# Viburnum Berry

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/viburnum-berry
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-15
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Berry
**Also Known As:** Viburnum opulus, Guelder rose, European cranberry bush, VOP, Cramp bark

## Overview

Viburnum berry (Viburnum opulus) contains high concentrations of phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, anthocyanins, and procyanidins that demonstrate potent [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) equivalent to 0.77 g Trolox/g ORAC. These bioactive compounds reduce oxidative stress by 15-20% and inhibit glucose uptake in intestinal cells with an IC50 of 50 μg/mL.

## Health Benefits

- **Supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)**: by enhancing circulation and protecting vascular integrity with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s.
- **Fortifies immune resilience**: through its high vitamin C and anthocyanin content.
- **Promotes [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep)**: and eases tension, attributed to its antispasmodic properties.
- **Supports respiratory function**: by soothing airways and reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation).
- **Enhances joint flexibility**: and comfort by modulating inflammatory responses.
- **Contributes to digestive**: balance and regularity with its dietary fiber content.
- **Protects against oxidative**: stress and supports cellular [longevity](/ingredients/condition/longevity) with a rich profile of polyphenols.

## Mechanism of Action

Viburnum berry's phenolic compounds, particularly chlorogenic acid and cyanidin-3-glucoside, decrease glucose and free fatty acid uptake in Caco-2 intestinal cells while inhibiting lipid droplet accumulation. The procyanidins and flavonoids scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), reducing t-BOOH-induced oxidative damage by 15-20% and enhancing DNA repair efficiency by up to 40% against hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, these compounds inhibit key metabolic enzymes including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and PTP-1B, contributing to antidiabetic effects.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Viburnum berry is limited to preclinical in vitro studies with no published human clinical trials available. Laboratory studies using Caco-2 and HT29 cell lines demonstrate that phenolic extracts reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers by 15-20% and inhibit cancer cell proliferation at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The most significant finding shows glucose uptake inhibition with an IC50 value of 50 μg/mL for phenolic-rich juice fractions. While these preliminary results are promising, human clinical trials are essential to confirm therapeutic efficacy and establish appropriate dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

- Dietary Fiber: Supports [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and regularity.
- Vitamin C: Potent [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), supports [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support).
- Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium: Essential minerals for electrolyte balance, muscle function, and [bone health](/ingredients/condition/bone-health).
- Flavonoids and Anthocyanins: Powerful antioxidants, provide [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) benefits.
- Salicylates: Compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Coumarins: Bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and circulatory effects.

## Dosage & Preparation

- Common forms: Dried berries for teas or syrups, or concentrated extract.
- Dosage (Dried Berries): 5–10 grams daily, typically infused into tea or syrup.
- Dosage (Extract): 500–1000 mg daily of extract form.
- Timing: Consumed daily for [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), immune, and muscle-supporting benefits.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Viburnum berry is extremely limited, with no reported studies on drug interactions, contraindications, or adverse effects in humans. Preclinical studies indicate no cytotoxicity to normal cells at therapeutically active doses (IC50 50 μg/mL), with extracts showing no toxicity up to tested concentrations. However, the absence of human safety data means potential interactions with medications, particularly those affecting [glucose metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) or blood clotting, cannot be ruled out. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data, and individuals on diabetes or [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

Scientific studies, including in vitro and animal models, demonstrate Viburnum Berry's significant [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and antispasmodic properties. Research highlights its potential for [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support, [immune modulation](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), and [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep), attributed to its rich content of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and salicylates. Further clinical research is needed to confirm these benefits in human populations.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In European and Native American traditional medicine, Viburnum Berry has been historically brewed into teas and syrups to support circulation, [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep), respiratory health, and [immunity](/ingredients/condition/immune-support). It was specifically valued for menstrual relief, [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) strength, and promoting seasonal wellness. These applications highlight its long-standing use as a versatile botanical remedy.

## Synergistic Combinations

Role: Polyphenol/[antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) base
Intention: Cardio & Circulation | Gut & [Microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)
Primary Pairings: - Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)
- Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the main active compounds in Viburnum berry?

Viburnum berry contains phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid), flavonoids (quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, rutin), procyanidins (procyanidin B2), anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside), and iridoids. These compounds demonstrate antioxidant activity equivalent to 0.77 g Trolox/g ORAC and reduce cellular oxidative stress by 15-20%.

### Is there clinical evidence supporting Viburnum berry benefits?

Currently, no human clinical trials have been published on Viburnum berry. All available evidence comes from preclinical in vitro studies using cell lines like Caco-2 and HT29. While these studies show promising antioxidant and metabolic effects, human trials are needed to confirm therapeutic benefits.

### How does Viburnum berry affect blood sugar levels?

Laboratory studies show Viburnum berry phenolic compounds inhibit glucose and free fatty acid uptake in intestinal cells with an IC50 of 50 μg/mL. The extracts also inhibit key enzymes α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and PTP-1B involved in glucose metabolism. However, human studies are needed to confirm blood sugar effects.

### What is the recommended dosage for Viburnum berry?

No established dosage recommendations exist for Viburnum berry due to the absence of human clinical trials. Preclinical studies used concentrations around 50 μg/mL for active effects, but this cannot be directly translated to human dosing. Healthcare provider consultation is essential before use.

### Can Viburnum berry interact with medications?

Drug interaction data for Viburnum berry is not available from published studies. Given its effects on glucose metabolism and potential antioxidant properties, theoretical interactions with diabetes medications or blood thinners are possible. Individuals taking medications should consult healthcare providers before use.

### Is Viburnum berry safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Viburnum berry has traditional use in supporting uterine health, but pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing, as its antispasmodic properties may affect uterine tone. Limited clinical data exists on safety during breastfeeding, making medical guidance essential before use in these populations.

### What is the difference between Viburnum berry extract and whole berry powder?

Viburnum berry extract is concentrated and standardized for active compounds like anthocyanins, offering higher potency per dose, while whole berry powder provides the full fruit profile with fiber and additional phytonutrients. Extract forms are more suitable for targeted therapeutic effects, whereas powder may be preferred for broad nutritional support and digestive benefits.

### Which populations benefit most from Viburnum berry supplementation?

Individuals with cardiovascular concerns, respiratory sensitivity, or joint stiffness may benefit most from Viburnum berry's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Those seeking immune support during seasonal transitions or with tension-related discomfort may also find value in regular supplementation, though individual response varies.

## References

Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35678924; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620305032; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7638412/

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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