bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, bilberry) contains a high proportion of anthocyanins as well as tannins. The anthocyanins are credited with antioxidant and vessel-supporting properties; traditionally the bilberry is mentioned in connection with the eyes and microcirculation. Dried bilberries additionally have an astringent effect through their tannin content. Controlled equine studies on clinical endpoints are practically not available; the use is based on experiential medicine and transferred from human data.

Cautions

· Dried berries act astringently (tannins) — keep the amount moderate
· Account for the sugar content of fresh berries in EMS/insulin dysregulation

Sources

ESCOPESCOP Monographie Myrtilli fructus (Vaccinium myrtillus)

EMA/HMPC Myrtilli fructusEMA/HMPC — Heidelbeere-Monographie (Vaccinium myrtillus L., fructus)

Equiterna Score

59/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.8/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific; practice about 20-40 g dried berries/animal/day (large horse)

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Bilberry a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Bilberry as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Bilberry allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Bilberry is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Bilberry?

Stated in the profile: product-specific; practice about 20-40 g dried berries/animal/day (large horse). This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Bilberry?

The profile cites: ESCOP and EMA/HMPC Myrtilli fructus.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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