What Is the Benefit of Myrtle Berries?

January 14, 2026 •

4 min read

Research has consistently demonstrated that extracts from myrtle berries possess powerful antioxidant activity, making them a significant source of natural, health-supporting compounds. Exploring the diverse chemical composition reveals what is the benefit of myrtle berries, uncovering their potential for anti-inflammatory effects and other therapeutic applications rooted in traditional and modern practices.

Quick Summary

Myrtle berries offer powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting gastrointestinal health, respiratory function, and skin care. The fruit's rich phytonutrient profile, including anthocyanins and ellagitannins, also lends itself to culinary uses and historical remedies.

Key Points

Powerful Antioxidant Source: Myrtle berries are rich in compounds like anthocyanins and flavonoids that combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
Significant Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The berries contain specific bioactive compounds, such as oenothein B, that exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Digestive and Gastric Relief: Historically used to treat gastrointestinal issues, research supports myrtle's role in soothing ulcers and inflammation of the digestive tract.
Supports Skin and Respiratory Health: Traditional applications for skin conditions and respiratory congestion are backed by modern studies showing anti-acne and expectorant properties.
Versatile Culinary Ingredient: From the famous Sardinian liqueur Mirto to savory marinades and jams, the berries offer a unique, complex flavor profile.

The small, deep-colored berries of the common myrtle shrub, Myrtus communis, have been valued for centuries across the Mediterranean for their unique flavor and medicinal qualities. The primary benefits of these berries stem from their rich concentration of bioactive compounds, which provide powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional medicine often utilized myrtle to address a range of ailments, from respiratory issues to digestive complaints, an application now supported by modern scientific investigation into its key chemical constituents.

Rich in Antioxidants

Myrtle berries are a nutritional powerhouse, laden with antioxidant compounds that combat oxidative stress within the body. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.

Combating Oxidative Stress

Research into myrtle berry extracts shows high antioxidant power, particularly due to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols. Key antioxidant compounds include:

Anthocyanins: The pigments responsible for the berries' deep blue-black or red-purple color, anthocyanins are known for their strong antioxidant properties.
Flavonoids and Ellagitannins: Compounds like myricetin, quercetin, and oenothein B are highly concentrated in the berries, especially the seeds, and have shown significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.
Phenolic Acids: Found throughout the plant, phenolic acids also contribute to the overall protective effects against cellular damage.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Beyond their antioxidant properties, myrtle berries are noted for their anti-inflammatory action, which can benefit several bodily systems. The ellagitannin oenothein B, found in myrtle seeds, has been shown to reduce inflammation in laboratory settings.

Gastrointestinal Support

The berries have a long history of use for soothing gastrointestinal issues, and scientific studies confirm their potential in this area.

Protecting against Ulcers: Aqueous extracts have demonstrated protective effects against alcohol-induced peptic ulcers in animal models.
Soothing Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for conditions affecting the stomach lining, such as gastritis.
Antidiarrheal Action: Myrtle extracts have been traditionally used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.

Traditional Medicinal and Modern Uses

Throughout history, myrtle has been a staple in traditional medicine systems across the Mediterranean and Middle East for a variety of health concerns.

Respiratory Health

Traditionally, myrtle berries and leaves were used to treat respiratory infections and congestion. This is partly attributed to myrtle's expectorant and antimicrobial properties, which help clear mucus and combat pathogens.

Dermatological Applications

Myrtle extracts have found use in skin care, and modern research has explored their potential for treating skin conditions.

Acne Treatment: Preliminary clinical research suggests that myrtle leaf extract can reduce the number and severity of acne lesions when applied topically.
"Angel's Water": In some Middle Eastern traditions, a toner made from myrtle berries is used to cleanse and purify the skin.

Menstrual Health

Studies suggest myrtle fruit syrup may be effective in reducing excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), potentially due to its anti-inflammatory properties affecting prostaglandin activity.

