Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Bilberry Berry Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Solgar

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bilberry Berry Extract is a dietary supplement by Solgar with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and vision health, antioxidant support, diarrhea and digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 277 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are standardized Bilberry extract, Blueberry powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry Berry Extract by Solgar

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains two active ingredients: standardized bilberry extract and blueberry powder. Bilberry extract is made from the fruit of the bilberry plant and has been concentrated to contain consistent levels of its active compounds.

Blueberry powder is simply dehydrated blueberry fruit in powder form. The product also contains a few inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose and vegetable cellulose (both binders), vegetable magnesium stearate (a flow agent), and a proprietary PhytO2X blend—to form and deliver the capsules.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

The label doesn't state a purpose we can grade — see each ingredient's own graded uses on its monograph instead.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for bilberry extract's benefits is mixed and often limited. It is rated possibly ineffective for night vision, the claim it's most famous for.

For age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and chronic venous insufficiency, there isn't enough reliable evidence to establish whether it works. Blueberry powder faces similar gaps.

It is rated possibly ineffective for high blood pressure and has insufficient evidence for cognitive decline, anxiety, athletic performance, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bilberry Blueberry

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bilberry fruit as food is generally safe, and both bilberry extracts and blueberries are typically well tolerated when taken by mouth. However, the safety data on concentrated bilberry supplements, especially over the long term, is limited—so the caution here is that while food amounts are fine, high-dose extracts warrant care.

Most common side effects with bilberry include dark-colored or greenish stools, flatulence, and stomach discomfort; some people have also reported temporary tongue or tooth discoloration. Blueberry may cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, particularly with freeze-dried forms—in one trial, stomach complaints were serious enough that a quarter of participants dropped out in the first week.

Both bilberry extract and blueberry powder are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. However, the facts note that concentrated blueberry supplements haven't been well studied in pregnancy, and the safety of high-dose blueberry extracts while breastfeeding is unknown—talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bilberry Blueberry

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bilberry, Blueberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 277 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin), diabetes medications, the cancer drug erlotinib, or drugs broken down by your liver's CYP2E1 or CYP3A enzymes, double-check your specific prescriptions with the interaction checker on this page before starting Solgar's Bilberry Berry Extract. The severity ranges from Moderate (bilberry with blood thinners and diabetes drugs) to Minor (blueberry with certain pain relievers and anxiety medications).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bilberry and blueberry are familiar foods with long histories, and the extracts here are generally well tolerated. That said, the evidence that either one actually works for its popular claims—sharper night vision, clearer thinking, or better heart health—is thin to absent.

If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or other prescription drugs, check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting. Then have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product makes sense for you and your health goals.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bilberry Berry Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Solgar
Barcode (UPC) 033984041103
Net contents 60 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2018
DSLD ID 81778
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bilberry Berry Extract by Solgar, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetable Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
033984041103
IngredientAmount% DV
standardized Bilberry extract60 mg--
Blueberry powder200 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, PhytO2X Blend

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Solgar’s Standardized ~ Full Potency (SFP) Herbs are developed through a unique process that integrates the ideologies of both traditional herbalism and standardized herbal technology. To ensure consistent and reliable phytonutrient levels, we isolate a controlled amount of these important active plant compounds. Then, we blend these enhanced, “standardized” compounds with all of the components that occur naturally in the whole raw herb. The result is a potent, premium-quality standardized herbal extract with all of the synergistic and beneficial qualities found in nature.

Since 1947

Brand IP Statement(s)

2013 Solgar, Inc.

Phyto2x System

Standardized ~ Full Potency

PhytO2X is a special blend of antioxidants, the purpose of which is to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

General

SOLGB78053 01B

Formula

(Vaccinium myrtillus)

K Parve

Solgar’s KOF-K certification #K-1250

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Formulation

Gluten, wheat & dairy free

Suitable for vegetarians

Free Of: Gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, yeast, sugar, sodium, artificial flavor, preservatives and color.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As an herbal dietary supplement for adults, take one (1) vegetable capsule up to three (3) times daily, preferably with meals, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.

Discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if outer bottle seal is missing or damaged.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

See for yourself

Bilberry Berry Extract by Solgar label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry Berry Extract by Solgar

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetable Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Standardized Bilberry extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
60 mg per serving Form: Anthocyanosides

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye healt...

