Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Bilberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bronson Laboratories

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bilberry is a dietary supplement by Bronson Laboratories with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for seasonal allergies, antioxidant support, heart and blood pressure health.Based on those ingredients, 1,232 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Quercetin, Bilberry Fruit Extract, Rutin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories contains four active ingredients: Quercetin, Rutin, Citrus Bioflavonoids, and Bilberry Fruit Extract. Quercetin and Citrus Bioflavonoids are flavonoids — plant compounds with antioxidant properties.

Rutin is also a flavonoid found in plants. Bilberry Fruit Extract is a concentrated form of the bilberry, a dark purple berry similar to the blueberry.

The product also includes inactive ingredients (gelatin, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate) that serve as the capsule and binding material.

Does it work?

Leans against
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
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: eye and vision health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye, Glaucoma — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bilberry is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Night vision (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bilberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye, and more.

The evidence for most uses of these ingredients is limited. For quercetin, athletic performance is rated possibly ineffective, while other uses — including age-related cognitive decline, hay fever, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, and atherosclerosis — lack sufficient reliable evidence to rate.

Rutin and citrus bioflavonoids show the same pattern: aging skin, autism, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, exercise-induced infections, and hemorrhoids all have insufficient evidence. Bilberry fruit extract is rated possibly ineffective for night vision and has insufficient evidence for age-related macular degeneration, cognitive decline, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and chronic vein problems.

In short, we don't hold data showing that this product works for any of these purposes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Quercetin Rutin Bilberry

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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Quercetin is generally well tolerated at food and typical supplement doses, though high doses and long-term use haven't been well studied. Oral side effects may include headache and tingling in the fingers and toes.

At very high intravenous doses (which are not relevant to this capsule product), quercetin has caused kidney problems and difficulty breathing. Rutin and citrus bioflavonoids are generally well tolerated in food and short-term use, but long-term data are limited.

Rutin may cause headache, flushing, or rash in some people. Bilberry is generally well tolerated when eaten as food; the most common side effects from concentrated supplements are dark-colored stools, gas, and stomach discomfort.

Your stools and tongue may turn dark blue or black. During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data for quercetin and citrus bioflavonoids — the safety data advises against supplemental doses.

Rutin is likely safe in pregnancy. Bilberry is likely safe in pregnancy as food, but supplement safety hasn't been established.

During breastfeeding, there isn't enough data for quercetin, citrus bioflavonoids, or rutin — avoid supplemental doses unless your doctor advises otherwise. Bilberry safety during breastfeeding is unknown, so supplement doses should be avoided.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Quercetin Rutin Bilberry

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bilberry, Rutin, Quercetin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,233 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.

Before taking Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories, check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin), antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel, or other anticoagulants. Also double-check if you're on losartan (Cozaar), pravastatin (Pravachol) or other OATP substrates, diabetes medications, quinolone antibiotics, cyclosporine, sulfasalazine, mitoxantrone, or erlotinib.

These are all Moderate severity interactions. If you take any other prescription drugs, run them through the checker below.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories is a multi-ingredient product with a substantial list of medication interactions, especially if you take blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, cholesterol drugs, diabetes medications, or certain antibiotics and immunosuppressants. If you take any prescription medication, check it against the medication tool on this page before you start.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about whether this product is right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 1, 2012.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Bronson Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 716563400019
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 1, 2012
DSLD ID 8560
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 by Bronson Laboratories, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
716563400019
IngredientAmount% DV
Quercetin10 mg--
Rutin50 mg--
Citrus Bioflavonoids800 mg--
Bilberry Fruit Extract80 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement for adults, 2 capsules two times daily or as directed by a health professional.

Formula

Contains soy.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Protect from light.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

General Statements

Made in USA

EST. 1960

HELPS SUPPORT HEALTHY EYE FUNCTION

107715 EXP 07/13

Seals/Symbols

BRONSON • POTENCY • QUALITY • PURITY

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General

No. 400

See for yourself

Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 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.

Quercetin

Interacts with
1,169 drugs
10 mg per serving

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in many common foods and sold as a supplement. While early rese...

Quercetin monograph & interactions

Rutin

Interacts with
86 drugs
50 mg per serving

Rutin is a plant flavonoid (often taken from buckwheat or citrus) that people use mainly for blood vessel and circulation problems like varicose veins...

