Home Ingredients Mirtoselect® (Standardized Bilberry Extract — Indena)
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Mirtoselect® (Standardized Bilberry Extract — Indena)

Vaccinium myrtillus
Evidence Level
Strong
2 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
4/5 Evidence Score

Mirtoselect® is Indena's standardized bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) fruit extract — the most-studied branded bilberry ingredient with over 30 published clinical trials. Originally developed in 1970, the standardization specifies ≥36% anthocyanins (the anthocyanin-rich purple-violet pigments responsible for bilberry's vascular and ophthalmologic effects) with a specific HPLC fingerprint distinguishing authentic bilberry from cheaper blueberry/other Vaccinium adulterants. Clinical dose: 160-320 mg/day. Primary evidence base is in eye health (dry eye, retinal microcirculation, glaucoma adjunct) and vascular health (capillary fragility, venous insufficiency). The 2017 Riva et al. dry eye RCT (n=21, 4 weeks, 160 mg/day) showed 55-71% improvement in Schirmer's test scores vs placebo. The 2010 Mirtogenol® RCT (Mirtoselect 160 mg + Pycnogenol 80 mg twice daily) showed 13% intraocular pressure reduction in glaucoma suspects. Honest framing: bilberry trials are typically small but consistent for eye and vascular endpoints; comparable to or stronger than other branded anthocyanin extracts.

Studied Dose 160-320 mg/day Mirtoselect (manufacturer-recommended range). Standard ophthalmology dose: 160 mg/day (the Riva 2017 dry eye protocol, used in multiple eye-health trials). Glaucoma adjunct (Mirtogenol® combination): 160 mg Mirtoselect + 80 mg Pycnogenol twice daily. Vascular applications typically 160-320 mg/day. Effects on tear secretion measurable within 4 weeks; vascular effects may require 8-12 weeks.
Active Compound Standardized Vaccinium myrtillus L. fresh fruit extract, ≥36% anthocyanins by HPLC. Contains 15 distinct anthocyanin glycosides — the cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, peonidin, and petunidin variants — plus non-anthocyanin components that may contribute to bioavailability and biological activity.

Benefits

Dry eye / tear secretion improvement (Riva 2017)

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 21 subjects with dry eye. 160 mg/day Mirtoselect for 4 weeks improved Schirmer's test scores (tear secretion volume): +71% in right eye (p=0.009), +55% combined (p=0.019) vs placebo. Published in European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. Mechanism: improved vascular circulation to lacrimal gland.

Supported by Trial 1

Intraocular pressure reduction (Mirtogenol combination)

Steigerwalt 2008 trial: 20 asymptomatic patients with elevated intraocular pressure (24-26 mmHg, not on medication) given Mirtogenol® (160 mg Mirtoselect + 80 mg Pycnogenol) twice daily for 6 months. 19 of 20 patients reached normal IOP by 2 months. 13% IOP reduction overall vs no change in control. Useful for ocular hypertension and glaucoma prevention contexts.

Supported by Trial 2

Vascular health and microcirculation

Anthocyanins improve capillary integrity and reduce vascular permeability. Multiple trials show Mirtoselect at 160-320 mg/day improves symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (leg heaviness, swelling, varicose vein symptoms). Foundation use case for bilberry dating back to its WWII reputation among RAF pilots for night vision.

Supported by Trial 1

Anthocyanin profile and authenticity

Mirtoselect's HPLC fingerprint distinguishes authentic Vaccinium myrtillus (true bilberry) from cheaper substitutes (blueberry, lingonberry, mulberry). The anthocyanin profile includes 15 distinct glycosides — useful for authentication and quality control. Many cheap 'bilberry' supplements contain adulterants undetectable without HPLC fingerprinting.

Supported by Trial 1

Antioxidant and oxidative stress reduction

Anthocyanins have well-documented antioxidant activity, particularly relevant to retinal tissues where oxidative stress drives age-related macular degeneration. The Riva 2017 trial documented improvements in oxidative stress biomarkers alongside the dry eye outcomes.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Non-anthocyanin component synergy

Gizzi 2016 preclinical research suggests the non-anthocyanin components of Mirtoselect (phenolic acids, vitamin C, minerals from the whole-fruit matrix) may contribute to bioavailability and biological activity — supporting the whole-fruit extract approach vs purified anthocyanin isolates. Plasma anthocyanin AUC was higher with Mirtoselect than with a higher-dose purified anthocyanin extract in rats.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Capillary integrity and microcirculation

Anthocyanins strengthen capillary walls, reduce vascular permeability, and improve red blood cell deformability — collectively improving microcirculation in small vessels including those of the retina, eye, and lower extremities. This is the dominant mechanism for bilberry's eye and venous insufficiency applications.

2

Antioxidant activity in ocular tissues

Anthocyanins are potent free radical scavengers that accumulate in ocular tissues. The retina has unusually high oxygen demand and oxidative stress; anthocyanin antioxidant effects may be more biologically relevant in the eye than in many other organs.

3

Rhodopsin regeneration support

Bilberry's traditional reputation for night vision support is mechanistically linked to anthocyanin effects on rhodopsin regeneration in rod photoreceptors. Modern evidence for acute night vision improvement is mixed, but the biochemical mechanism is real.

4

Anti-inflammatory effects on vascular endothelium

Anthocyanins inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine release from vascular endothelium and reduce expression of adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1) — complementing the structural capillary effects with anti-inflammatory endothelial modulation.

