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Dietary supplement

Bilberry Extract 1000 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Rexall

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

Bilberry Extract 1000 mg is a dietary supplement by Rexall 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. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry Extract 1000 mg by Rexall

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 softgel contains one active ingredient: bilberry extract at 1000 mg per capsule. The inactive ingredients are soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, soy lecithin, yellow beeswax, and caramel color—the typical capsule materials and carriers.

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: Promotes healthy eye function.
  • 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's benefits is limited. It's rated possibly ineffective for night vision.

For age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), atherosclerosis, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and chronic venous insufficiency (a condition affecting leg blood flow), there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works. The data we hold doesn't support claims that this product will improve any of these conditions.

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 as food is generally well tolerated, but concentrated supplement safety hasn't been studied thoroughly enough for us to be confident about long-term use. The safety data advises caution with supplement doses because reliable information is limited.

Most side effects are mild and digestive: dark stools, flatulence, and stomach discomfort appear most common. In a small trial, one-third of participants taking concentrated bilberry juice reported flatulence, and 13% in another study had temporary GI upset.

Bilberry can also darken your stools and tongue—in one study, 50% of people taking 700 mg twice daily for 4 weeks had dark green stools. A small number of trial participants also noticed slight tooth discoloration.

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're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin)—bilberry may increase bleeding risk. Also check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take diabetes medications, drugs metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2E1, or the cancer medication erlotinib, since bilberry may affect how these work.

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 extract is generally well tolerated for short-term use and mostly causes digestive side effects. However, if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or certain other drugs, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting—the interactions are Moderate in severity.

The evidence for what this supplement actually does is weak or absent, so know what you're hoping it will treat before you buy.

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 Dec 23, 2011.

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 Extract 1000 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Rexall
Barcode (UPC) 301220005210
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 23, 2011
DSLD ID 3031
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Softgel 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 Extract 1000 mg by Rexall, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
301220005210
IngredientAmount% DV
Bilberry1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, yellow Beeswax, Caramel color

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

Prod. No. 1418 B1431 03A

General Statements

Concentrated

Promotes healthy eye function

Our specialized formula helps support healthy eye function.

Questions? Ask the Nutritionist: Call toll free 1-877-2REXALL (877-273-9255)

100% Quality guaranteed throughout shelf life

Formula

Bilberry Extract 1000 mg equivalent per softgel

Benefits Bilberry contains Anthocyanosides, flavonoids that contain beneficial properties.

This product contains soy ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take one (1) softgel once or twice daily, preferably with a meal.

Precautions

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers. Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medications, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Tamper Resistant: Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product contains soy ingredients.

Storage

Store in a dry place and avoid excessive heat.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2007

See for yourself

Bilberry Extract 1000 mg by Rexall label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry Extract 1000 mg by Rexall

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Bilberry

Interacts with
275 drugs
1000 mg 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 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Yellow Beeswax, Caramel color. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bilberry Extract 1000 mg by Rexall Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry Extract 1000 mg?

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

Bilberry 275

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bilberry Extract 1000 mg 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.

Bilberry4 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 Extract 1000 mg, from the product label.

Rexall

See all Rexall products
Name
Rexall, Inc.
City
Boca Raton
State
FL
ZipCode
33487
Phone Number
1-877-273-9255
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry Extract 1000 mg by Rexall: Common Questions

Does Bilberry Extract 1000 mg by Rexall interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry Extract 1000 mg 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 Extract 1000 mg 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?
The safety data rates bilberry as likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. That said, supplement safety during these times is always worth confirming with your own doctor or pharmacist, who know your full health picture.
What are the most common side effects?
Dark stools, flatulence, and mild stomach discomfort are the main ones reported. Bilberry can also darken your tongue and, rarely, your teeth. These effects seem temporary and mild.
Does this actually help with vision or memory?
The evidence is weak. Night vision is rated possibly ineffective, and for memory and age-related eye conditions, there simply isn't enough reliable evidence to know if it works.
Why does the label say 1000 mg if the evidence is limited?
The dose on the label is the amount in each capsule, not a judgment about how well bilberry works. The dose and the evidence for effectiveness are separate questions.
Can I take this with food or on an empty stomach?
That information isn't in the product facts we have on file. Check the label or ask your pharmacist for guidance on timing.

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

Not sure if Bilberry Extract 1000 mg 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 Extract 1000 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bilberry Extract 1000 mg’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 Extract 1000 mg'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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