Rutin monograph & interactions

Citrus Bioflavonoids

Interacts with
1,169 drugs
800 mg per serving

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in many common foods and sold as a supplement. While early rese...

Citrus Bioflavonoids monograph & interactions

Bilberry Fruit Extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
80 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...

Bilberry Fruit Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry?

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
1,232Drugs
1,232 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Quercetin 1,169
Rutin 86

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bilberry 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.

Quercetin21 drug types · 1,169 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of quercetin and antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Clinical research suggests that a combination of quercetin, myricetin, and chlorogenic acid reduce levels of fasting glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those already taking antidiabetes agents. The effect of quercetin alone is unknown.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking quercetin with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.

Quercetin can modestly decrease blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Theoretically, it might have additive blood pressure lowering effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of cyclosporine.

A small study in healthy volunteers shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of a single dose of cyclosporine, possibly due to inhibition of p-glycoprotein or cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which metabolizes cyclosporin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2C8 (Cyp2C8) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C8 substrates.

In vitro research shows that quercetin inhibits CYP2C8. Inhibition of paclitaxel (Taxol) metabolism via CYP2C8 has been reported in vitro. However, a small study in humans found no effect of quercetin on rosiglitazone (Avandia), which is also a CYP2C8 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2C9 substrates.

A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking quercetin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days prior to taking diclofenac, a CYP2C9 substrate, increases diclofenac plasma levels by 75% and prolongs the half-life by 32.5%. Animal research also shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar), a substrate of CYP2C9. Furthermore, laboratory research shows that quercetin inhibits CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of CYP2D6 substrates.

In vitro research show that quercetin inhibits CYP2D6. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might alter the effects and adverse effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of a single dose of cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), a substrate of CYP3A4. Animal research also shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar) and quetiapine (Seroquel), substrates of CYP3A4. Other laboratory research also shows that quercetin inhibits CYP3A4. However, one clinical study shows that quercetin can increase the metabolism of midazolam, a substrate of CYP3A4, and decrease serum concentrations of midazolam by about 24% in some healthy individuals, suggesting possible induction of CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diclofenac (Voltaren, Others)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of diclofenac.

A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that taking quercetin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days prior to taking diclofenac increases diclofenac plasma levels by 75% and prolongs the half-life by 32.5%. This is thought to be due to inhibition of CYP2C9 by quercetin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of losartan and decrease the effects of its active metabolite.

Animal research shows that pretreatment with quercetin increases plasma levels and prolongs the half-life of losartan (Cozaar) while decreasing plasma levels of losartan's active metabolite. This metabolite, which is around 10-fold more potent than losartan, is the result of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9- and CYP3A4-mediated transformation of losartan. Additionally, in vitro research shows that quercetin may inhibit P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of losartan from the intestines, resulting in increased absorption of losartan. These results suggest that concomitant use of quercetin and losartan might increase systemic exposure to losartan while also decreasing plasma concentrations of losartan's active and more potent metabolite.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, concomitant use might decrease the levels and effects of midazolam.

A small clinical study in healthy volunteers shows that quercetin can increase the metabolism of midazolam, with a decrease in AUC of about 24%.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Mitoxantrone

Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of mitoxantrone.
In vitro research shows that quercetin increases the intracellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of mitoxantrone, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which mitoxantrone is a substrate. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion Transporter 1 (Oat1) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OAT1 substrates.

In vitro research shows that quercetin is a strong non-competitive inhibitor of OAT1, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values less than 10 mcM. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion Transporter 3 (Oat3) Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OAT3 substrates.

In vitro research shows that quercetin is a strong non-competitive inhibitor of OAT3, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values as low as 0.75 mcM. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of OATP substrates.

In vitro evidence shows that quercetin can inhibit organic anion-transporting peptide (OATP) 1B1-mediated uptake of estrone-3-sulfate and pravastatin. Furthermore, clinical research in healthy males shows that intake of quercetin along with pravastatin increases the AUC of pravastatin by 24%, prolongs its half-life by 14%, and decreases its apparent clearance by 18%, suggesting that quercetin modestly inhibits the uptake of pravastatin in hepatic cells.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, concomitant use might alter the effects and adverse effects of P-glycoprotein substrates.