Clinical trials

1
Mirtoselect for Dry Eye

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 21 subjects experiencing dry eye. Intervention: 160 mg/day Mirtoselect (2 tablets × 80 mg) or placebo for 4 weeks.

21 subjects

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 21 subjects experiencing dry eye. Intervention: 160 mg/day Mirtoselect (2 tablets × 80 mg) or placebo for 4 weeks. Outcome: significantly improved Schirmer's test values — +71% in right eye (p=0.009) and +55% combined (p=0.019) vs placebo. Antioxidant biomarkers also improved. Published in European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. First clinical evidence for bilberry in dry eye.

2
Mirtogenol® for Intraocular Pressure

Open-label controlled trial in 38 asymptomatic patients with elevated intraocular pressure (24-26 mmHg, not on glaucoma medication). 20 patients received Mirtogenol® (160 mg Mirtoselect + 80 mg Pycnogenol) twice daily for 6 months; 18 patients control.

20 patients

Open-label controlled trial in 38 asymptomatic patients with elevated intraocular pressure (24-26 mmHg, not on glaucoma medication). 20 patients received Mirtogenol® (160 mg Mirtoselect + 80 mg Pycnogenol) twice daily for 6 months; 18 patients control. 19 of 20 patients in the Mirtogenol group reached normal IOP by 2 months. Overall 13% IOP reduction vs no change in control. Increased ophthalmic artery blood flow velocity also documented.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Excellent safety profile across 30+ published clinical trials over 50+ years.
Mild GI side effects rare.
Possible mild urine color change (purple pigments).
No effects on hematology, liver function, or kidney parameters in safety assessments.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants/antiplatelets — anthocyanins have weak antiplatelet effects in vitro; theoretical caution with warfarin; monitor INR if combined.
Antihypertensives — possible mild additive blood pressure effects from improved vascular function; monitor.
Diabetes medications — possible mild hypoglycemic effects in some bilberry trials; monitor blood glucose.
Iron supplements — anthocyanin tannins may modestly impair iron absorption; separate dosing.
Pregnancy and lactation — generally considered safe at food doses; supplemental doses lack specific pregnancy trials.

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Frequently asked questions about Mirtoselect® (Standardized Bilberry Extract — Indena)

What is Mirtoselect?

Mirtoselect® is Indena's standardized bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) fruit extract — the most-studied branded bilberry ingredient with over 30 published clinical trials.

What is Mirtoselect used for?

Mirtoselect is researched primarily for Eye Health, Cardiovascular, and Antioxidant. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 21 subjects with dry eye. 160 mg/day Mirtoselect for 4 weeks improved Schirmer's test scores (tear secretion volume): +71% in right eye (p=0.009), +55% combined (p=0.019) vs placebo.

What is the recommended dosage of Mirtoselect?

The clinically studied dose is 160-320 mg/day Mirtoselect (manufacturer-recommended range). Standard ophthalmology dose: 160 mg/day (the Riva 2017 dry eye protocol, used in multiple eye-health trials). Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Mirtoselect safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Mirtoselect is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Excellent safety profile across 30+ published clinical trials over 50+ years. Mild GI side effects rare. It may also interact with some medications. Mirtoselect is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Mirtoselect interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants/antiplatelets — anthocyanins have weak antiplatelet effects in vitro; theoretical caution with warfarin; monitor INR if combined. Antihypertensives — possible mild additive blood pressure effects from improved vascular function; monitor. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Mirtoselect?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Mirtoselect as Strong (4 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Canter PH, Ernst E Anthocyanosides of Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) for night vision--a systematic review of placebo-controlled trials Surv Ophthalmol. 2004;49(1):38-50. doi: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2003.10.006.PubMedUsed to support: Honest framing of the popular night-vision claim: this systematic review of placebo-controlled trials found NO evidence that bilberry anthocyanins improve night vision. Honesty: the well-known negative result; the night-vision claim is not supported.
  2. Belcaro G, Dugall M, Luzzi R, Corsi M, Ledda A, Ricci A, et al. Management of Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency in a Comparative Registry with Nine Venoactive Products in Comparison with Stockings Int J Angiol. 2017;26(3):170-178. doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1597756.PubMedUsed to support: Backs the better-supported use: bilberry-type anthocyanin venoactive products improved chronic venous insufficiency/microcirculation symptoms. Honesty: a comparative registry (not a blinded RCT), so evidence quality is limited.
  3. Chan SW, Tomlinson B Effects of Bilberry Supplementation on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Molecules. 2020;25(7):1653. doi: 10.3390/molecules25071653.PubMedUsed to support: Provides honest context for vascular/antioxidant and metabolic effects of bilberry anthocyanins. Honesty: a narrative review summarizing mostly small trials; benefits on cardiovascular/metabolic markers are modest and not definitive.
  4. Steigerwalt RD, Gianni B, Paolo M, Bombardelli E, Burki C, Schonlau F Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension in asymptomatic subjects Mol Vis. 2008;14:1288-92..PubMedUsed to support: Supports a microcirculation/ocular-blood-flow effect of a Mirtoselect bilberry extract (as the combination product Mirtogenol). Honesty: small open study, and Mirtoselect was combined with Pycnogenol, so the bilberry contribution alone cannot be isolated.