Blueberries Drug Monograph

Student Pharmacist Bardia Asadi Spring 2023

https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/5104-new-studysuggests-blueberries-can-help-with-type-2-diabetes

Class/Family: Vanococcus within the genus Vaccinium

Background/History: Native to North America, blueberries have been a part of life here for 13,000 years.

The history of blueberries: From Native American staple to domesticated superfood. Illinois Extension. Accessed February 21, 2023. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/garden-scoop/2019-0119-history-blueberries-native-american-staple-domesticatedsuperfood#:~:text=Blueberries%20are%20native%20to%20our,human%20inhabitants%20on%20our %20continent.

Proported Uses

Lower risk of heart disease

Lower risk of cancer

Antioxidants

Improve Cholesterol

Reduce High blood pressure

Anti-Inflammatory

GLUT-2 and PPAR expression are both increased by blueberry extract, which also inhibits the inflammatory process and decreases blood sugar.

Can be in capsule form but, this primarily focuses on natural produce from a grocery store

1/2 cup or 74 grams is the typical serving size for natural blueberries, 100mg of blueberry capsules

Always consult a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Effects

Blueberries can benefit heart health, bone strength, skin health, blood pressure, diabetes control, cancer prevention, and mental wellness, with positive effects taking 4-6 weeks of regular dietary use.

Safety/Warnings:If you are expecting or nursing, keep your food intake normal Blueberries may help diabetics with their blood sugar levels If you have diabetes and consume blueberry products, be alert for symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and closely monitor your blood sugar levels

Adverse effects: Blueberry whole fruit, juice, and powders are frequently ingested by mouth Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation after consuming beverages containing freeze-dried blueberries

Interactions with food and or drugs

BLUEBERRY interacts with diabetic medications (antidiabetes medicines). Blood sugar levels may be lowered by blueberry fruit. When used with diabetes treatments, blueberries may cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Keep a watchful eye on your blood sugar.

Blueberry - Uses, Side Effects, And More WebMD Accessed February 21, 2023 https://www webmd com/vitamins/ai/ingredien tmono-1013/blueberry

My Professional opinion as a pharmacy student, Is I think that adding blueberries to a healthy diet may have a number of advantages, such as improving heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Antioxidant-rich blueberries may also help defend the body against harm from free radicals. A healthy diet can benefit greatly from the addition of blueberries, but they shouldn't take the place of other necessary foods.

Summary of article: According to this article, blueberries are full of antioxidants that can help shield the body from the harm that free radicals can do. Due to their high antioxidant content, blueberries may enhance heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation. Furthermore a rich source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K are blueberries. Blueberries should not be relied upon as the only source of nutrients; nevertheless, they may offer potential health advantages when consumed as part of a balanced diet.