There is preliminary evidence that quercetin inhibits the gastrointestinal P-glycoprotein efflux pump, which might increase the bioavailability and serum levels of drugs transported by the pump. A small study in healthy volunteers reported that pretreatment with quercetin increased bioavailability and plasma levels after a single dose of cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). Also, two small studies have shown that quercetin might decrease the absorption of talinolol, a substrate transported by the gastrointestinal P-glycoprotein efflux pump. However, in another small study, several days of quercetin treatment did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of saquinavir (Invirase). The reason for these discrepancies is not entirely clear. Until more is known, use quercetin cautiously in combination with P-glycoprotein substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of pravastatin.
In vitro evidence shows that quercetin can inhibit OATP 1B1-mediated uptake of pravastatin. Also, preliminary clinical research in healthy males shows that intake of quercetin along with pravastatin increases the maximum concentration of pravastatin by 24%, prolongs its half-life by 14%, and decreases its apparent clearance by 18%, suggesting that quercetin modestly inhibits the uptake of pravastatin in hepatic cells.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Prazosin (Minipress)

Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of prazosin.
In vitro research shows that quercetin inhibits the transcellular efflux of prazosin, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which prazosin is a substrate. BCRP is an ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter in the intestines, kidneys, and liver. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of quetiapine.
Animal research shows that pretreatment with quercetin can increase plasma levels of quetiapine and prolong its clearance, possibly due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) by quercetin. Additionally, the brain-to-plasma ratio of quetiapine concentrations increased, possibly due to inhibition of P-glycoprotein at the blood-brain barrier. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, concomitant use might inhibit the effects of quinolone antibiotics.
In vitro, quercetin binds to the DNA gyrase site on bacteria, which may interfere with the activity of quinolone antibiotics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

Theoretically, quercetin might increase the effects and adverse effects of sulfasalazine.
Animal research shows that quercetin increases the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) of sulfasalazine, possibly through inhibition of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), of which sulfasalazine is a substrate. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, quercetin may increase the risk of bleeding if used with warfarin.
Animal and in vitro studies show that quercetin might increase serum levels of warfarin. Quercetin and warfarin have the same human serum albumin (HSA) binding site, and in vitro research shows that quercetin has stronger affinity for the HSA binding site and can theoretically displace warfarin, causing higher serum levels of warfarin. Animal research shows that taking quercetin for 2 weeks before initiating warfarin increases the maximum serum level of warfarin by 30%, the half-life by 10%, and the overall exposure by 63% when compared with control. Concomitant administration of quercetin and warfarin, without quercetin pre-treatment, also increased these measures, but to a lesser degree. Researchers theorize that inhibition of CYP3A4 by quercetin may explain these effects. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Bilberry Fruit 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

Rutin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that rutin has hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Bronson Laboratories

Name
Bronson Laboratories
City
Lindon
State
UT
ZipCode
84042
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Bilberry by Bronson Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry has a known interaction with 1,232 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bilberry contains 4 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Quercetin and citrus bioflavonoids — two ingredients in this product — don't have enough safety data in pregnancy, so the safety data advises against taking them as supplements while pregnant. Rutin is likely safe, and bilberry is likely safe as food, but bilberry supplement safety in pregnancy hasn't been established. Talk to your doctor before taking this product while pregnant.
What side effects might I get from taking this?
Quercetin and rutin may cause headache. Rutin might also cause flushing or a rash. Bilberry extract commonly causes dark-colored stools, gas, and mild stomach discomfort — your stools or tongue may turn dark blue or black, which is harmless. These are the most common effects reported; actual side effects vary from person to person.
Does bilberry really help with night vision?
Bilberry fruit extract is rated possibly ineffective for night vision in our data, so we don't have evidence that it works for that purpose. The evidence just isn't there to support it.
What is quercetin in this product, and why is it here?
Quercetin is a flavonoid — a plant compound with antioxidant properties. We don't have data showing it's effective for any specific condition, but it's included in this bilberry product as a complementary ingredient.
Is it safe to take this long-term?
High doses and long-term safety of quercetin and bilberry haven't been well studied. Rutin and citrus bioflavonoids also lack high-quality long-term safety data. If you're thinking about taking this for an extended time, check with your pharmacist first.

