Is Lingonberry Anti-Inflammatory? Scientific Evidence Explored

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Research consistently shows that lingonberries are a rich source of bioactive compounds like flavonoids and anthocyanins, which possess significant antioxidant properties. Is lingonberry anti-inflammatory? The current scientific consensus points towards its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, largely due to these powerful plant compounds.

Quick Summary

Lingonberries demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects derived from their high concentration of antioxidants and specific phenolic compounds. Studies suggest benefits for reducing markers of inflammation related to metabolic disorders and promoting a healthier gut microbiome.

Key Points

Rich in Antioxidants: Lingonberries are a potent source of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress.
Modulates Gut Microbiota: Animal studies show that lingonberries can promote beneficial gut bacteria and help prevent low-grade inflammation.
Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory Markers: Research indicates that lingonberry extracts can suppress key inflammatory cytokines, like IL-6 and TNF-α.
Evidence from Animal Studies: Numerous rodent studies confirm lingonberry's anti-inflammatory effects related to metabolic disorders, obesity, and gut health.
More Human Research Needed: While preclinical evidence is strong, more large-scale human clinical trials are required to fully establish efficacy.
Nutritional Profile: Lingonberries contain higher levels of certain antioxidants, like anthocyanins, compared to cranberries.

The Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Compounds in Lingonberry

Lingonberries are known for their dense nutritional profile, including a high concentration of polyphenols and other beneficial plant compounds. These compounds are considered the primary source of the berry's anti-inflammatory potential.

Polyphenols, Flavonoids, and Anthocyanins

Polyphenols are plant compounds with high antioxidant activity that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Lingonberries contain flavonoids, a type of polyphenol, which act as potent anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting pro-inflammatory molecules. Studies show that lingonberry polyphenol extracts can suppress cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. The red color of lingonberries comes from anthocyanins, another group of antioxidants and flavonoids that neutralize free radicals. A 2021 study highlighted their effectiveness in alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress linked to obesity.

Quercetin and Resveratrol

Specific anti-inflammatory compounds like quercetin and resveratrol are also found in lingonberries. Quercetin is a flavonoid that may help reduce heart disease risk, while resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant. These compounds contribute to the berry's therapeutic effects against inflammation.

How Lingonberries Fight Inflammation

Lingonberries combat chronic inflammation through several mechanisms.

Inhibiting Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines

Studies suggest that lingonberry extracts can directly inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. By downregulating inflammatory genes, lingonberries may help modulate the body's inflammatory response.

Modulating the Gut Microbiota

The gut microbiome plays a role in inflammation. Studies in mice indicate that lingonberry supplementation can positively alter gut bacteria composition. This may help protect against low-grade inflammation and metabolic issues by promoting beneficial bacteria and reinforcing the gut barrier.

Reducing Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress contributes to chronic inflammation. Lingonberries, with their high antioxidant capacity, effectively reduce free radicals and help resolve inflammation. Research shows that supplementation can increase antioxidant enzyme activity and reduce markers of oxidative damage.

Scientific Evidence Supporting the Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The anti-inflammatory benefits of lingonberries are supported by preclinical studies.

Animal Studies

A 2020 mouse study on diet-induced obesity found that lingonberry supplementation prevented metabolic and inflammatory changes, reducing levels of pro-inflammatory markers.
A 2016 mouse study with a high-fat diet found that lingonberries prevented low-grade inflammation and improved gut microbiota.
Studies also show that lingonberry extract can protect against kidney inflammation and oxidative damage in rats.

Human Clinical Trials

Human studies are more limited but show promising initial results. Some studies have indicated reduced postprandial glucose and insulin spikes, linked to low-grade inflammation. Fermented lingonberry juice has shown anti-inflammatory effects in the mouth. More large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these effects. For more information on one such study, refer to "Oral Anti-Inflammatory and Symbiotic Effects of Fermented Lingonberry Juice" on MDPI.com.

Lingonberry vs. Cranberry: An Anti-Inflammatory Comparison


Feature	Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)	Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Primary Anti-inflammatory Compounds	Rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins (especially A-type).	High in proanthocyanidins (PACs), but a different profile than lingonberry.
Antioxidant Concentration	Contains higher levels of certain antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins.	Also high in antioxidants, including Vitamins A and C, but may be slightly lower in certain anthocyanins.
Targeted Inflammation	Evidence points to broader anti-inflammatory effects, particularly for metabolic and gut-related inflammation.	Most well-known for anti-inflammatory effects on the urinary tract due to specific PACs.
Flavor Profile	Tart, but with a sweeter and less bitter finish than cranberries.	Distinctly more tart and bitter.

How to Incorporate Lingonberries into an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Adding lingonberries to your diet can support anti-inflammatory processes.

Add to Oatmeal or Cereal: Incorporate fresh, frozen, or powdered lingonberries into your breakfast.
Blend into Smoothies: Add frozen lingonberries to smoothies.
Make a Sauce: Prepare a low-sugar lingonberry sauce.
Use in Baked Goods: Add berries to muffins or other baked items.
Mix into Yogurt or Salad: Sprinkle fresh or dried lingonberries over yogurt or salads.
Infuse in Drinks: Use lingonberry juice or berries for tea or spritzers.

Conclusion: Is Lingonberry Anti-Inflammatory?

Based on preclinical evidence, lingonberries possess notable anti-inflammatory properties due to compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These work by reducing oxidative stress and modulating inflammation pathways and gut bacteria. While animal and in vitro studies support these benefits, more extensive human trials are needed. Incorporating lingonberries into your diet is a safe and healthy way to potentially gain anti-inflammatory benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main anti-inflammatory compounds in lingonberries are polyphenols and flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, which are responsible for their red color and powerful antioxidant effects.

Both lingonberries and cranberries offer anti-inflammatory benefits, but their compound profiles differ. Lingonberries have higher concentrations of certain antioxidants, while cranberries are particularly known for their effects on urinary tract health due to a specific type of proanthocyanidin.

Scientific studies, primarily in animals and test tubes, suggest lingonberries may help with low-grade inflammation associated with metabolic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as gut-related inflammation.

Lingonberries can be easily added to your diet. Use them fresh, frozen, or powdered in smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, and sauces. Be mindful of added sugars in processed products like jams.

Adverse reactions to lingonberries are rare, with few reported allergy cases. However, as with any food, moderation is key. When consuming processed products, check for added sugars.

Yes, lingonberries can benefit gut health. They contain prebiotic fiber that helps feed beneficial bacteria and have been shown in animal studies to positively alter gut microbiota composition and reduce inflammation.

Opt for unsweetened forms like fresh, frozen, or powdered lingonberries. Drying the berries can concentrate their antioxidants. Avoid high-sugar products, as excess sugar can promote inflammation.