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Dietary supplement

Bilberry Concentrate Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by 21st Century

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

Bilberry Concentrate is a dietary supplement by 21st Century 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 concentrate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry Concentrate by 21st Century

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.

Bilberry Concentrate by 21st Century is a single-ingredient supplement: bilberry concentrate. This is a concentrated extract of bilberry fruit, which contains compounds called anthocyanidins—pigments believed to be the active components.

The capsule itself contains inactive ingredients (rice bran, oat fiber, cellulose, and magnesium silicate) that serve as fillers and binders.

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 bilberry is mixed. For night vision, the data suggests it is possibly ineffective—the benefit you might've heard about isn't well supported.

For age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and chronic venous insufficiency, there simply isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works. If you're considering bilberry for one of these conditions, the science on this product isn't yet clear enough to make a strong claim.

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 in food amounts is generally well tolerated, and oral bilberry extracts in studies seem to be well tolerated overall. The most common side effects are harmless but noticeable: dark-colored stools, flatulence, and mild stomach discomfort.

A small number of trial participants reported temporary GI effects. One heads-up: bilberry can stain your mouth and teeth dark blue or black, and it will darken your stools—that's normal and not dangerous, just unexpected.

The safety data on long-term use of concentrated supplements is limited, so the facts advise caution with supplement doses over an extended time.

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 you take this product, double-check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel)—bilberry may increase bleeding risk. Also flag diabetes medications, drugs processed by your liver's CYP2E1 enzyme, and the cancer drug erlotinib (Tarceva).

Moderate interactions are documented for all of these.

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 Concentrate might interest you if you're looking for an antioxidant supplement, but the evidence for its health claims is thin. The real caution is if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or other drugs your liver processes heavily—you'll want to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Keep in mind that safety data on long-term use is sparse, so talk it over with your own healthcare provider to see if it's right for you.

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 23, 2019.

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 Concentrate, straight from the product label.

Brand 21st Century
Barcode (UPC) 740985213452
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2019
DSLD ID 205617
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Concentrate by 21st Century, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
740985213452
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Bilberry concentrate60 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Bran, Oat Fiber, Cellulose, Magnesium Silicate, Contains <2% of

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 an herbal supplement, adults take two (2) capsules with any meal, twice daily or as directed by a healthcare provider. Do not exceed recommended dosage.

Precautions

Do not exceed recommended dosage.

Warning: Consult a healthcare provider prior to use if pregnant, nursing, on medications, have a medical condition or are planning a medical procedure.

Stop use and contact a physician if adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if product appears to be tampered with or seal is broken.

General Statements

Individual results may vary.

Standardized Eye & Vision Support

500014-0217N

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Formulation

No added Sugar, Salt, Yeast, Preservatives or Artificial Flavors.

100% Vegetarian.

Gluten free

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

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Gluten free

Formula

Bilberry is closely related to Blueberry. It is known for its antioxidant properties and has been used to support eye health.

See for yourself

Bilberry Concentrate by 21st Century label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry Concentrate by 21st Century

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

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Bilberry concentrate

Interacts with
275 drugs
60 mg per serving Form: Vaccinium myrtillus

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 concentrate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Bran, Oat Fiber, Cellulose, Magnesium Silicate, Contains <2% of. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bilberry Concentrate by 21st Century Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry Concentrate?

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 Concentrate 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 concentrate4 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 Concentrate, from the product label.

21st Century

See all 21st Century products
Name
21ST Century Health Care, Inc.
Street Address
2119 S. Wilson St.
City
Tempe
State
AZ
ZipCode
85282
Phone Number
1-800-530-2178
Web Address
www.21stcenturyvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry Concentrate by 21st Century: Common Questions

Does Bilberry Concentrate by 21st Century interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry Concentrate 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 Concentrate 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 while breastfeeding?
According to the safety data, bilberry is rated as likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. That said, the evidence on concentrated supplements is limited, so it's smart to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it while pregnant or nursing to make sure it fits your personal situation.
What are the side effects?
Bilberry is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are dark-colored or black stools, gas, and mild stomach discomfort. A small number of people in studies reported temporary GI symptoms. Bilberry can also stain your mouth, tongue, and teeth dark blue or black—this looks alarming but is harmless and temporary.
Does this actually help with night vision?
No—the evidence suggests bilberry is possibly ineffective for night vision. You may have heard the old claim about pilots eating bilberry jam, but modern research doesn't back it up for this product.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner like warfarin?
Bilberry may theoretically increase your bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Don't start this supplement without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first—they can tell you whether it's safe in your case and monitor you if you do take it.
What if I have diabetes—can I use bilberry?
Bilberry may lower blood sugar further, raising your risk of low blood sugar if you're on diabetes medications. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you take insulin or other glucose-lowering drugs.
How much bilberry is actually in each capsule?
The product facts don't list the exact amount of bilberry concentrate per capsule, so check the label on the bottle or contact the manufacturer for that detail.

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

Not sure if Bilberry Concentrate 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 Concentrate label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bilberry Concentrate’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bilberry Concentrate'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, Ln&ecaron;ni&ccaron;kov&aacute; 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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