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

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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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bilberry'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 42 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.

Quercetin 26 references
  1. Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI, Shahed A, Rajfer J. Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: A preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Urol 1999;54:960-3. PubMed
  2. Starvic B. Quercetin in our diet: from potent mutagen to probable anticarcinogen. Clin Biochem 1994;27:245-8. PubMed
  3. Ferry DR, Smith A, Malkhandi J, et al. Phase I clinical trial of the flavonoid quercetin: Pharmacokinetics and evidence for in vivo tyrosine kinase inhibition. Clin Cancer Res 1996;2:659-67..
  4. Obach RS. Inhibition of human cytochrome P450 enzymes by constituents of St. John's wort, an herbal preparation used in the treatment of depression. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2000;294:88-95. DOI
  5. Edwards RL, Lyon T, Litwin SE, et al. Quercetin reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. J Nutr 2007;137:2405-11.
  6. Kim KA, Park PW, Kim HK, et al. Effect of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone, a CYP2C8 substrate, in healthy subjects. J Clin Pharmacol 2005;45:941-6. PubMed
  7. DiCenzo R, Frerichs V, Larppanichpoonphol P, et al. Effect of quercetin on the plasma and intracellular concentrations of saquinavir in healthy adults. Pharmacotherapy 2006;26:1255-61. PubMed
  8. Choi JS, Choi BC, Choi KE. Effect of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of oral cyclosporine. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2004;61:2406-9. PubMed
  9. Choi JS, Jo BW, Kim YC. Enhanced paclitaxel bioavailability after oral administration of paclitaxel or prodrug to rats pretreated with quercetin. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2004;57:313-8. PubMed
  10. Vaclavikova R, Horsky S, Simek P, Gut I. Paclitaxel metabolism in rat and human liver microsomes is inhibited by phenolic antioxidants. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2003;368:200-9. PubMed
  11. Di Bari L, Ripoli S, Pradhan S, Salvadori P. Interactions between quercetin and warfarin for albumin binding: A new eye on food/drug interference. Chirality 2010;22:593-6. PubMed
  12. Lamson, D. W. and Brignall, M. S. Antioxidants and cancer, part 3: quercetin. Altern.Med.Rev. 2000;5(3):196-208.
  13. Duan KM, Wang SY, Ouyang W, Mao YM, Yang LJ. Effect of quercetin on CYP3A activity in Chinese healthy participants. J Clin Pharmacol 2012;52(6):940-6. PubMed
  14. Wang SY, Duan KM, Li Y, et al. Effect of quercetin on P-glycoprotein transport ability in Chinese healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr 2013;67(4):390-4. PubMed
  15. Nguyen MA, Staubach P, Wolffram S, Langguth P. Effect of single-dose and short-term administration of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of talinolol in humans - Implications for the evaluation of transporter-mediated flavonoid-drug interactions. Eur J Pha PubMed
  16. Wu LX, Guo CX, Chen WQ, et al. Inhibition of the organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 by quercetin: an in vitro and in vivo assessment. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2012;73(5):750-7.
  17. Ahrens MJ, Thompson DL. Effect of emulin on blood glucose in type 2 diabetics. J Med Food. 2013;16(3):211-5. PubMed
  18. Larson A, Witman MA, Guo Y, et al. Acute, quercetin-induced reductions in blood pressure in hypertensive individuals are not secondary to lower plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme activity or endothelin-1: nitric oxide. Nutr Res. 2012;32(8):557-64. PubMed
  19. Bedada SK, Neerati P. Evaluation of the effect of quercetin treatment on CYP2C9 enzyme activity of diclofenac in healthy human volunteers. Phytother Res. 2018 Feb;32(2):305-311. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5978. PubMed
  20. Zhao Q, Wei J, Zhang H. Effects of quercetin on the pharmacokinetics of losartan and its metabolite EXP3174 in rats. Xenobiotica 2019;49(5):563-8. PubMed
  21. Bhutani P, Rajanna PK, Paul AT. Impact of quercetin on pharmacokinetics of quetiapine: insights from in-vivo studies in wistar rats. Xenobiotica. 2020:1-7.
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Rutin 2 references
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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.

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