Standardized Bilberry extract monograph & interactions

Blueberry powder

Interacts with
88 drugs
200 mg per serving

Blueberries are a nutritious fruit rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, and eating them as part of a balanced diet is healthy and safe for most p...

Blueberry powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, PhytO2X Blend. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bilberry Berry Extract by Solgar Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry Berry Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
277Drugs
275 Moderate 2 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bilberry Berry Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

standardized Bilberry extract4 drug types · 275 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, animal, and clinical research suggest that anthocyanidin extracts from bilberry can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, bilberry leaf or fruit extract may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that bilberry leaf extract might have blood glucose-lowering activity. Also, one small clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking bilberry fruit extract 470 mg as a single dose prior to an oral glucose tolerance test lowers plasma glucose levels when compared with placebo.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Animal research shows that exposure to small concentrations of bilberry extract in drinking water for around one month increased CYP2E1 activity by 31%. However, exposure over a 2-month period did not increase CYP2E1 activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Erlotinib (Tarceva)

Theoretically, bilberry fruit extract might reduce the efficacy of erlotinib.
In vitro research suggests that bilberry fruit extract and its constituents, delphinidin and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, inhibit the activity of erlotinib. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Blueberry powder3 drug types · 88 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, blueberries or blueberry leaf extracts might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that blueberry and/or blueberry leaf extracts can lower blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Buspirone (Buspar)

Theoretically, blueberry juice might increase blood levels of buspirone.
In vitro research shows that blueberry juice can inhibit the metabolism of buspirone, possibly by inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) enzymes. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that drinking 300 mL of blueberry juice 30 minutes before taking buspirone hydrochloride 10 mg does not significantly affect the concentration or clearance of buspirone.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
Flurbiprofen (Ansaid, Others)

Theoretically, blueberry juice might increase blood levels of flurbiprofen.
In vitro research shows that blueberry juice can inhibit the metabolism of flurbiprofen, possibly by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) enzymes. However, pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that drinking 300 mL of blueberry juice 30 minutes before taking flurbiprofen 100 mg does not significantly affect the concentration or clearance of flurbiprofen.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bilberry Berry Extract, from the product label.

Solgar

See all Solgar products
Name
Solgar, Inc.
Street Address
500 Willow Tree Road
City
Leonia
State
NJ
ZipCode
07605
Phone Number
1-877-765-4274
Web Address
www.solgar.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry Berry Extract by Solgar: Common Questions

