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Dietary supplement

Bilberry Extract & Lutein Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus

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

Bilberry Extract & Lutein is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye health, age-related macular degeneration, cataract prevention.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 fruit extract, Zeaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry Extract & Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 3 active ingredients. Lutein (as Lutemax 2020) and zeaxanthin are both carotenoids — natural pigments found in your eyes that protect the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Bilberry fruit extract is made from the berries of a plant in the blueberry family and contains compounds called anthocyanidins. The inactive ingredients are cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and vegetable cellulose (the capsule itself) — standard fillers and binders that hold the capsule together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: eye health and vision.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Central serous retinopathy, Choroideremia, Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Zeaxanthin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

For age-related macular degeneration (AMD, a condition affecting central vision as you age), both lutein and zeaxanthin are rated possibly effective — the evidence suggests they may help, but it isn't definitive. Lutein is also possibly effective for cataracts.

Bilberry, however, shows insufficient evidence for AMD, and it's rated possibly ineffective for night vision, meaning current research doesn't support its use for that purpose. The evidence isn't established in our data for bilberry's use in cognitive decline, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, or chronic venous insufficiency, and zeaxanthin has insufficient evidence for cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin 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 2 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.

Lutein and zeaxanthin from food and typical supplement doses are generally well tolerated. Lutein at doses up to 20 mg daily hasn't caused adverse effects in trials.

Bilberry fruit extract and juice are also generally well tolerated, but the most common side effects are dark-colored stools, flatulence, and gastrointestinal discomfort — and bilberry may temporarily discolor your stools, tongue, or even teeth dark blue or black. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, all three ingredients are rated likely safe.

However, the safety data on concentrated supplement doses during breastfeeding is limited for both zeaxanthin and bilberry, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lutein Zeaxanthin 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?
  • 2 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Bilberry, Zeaxanthin.
  • 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 with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin — bilberry theoretically may increase bleeding risk (Moderate). If you take diabetes medications, zeaxanthin and bilberry may theoretically raise the risk of low blood sugar (Moderate).

Also flag any cancer drugs or medications metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP2E1, or the drug erlotinib (Tarceva) — bilberry may theoretically reduce their effectiveness (Moderate).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product may be worth considering if you're concerned about age-related eye health, since lutein and zeaxanthin have some evidence for AMD and cataracts. If you take diabetes medications, blood thinners, or the cancer drug erlotinib, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — bilberry and zeaxanthin may affect how these work or increase side-effect risks.

Bilberry can cause dark stools and digestive upset in some people. Run your full medication list through the checker on this page to be sure.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 23, 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 & Lutein, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus
Barcode (UPC) 048107128395
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 23, 2017
DSLD ID 74528
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 & Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
048107128395
IngredientAmount% DV
Lutemax 2020 Lutein10 mg--
Zeaxanthin2 mg--
Bilberry fruit extract100 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule

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.
Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Consult your physician prior to using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General Statements

For eye health and vision

Proven superior absorption

Potency verified by GNC procedure #5133. Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

When compared to regular Lutein.

Formulation

Vegetarian standardized herb

General

CODE 183904 ARG

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Lutemax 2020 Lutein is a trademark of OmniActive Health Technologies.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

See for yourself

Bilberry Extract & Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry Extract & Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Lutemax 2020 Lutein

No known
interactions
10 mg per serving

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...

Lutemax 2020 Lutein monograph & interactions

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
2 mg per serving

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The stron...

Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Bilberry fruit extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
100 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: Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bilberry Extract & Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry Extract & Lutein?

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 & Lutein 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.

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

Zeaxanthin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking zeaxanthin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In an animal diabetic model, zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic effects. However, population research has found that increasing intake of dietary zeaxanthin plus lutein does not decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

GNC Herbal Plus

See all GNC Herbal Plus products
Name
General Nutrition Corporation
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15222
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Web Address
www.gnc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry Extract & Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus: Common Questions

Does Bilberry Extract & Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry Extract & Lutein 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 & Lutein contains 3 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.
Is lutein safe to take while breastfeeding?
Lutein is rated likely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Lutein is naturally present in breast milk, but the safety of higher supplement doses while breastfeeding hasn't been well studied, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting if you're nursing.
Will this help my night vision?
The bilberry in this product is rated possibly ineffective for night vision — current research doesn't support using it for that purpose. Lutein and zeaxanthin have some evidence for age-related macular degeneration instead.
What are the most common side effects?
Bilberry may cause dark-colored stools, flatulence, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. In some people, bilberry can darken the stools, tongue, or teeth temporarily — this is harmless. Lutein and zeaxanthin have no common adverse effects listed at typical doses.
What's zeaxanthin and why is it in here?
Zeaxanthin is a yellow carotenoid pigment that accumulates in the retina and macula — the central part of the eye. Like lutein, it may help protect your vision as you age, and the two work together in your eye tissue.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner?
Bilberry may theoretically increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin — the research is theoretical, but this is why it's important. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting; don't take this on your own if you're on these medications.
Is this safe long-term?
Lutein and zeaxanthin at typical supplement doses are well tolerated. Bilberry fruit extract seems well tolerated, but long-term safety data are limited, so discuss duration and ongoing use with your doctor or pharmacist.

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

Not sure if Bilberry Extract & Lutein is safe with your meds?

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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 & Lutein label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bilberry Extract & Lutein'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 20 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.

Lutein 2 references
  1. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
  2. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed

See these in context on the Lutein monograph →

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin monograph →

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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