Culinary Applications

The berries offer a unique, complex flavor profile that is aromatic, herbal, and slightly peppery, with bitter and tannic notes. This makes them a versatile culinary ingredient, especially when cooked.

Liqueurs and Wines: Myrtle berries are famously used to produce the Sardinian liqueur, Mirto, made by macerating the berries in alcohol. Historically, they were also used to flavor wine.
Savory Dishes: In Mediterranean cuisine, myrtle berries are used to flavor game meats, stews, marinades, and sauces.
Spices and Teas: Dried myrtle berries can be used as a spice, similar to juniper berries or peppercorns. The berries can also be used in hot infusions or teas.

How to Incorporate Myrtle Berries

As a Spice: Use dried berries, ground or whole, to season game, lamb, or pork. Their flavor is potent, so a little goes a long way.
In Marinades: Add a few berries to your meat marinades to impart a distinct herbal and peppery taste.
For Sauces and Jams: Cooked berries develop a tangier, savory quality, ideal for sauces for meat or jams.
Brew a Tea: Infuse fresh or dried berries to create a herbal tea.
Make Liqueur: For a classic experience, try creating your own Mirto liqueur by following a traditional recipe.

Myrtle Berries vs. Myrtle Leaves: A Comparison


Feature	Myrtle Berries	Myrtle Leaves
Antioxidant Content	High, concentrated with anthocyanins and ellagitannins.	High, containing phenolic acids and flavonoids; sometimes higher total phenolic content than berries depending on extraction method.
Primary Traditional Use	Digestive support, menstrual health, liqueurs.	Respiratory conditions, skin ailments, expectorant.
Culinary Applications	Flavoring for stews, game meats, jams, and liqueurs.	Used as a seasoning herb, similar to bay leaf, especially for roasting meats.
Flavor Profile	Herbal, peppery, with bitter and tannic nuances, becoming savory when cooked.	Warm, spicy, slightly bitter, with a strong aromatic scent.

Conclusion

Myrtle berries are a valuable, multifunctional fruit with a long history of use for health and culinary purposes. Their significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like anthocyanins and oenothein B, offer a range of potential health benefits, from supporting digestive health to aiding skin care and respiratory function. While traditional uses are widespread, modern research continues to explore and validate these applications, underscoring the potential of this Mediterranean staple as a natural supplement and a flavorful culinary ingredient. Given the positive findings, particularly in controlled studies on aspects like menstrual health, myrtle berries represent a promising area for natural therapeutics and functional foods. To learn more about its specific chemical properties, you can explore detailed research on the subject published on platforms like the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Myrtle berries have a complex flavor profile that is aromatic, herbal, and peppery, with bitter and tannic undertones. When cooked, their flavor becomes tangier and more savory.

While edible, myrtle berries are not typically eaten raw due to their intensely astringent, herbal, and somewhat bitter taste. They are more palatable when cooked or processed into things like liqueurs, jams, or sauces.

Both the leaves and berries of the myrtle plant have culinary and medicinal uses, but they differ in flavor and chemical composition. The leaves are often used as a seasoning like bay leaves, while the berries are used for liqueurs, jams, and marinades. The berries are particularly rich in anthocyanins, while leaves may have a higher total phenolic content.

Myrtle berries can be used in savory dishes like stews and game meat marinades, dried and ground as a spice, or made into sweet products like jams and liqueurs. In Sardinia, they are famously used to make Mirto liqueur.

Yes, research indicates that myrtle berries possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to compounds like oenothein B found particularly in the seeds.

Historically used for digestive ailments, studies suggest myrtle berry extracts can help soothe gastrointestinal inflammation, protect against ulcers, and may have antidiarrheal effects.

Mirto is a traditional Sardinian liqueur made from myrtle berries. It is produced by macerating the ripe berries in alcohol and sweetening it with sugar or honey.

Myrtle berry extracts and toners have been traditionally used to purify and soothe the skin. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest benefits for preventing cellular damage and treating conditions like acne.