Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Related Terms

Alpine cranberry, anthocyanin, cowberry, cranberry, Ericaceae (family), evergreen, mountain cranberry, periwinkle leaf extracts, red berries, red bilberry, red whortleberry, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Vaccinium vitis-idaea L, Vaccinium vitis-idaea cv. Amberland, Vaccinium vitis-idea.

Background

Lingonberry is a food native to Scandinavia. Lingonberry has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies.
Lingonberry has been used as a food and as a traditional medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and wounds in Sweden.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Cranberry juice is commonly used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections. One clinical trial using a combination of cranberry and lingonberry juice found that this was more effective. Higher quality research comparing lingonberry juice or cranberry-lingonberry juice to cranberry juice alone is needed before a recommendation can be made.

 C


Cranberry juice is commonly used to prevent and treat urinary tract infections. One clinical trial using a combination of cranberry and lingonberry juice found that this was more effective. Higher quality research comparing lingonberry juice or cranberry-lingonberry juice to cranberry juice alone is needed before a recommendation can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for lingonberry supplements in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Extracts from dry red bilberry fruit (Vaccinium vitisidaea L.) may expel or destroy intestinal worms. Use cautiously with medications that expel worms (anthelmintics), due to possible additive effects.
Lingonberry may have antibacterial effects. Use cautiously with antibiotic medications, due to possible additive effects.
Lingonberry may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Lingonberry may have anti-cancer (antineoplastic) effects. Use cautiously in patients taking medications for the prevention or treatment of cancer, due to possible additive effects.
Lingonberry may have antioxidant activity.
Lingonberry may interact with cough suppressant medications; use cautiously.
Aqueous (water) extracts of Vaccinium vitis-idaea berries may have antiviral activity. Use cautiously with antiviral medications, due to possible additive effects.
Vaccinium vitis leaf extract may have negative effects on the reproductive system. Caution is advised in males who are part of couples trying to become pregnant.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Ek S, Kartimo H, Mattila S, et al. Characterization of phenolic compounds from lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). J Agric Food Chem 12-27-2006;54(26):9834-9842.
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Jepson RG, Mihaljevic L, Craig J. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev 2004;(1):CD001321.
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