Does Bilberry Berry Extract by Solgar interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry Berry Extract has a known interaction with 277 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bilberry Berry Extract contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help my night vision?
Bilberry extract is often promoted for eyesight, but the evidence doesn't support it—it's rated possibly ineffective for night vision. If sharper vision is your main goal, this product likely won't deliver.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Both bilberry extract and blueberry powder are rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. That said, concentrated blueberry supplements haven't been well studied in pregnancy, and the long-term safety of high-dose extracts while breastfeeding is unknown—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What side effects might I get?
Most people tolerate bilberry and blueberry well. The most common complaints are dark or greenish stools, gas, and stomach discomfort with bilberry, and constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting with blueberry (especially freeze-dried forms). Some users have noticed temporary discoloration of the tongue or teeth.
Does this product have any fillers?
The capsules contain a few inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate, and a PhytO2X blend—which are binders and flow agents needed to make the capsule work, not extra nutrients.
Is the blueberry in this the same as eating fresh blueberries?
No—the blueberry here is powder from dehydrated fruit, which concentrates the compounds differently than fresh berries. This is why the safety data on supplements differs from the safety data on the food itself.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Bilberry Berry Extract is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bilberry Berry Extract label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bilberry Berry Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 21 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Bilberry 14 references
  1. Cignarella A, Nastasi M, Cavalli E, Puglisi L. Novel lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves, a traditional antidiabetic treatment, in several models of rat dyslipidaemia: a comparison with ciprofibrate. Thromb Res 1996;84:311-22. PubMed
  2. Morazzoni P, Magistretti MJ. Activity of Myrtocyan, an anthosyanoside complex from Vaccinium myrtillus (VMA), on platelet aggregation and adhesiveness. Fitoterapia 1990;61:13-21.
  3. Erlund, I., Koli, R., Alfthan, G., Marniemi, J., Puukka, P., Mustonen, P., Mattila, P., and Jula, A. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87(2):323-331. PubMed
  4. Hawrelak, J. A. and Myers, S. P. Effects of two natural medicine formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16(10):1065-1071. PubMed
  5. Morazzoni P and Magistretti MJ. Effects of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on prostacyclin-like activity in rat arterial issue. Fitoterapia 1986;57:11-14.
  6. Pulliero G, Montin S, Bettini V, and et al. Ex vivo study of the inhibitory effects of Vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on human platelet aggregation. Fitoterapia 1989;60:69-75.
  7. Bottecchia D. Preliminary report on the inhibitory effect of vaccinium myrtillus anthocyanosides on platelet aggregation and clot retraction. Fitoterapia 1987;48:3-8.
  8. Fdez, M., Zaragoza, F., and Alvarez, P. In vitro platelet aggregation effects of anthocyanosides of vaccinium myrtilus L. Anales de la Real Academia de Farmacia 1983;49:79-90.
  9. Biedermann L, Mwinyi J, Scharl M, Frei P, Zeitz J, Kullak-Ublick GA, et al. Bilberry ingestion improves disease activity in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis-an open pilot study. 2013 May;7(4):271-9. PubMed
  10. Hoggard N, Cruickshank M, Moar KM, Bestwick C, Holst J, Russell W, et al. A single supplement of a standardized bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) extract (36% wet weight anthocyanins) modifies glycaemic response in individuals with type 2 diabetes control
  11. Aichinger G, Pahlke G, Nagel LJ, Berger W, Marko D. Bilberry extract, its major phenolic compounds, and soy isoflavone genistein antagonize the cytostatic drug erlotinib in human epithelial cells. Food Funct 2016;7(8):3628-36.
  12. Prokop J, Lněničková K, Cibicek N, et al. Effect of bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) on drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2019;129:382-90. PubMed
  13. Chan SW, Chu TTW, Choi SW, Benzie IFF, Tomlinson B. Impact of short-term bilberry supplementation on glycemic control, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and antioxidant status in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. Phytother Res 2021. Online ahead o PubMed
  14. Bøhn SK, Myhrstad MCW, Thoresen M, et al. Bilberry/red grape juice decreases plasma biomarkers of inflammation and tissue damage in aged men with subjective memory impairment -a randomized clinical trial. BMC Nutr 2021;7(1):75. PubMed

See these in context on the Bilberry monograph →

Blueberry 7 references
  1. Cignarella A, Nastasi M, Cavalli E, Puglisi L. Novel lipid-lowering properties of Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves, a traditional antidiabetic treatment, in several models of rat dyslipidaemia: a comparison with ciprofibrate. Thromb Res 1996;84:311-22. PubMed
  2. Wang SY, Lin HS. Antioxidant activity in fruits and leaves of blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry varies with cultivar and developmental stage. J Agric Food Chem 2000;48:140-6.. PubMed
  3. Martineau, L. C., Couture, A., Spoor, D., Benhaddou-Andaloussi, A., Harris, C., Meddah, B., Leduc, C., Burt, A., Vuong, T., Mai, Le P., Prentki, M., Bennett, S. A., Arnason, J. T., and Haddad, P. S. Anti-diabetic properties of the Canadian lowbush bluebe
  4. Vuong, T., Martineau, L. C., Ramassamy, C., Matar, C., and Haddad, P. S. Fermented Canadian lowbush blueberry juice stimulates glucose uptake and AMP-activated protein kinase in insulin-sensitive cultured muscle cells and adipocytes. Can J Physiol Pharma
  5. Hanley MJ, Masse G, Harmatz JS, Cancalon PF, Dolnikowski GG, Court MH, Greenblatt DJ. Effect of blueberry juice on clearance of buspirone and flurbiprofen in human volunteers. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Apr;75(4):1041-52. PubMed
  6. Basu A, Du M, Leyva MJ, et al. Blueberries decrease cardiovascular risk factors in obese men and women with metabolic syndrome. J Nutr 2010;140(9):1582-7. PubMed
  7. Basu A, Feng D, Planinic P, Ebersole JL, Lyons TJ, Alexander JM. Dietary blueberry and soluble fiber supplementation reduces risk of gestational diabetes in women with obesity in a randomized controlled trial. J Nutr 2021;151(5):1128-38. PubMed

See these in context on the Blueberry monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring