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Dietary supplement

Bilberry Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NuNaturals

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

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

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry Extract by NuNaturals

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: bilberry extract, a concentrated form of compounds from bilberry fruit. Bilberry extract is rich in anthocyanidins, natural plant pigments believed to have antioxidant and blood-clotting properties.

The liquid also includes vegetable glycerin and water as inactive ingredients to deliver the extract.

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: vascular health and circulation support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Atherosclerosis, Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Varicose veins, Endothelial function, Microcirculation, Venous tone.
  • The closest evidence on file: Bilberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atherosclerosis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bilberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Varicose veins.

The evidence for what bilberry extract actually does is mixed and limited. For night vision, the data suggests it's likely ineffective.

For age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), atherosclerosis, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—we don't have enough reliable evidence to rate whether it works. Before taking this product expecting a specific benefit, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current science supports for your particular reason.

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. As a concentrated supplement, though, long-term safety data are sparse, and safety experts advise caution.

The most common side effects are dark-colored stools, flatulence, and stomach discomfort. In one small study, about a third of patients reported mild to moderate gas; another reported temporary stomach upset in 13%.

Your mouth, tongue, and teeth may also stain dark blue or black temporarily—this happened in 50% of people taking 700 mg twice daily for 4 weeks in one trial. Pregnancy and lactation: bilberry extract is likely safe, but confirm with your own healthcare provider before using during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

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 your medications with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take: blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, clopidogrel, aspirin—Moderate risk of bleeding); diabetes medications (Moderate risk of low blood sugar); drugs processed through a liver enzyme called CYP2E1; or the cancer drug erlotinib (Moderate risk of reduced effectiveness).

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 by NuNaturals is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but the science for what it actually does is weak or missing. If you take blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or certain cancer medications, you need to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.

Given the limited safety data on concentrated supplements, consider whether food sources of bilberry might be enough 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 Sep 21, 2017.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand NuNaturals
Barcode (UPC) 739223000312
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.; 59 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 21, 2017
DSLD ID 79037
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
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 by NuNaturals, 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 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 mL
Servings per container
59
UPC/BARCODE
739223000312
IngredientAmount% DV
Bilberry extract40 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Water

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General Statements

NuNaturals Bilberry is an extract that contains natural antioxidants, which serve to stop capillary weakness, thin the blood, and stimulate the release of vasodilators. Bilberry can be used to keep your vascular system healthy. Research also indicates that Bilberry may help keep your eyes healthy and help maintain healthier blood sugar levels.

541-344-9785 (Local/International)

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake before using. As an herbal supplement, use 20-60 drops (1-3 ml) daily directly in your mouth or add to your food or beverage.

General

N1

See for yourself

Bilberry Extract by NuNaturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry Extract by NuNaturals

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container59 Amounts shown are per serving.

Bilberry extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
40 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 extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bilberry Extract by NuNaturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry Extract?

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

Go to the checker
275Drugs
275 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bilberry Extract 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 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
The maker

Brand information

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

NuNaturals

See all NuNaturals products
Name
NuNaturals, Inc.
Street Address
2220 West 2nd Ave.
City
Eugene
State
Oregon
ZipCode
97402
Phone Number
800-753-4372
Web Address
www.nunaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry Extract by NuNaturals: Common Questions

Does Bilberry Extract by NuNaturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry Extract 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 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.
Will bilberry extract help my night vision or age-related macular degeneration?
For night vision, the evidence says it's likely ineffective. For macular degeneration and other age-related eye issues, we don't have enough reliable research to say whether it works. Talk with your eye doctor before relying on it for vision problems.
What are the most common side effects?
Dark-colored stools, gas, and stomach discomfort are the most common. Your tongue and teeth may also temporarily stain dark blue or black. These effects seem mild and temporary in most cases.
Is bilberry extract safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Bilberry extract is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, but confirm with your own doctor or pharmacist before using it, since they know your complete health picture.
Can I take this if I eat bilberries or drink bilberry juice?
Bilberry fruit and juice as food are generally well tolerated. This product is a concentrated supplement, though, and long-term safety data are limited—talk with your pharmacist about whether food sources are enough for what you're trying to do.
What is bilberry extract and why is it in this product?
Bilberry extract is a concentrated form of compounds from bilberry fruit, especially pigments called anthocyanidins. It's added to supplements because some older research suggested it might support eye and brain health, though newer evidence is weaker.

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

Not sure if Bilberry Extract is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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

Bilberry Extract label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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

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

The 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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