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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Anthelmintic (expels worms), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitussive (cough suppressant), antiviral, cancer, expectorant (encourages coughing-up of mucus), food uses, male contraception, periodontal (gum) disease, viral encephalitis (tick-borne), wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for lingonberry supplements in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for lingonberry supplements in children.

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.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Lingonberry is likely safe when used in food amounts.

• Lingonberry may not be safe in male patients in couples who are trying to become pregnant.

• There are few adverse effects associated with lingonberry reported in the available literature. However, one animal study indicates that Vaccinium vitis leaf extract may have adverse effects on the male reproductive system.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Vaccinium vitis leaf extract may have negative effects on fertility. Lingonberry should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Extracts from dry red bilberry fruit (Vaccinium vitisidaea L.) may expel or destroy intestinal worms. Use cautiously with herbs and supplements that expel worms (anthelmintics), due to possible additive effects.

• Lingonberry may have antibacterial effects. Use cautiously with herbs and supplements with antibacterial activity, due to possible additive effects.

• Lingonberry may have anti-inflammatory effects.

• Lingonberry may have anti-cancer (antineoplastic) activity; use cautiously with herbs and supplement used to prevent or treat cancer, due to possible additive effects.

• Lingonberry may have antioxidant activity.

• Lingonberry may interact with herbs and supplements taken as cough suppressants.

• Aqueous (water) extracts of Vaccinium vitis-idaea berries may have antiviral activity. Use cautiously with herbs and supplements with antiviral activity, 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.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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