October 16th, 2007

Bilberry Extracts – see the difference
A new study highlights the need to set common high quality standards
for the preparation and analysis of bilberry extracts

Milan, October 16th, 2007 – A study led by Indena researchers and recently published in the Journal of AOAC International [90 (4):911-9] has measured the quality of products containing bilberry extracts on the market. Its purpose was to reveal differences between the various brands in terms of identity, conformity, dosages and labelling. The results were disappointing.
Forty preparations containing bilberry extract, marketed under 24 different brands, were bought in the US, Italy, Japan and Malaysia and analyzed with a validated HPLC method to establish their content in anthocyanins (anthocyanosides). Anthocyanins, the poliphenols responsible for the beneficial proprieties of bilberry extract, are useful in the prevention and treatment of conditions associated with fragility of blood vessels and eye health.
The HPLC fingerprint of 25% of the products revealed a profile different from the authentic bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus, L.) extract; 10% of the products examined did not even contain the active principle anthocyanin, and only 15% of the preparations examined were found to possess a sufficient quantity of anthocyanin proven to be effective in clinical trials. 
It also emerged from the analysis that only 65% of products sold in the United States contained ingredients that matched what was declared on the label.

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