Ingredient supplier Tokiwa reports that a recently-issued U.S. patent for improving stiff neck and shoulders, and two published human clinical studies have poised its bilberry extract ingredient, Bilberon, for a role in the eye health market.
 
The patent protects a “composition and method for the prevention and/or improvement of […] stiff neck and shoulder, which contains a bilberry fruit extract.”
 
“As the manufacturer of Bilberon, we’re proud that we have the science and patents to back up our 100% authentic and anthocyanin-rich bilberry ingredient, and we’re pleased that Maypro is our exclusive agent in North America,” said Jin Tatsuzaki, president of Japan’s Tokiwa Phytochemical Co. Ltd.
 
According to Tokiwa, internet use is up 70%, streaming is up over 12%, and the average amount of time spent in front of screens is 7 hours per day in America. LED and blue light from computers, TV, and smartphones increase the production of reactive oxygen species that can cause eye fatigue, blurry vision, and dry eye. This prolonged screen time is also associated with stiff neck and shoulders.
 
In two published clinical studies in Japanese Pharmacology and Therapeutics, which were published in 2016 and 2017, healthy adults with eye fatigue received either 120 or 160 mg of Bilberon daily for six weeks. In both studies, there were improvements in eye fatigue, eye dryness, and eye focus. The 2017 study, specifically, revealed that those who received the Bilberon ingredient experienced improvements in neck and shoulder stiffness.
 
The anthocyanin content of the ingredient is thought to be the primary driver in Bilberon’s ability to improve focused vision, reduce eye fatigue, relieve eye dryness, and alleviate neck and shoulder pain.
 
“It’s true that Americans are sitting in front of digital displays more now than ever before – working, streaming, and even gaming. The esports category is proving interesting with manufacturers interested in Bilberon as an ingredient that may help gamers optimize performance,” said Denis Alimonti, director of Maypro’s U.S. Division. “With compelling science, a U.S. patent, and a strong but largely unmet consumer health need, we’ve made sure to ready our supply chain to meet manufacturers’ needs.