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Dietary supplement

Bilberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Eclectic Herb

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

Bilberry is a dietary supplement by Eclectic Herb with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and vision health, antioxidant support, diarrhea and digestive upset.Based on those ingredients, 275 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bilberry, Freeze-Dried, Wildcrafted. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry by Eclectic Herb

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: freeze-dried, wildcrafted bilberry fruit. There are no inactive ingredients listed.

Bilberry is rich in anthocyanidins, the plant compounds responsible for its deep purple color and the effects studied in research.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Bilberry's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Vision support and cardiovascular health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Atherosclerosis, Cataracts, Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bilberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bilberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis, Cataracts, Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Diabetic retinopathy, and more.

The evidence for bilberry is limited. Night vision shows possibly ineffective evidence, meaning study results don't support that claim.

For age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and chronic venous insufficiency, the evidence we have is insufficient — we don't know yet whether bilberry helps or doesn't.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient 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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bilberry fruit is generally well tolerated as a food, but long-term safety data for supplements is limited. The most common side effects are dark-colored stools (or even temporary darkening of your tongue and teeth), flatulence, and mild stomach discomfort.

A small number of trial participants reported these GI effects, and in one study about a third of patients taking concentrated bilberry juice experienced flatulence, though they had ulcerative colitis and the study lacked a control group. The safety data advises against supplement doses due to lack of reliable information; food amounts are likely fine.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient 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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Bilberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 275 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 this product, double-check if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (such as warfarin or aspirin) — bilberry may increase bleeding risk. Also check if you take diabetes medications, as bilberry might lower blood sugar.

Additionally, talk to your pharmacist if you're on erlotinib (Tarceva) or other drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2E1.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Bilberry as food is generally well tolerated, but as a concentrated supplement, long-term safety isn't well established. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or cancer drugs like erlotinib, check with your pharmacist before starting.

Talk to us if you have questions about whether it fits your personal health picture.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 22, 2024.

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 Eclectic Herb
Barcode (UPC) 023363379361
Net contents 90 Gram(s); 3.2 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2024
DSLD ID 316723
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten 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 by Eclectic Herb, 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:
3 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Gram(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
023363379361
IngredientAmount% DV
Bilberry, Freeze-Dried, Wildcrafted3 Gram(s)--

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.
Formulation

Concentrated 7 1/2 X through freeze-drying Freeze dried fresh for peak plant power Vision support Cardio support

Non GMO Gluten Free Soy Free

Naturally Concentrated

Nothing artificial- no fillers, sweeteners, additives or preservatives.

Promotes healthy vision Small batch freeze dried

Formula

Raw Food

100% Kosher

Our Bilberries are sustainably wild harvested and fresh freeze-dried in-house in small batches. Freeze-drying is the best method of preservation as it naturally concentrates the nutrients in the plant by removing only the water.

2 tsp of freeze-dried bilberry=15 tsp of fresh bilberry

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Add 2 teaspoons of powder to 8 oz water or juice and shake well. Can also be added to smoothies, dips, yogurt or other foods.

Storage

Best stored tightly capped in the refrigerator after opening.

Precautions

Keep away from children. Consult your doctor about herbs with pregnancy, infants or prescription drugs.

Consult your doctor about herbs with pregnancy, infants or prescription drugs.

General Statements

@eclecticherb

See for yourself

Bilberry by Eclectic Herb label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry by Eclectic Herb

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Bilberry, Freeze-Dried, Wildcrafted

Interacts with
275 drugs
3 Gram(s) per serving

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, Freeze-Dried, Wildcrafted monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Bilberry by Eclectic Herb 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
275Drugs
275 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Bilberry, Freeze-Dried, Wildcrafted4 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
The maker

Brand information

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

Eclectic Herb

See all Eclectic Herb products
Name
Eclectic Herb
Street Address
755 NE 6th St.
City
Gresham
State
OR
ZipCode
97030
Phone Number
503-668-4120
Web Address
eclecticherb.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry by Eclectic Herb: Common Questions

Does Bilberry by Eclectic Herb interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry has a known interaction with 275 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bilberry contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Is bilberry safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Yes, bilberry is rated as likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. However, the safety data we hold is for the fruit itself — long-term supplement safety is limited, so a conversation with your pharmacist or doctor about your specific situation is a good idea.
Will bilberry help my vision?
The evidence doesn't support that bilberry helps with night vision — that claim is marked as possibly ineffective in the research. For other vision conditions like age-related macular degeneration, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not.
What are the most common side effects?
Dark-colored or even blackish stools are the most typical effect, and you might also notice temporary darkening of your tongue or teeth. Flatulence and mild stomach discomfort happen too, though they're generally manageable.
Can I take this long-term?
Bilberry fruit as food is generally safe, but long-term safety data for concentrated supplements is limited. The safety information advises caution with supplement doses due to lack of reliable data, so check with your pharmacist about duration and dosing.
Does bilberry have any fillers or other inactive ingredients?
No — this product lists no inactive ingredients, so you're getting the freeze-dried bilberry fruit and nothing else.

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

Not sure if Bilberry 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 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 14 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 →

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

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