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Dietary supplement

Bilberry Plus Lutein Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Bilberry Plus Lutein label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Bilberry Plus Lutein against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bilberry Plus Lutein is a dietary supplement by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and macular health, age-related macular degeneration (amd), protection from blue light.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.

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Check Your Meds Against Bilberry Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bilberry Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bilberry Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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 three active ingredients: zeaxanthin and lutein (both carotenoids that concentrate in the eye) plus bilberry fruit extract, a source of anthocyanidin compounds. The product delivers these in a vegetable cellulose capsule with cellulose as an inactive filler.

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 and vision health.
  • 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).

Lutein and zeaxanthin are both possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Lutein is also possibly effective for cataracts.

Bilberry fruit extract, by contrast, shows insufficient evidence for AMD and appears possibly ineffective for night vision. The other uses listed — cognitive decline, asthma, breast cancer — lack sufficient reliable evidence for any of the three ingredients.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Zeaxanthin Bilberry Lutein

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.

All three active ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Zeaxanthin and lutein are rated Likely Safe in pregnancy and lactation, though supplement safety in pregnancy for zeaxanthin isn't well studied, and higher lutein supplement doses during breastfeeding haven't been studied either.

Bilberry carries a Likely Safe rating as well, but long-term supplement safety data are limited. Common side effects from bilberry are mild: dark stools, flatulence, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

A small number of trial participants reported mild-to-moderate gas, and some saw dark-bluish to black discoloration of stools and tongue; these effects reversed when the supplement was stopped.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Zeaxanthin Bilberry Lutein

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, check with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, drugs broken down by the liver enzyme CYP2E1, or erlotinib (Tarceva). Bilberry fruit extract poses Moderate interactions with all four categories.

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.

If you're concerned about age-related macular degeneration or cataracts, the lutein and zeaxanthin in this product have supporting evidence. However, check your medications against the interaction checker below, especially if you take diabetes drugs, blood thinners, or erlotinib — those carry documented risks with this product.

Ask your pharmacist before starting if you're on any regular medication.

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 Oct 26, 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 Plus Lutein, straight from the product label.

Brand GNC Herbal Plus Standardized
Barcode (UPC) 048107097158
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsules
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 26, 2011
DSLD ID 869
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form 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 Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized, 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
048107097158
IngredientAmount% DV
Zeaxanthin2 mg--
Bilberry Fruit Extract100 mg--
Lutemax 2020(TM)Lutein10 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, 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.
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.

FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT

Formulation

No Sugar, No Starch, No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, Sodium Free, No Wheat, No Gluten, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free.

Precautions

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

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

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

+When compared to regular lutein.

ACTUAL SIZE

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration.

Potency verified by GNC procedure #5133.

Proven Superior Absorption+

Supports Eye Health and Vision*

General

CODE 183903 ILG

Seals/Symbols

Lutemax 2020(TM)is a trademark of OmniActive Health Technologies.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

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

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Bilberry Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized label

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

Bilberry Plus Lutein label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bilberry Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

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.

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

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

Lutemax 2020(TM)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(TM)Lutein monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Bilberry Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bilberry Plus 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

Bilberry Fruit Extract 275
Zeaxanthin 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Bilberry Plus Lutein interact with 275 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 3 ingredients in Bilberry Plus Lutein interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bilberry Fruit Extract Zeaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bilberry Plus 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
Bilberry Fruit Extract full monograph & interactions

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
Zeaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

GNC Herbal Plus Standardized

See all GNC Herbal Plus Standardized products
Phone Number
1-888-462-2548
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bilberry Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized: Common Questions

Does Bilberry Plus Lutein by GNC Herbal Plus Standardized interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bilberry Plus 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 Plus 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.
Does this actually work for better vision?
Lutein in this product is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Zeaxanthin is also possibly effective for AMD. Bilberry fruit extract, however, is possibly ineffective for night vision and shows insufficient evidence for macular degeneration, so it's not the star here for vision.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
All three active ingredients are rated Likely Safe in pregnancy and lactation. That said, supplement safety for zeaxanthin in pregnancy and lutein at higher doses during breastfeeding hasn't been well studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing.
What are the side effects I should expect?
Most adverse effects come from bilberry and are mild: dark or black-colored stools, flatulence, and stomach discomfort. A small number of trial participants reported mild-to-moderate gas. You may also notice dark discoloration of your tongue or stools. These effects go away when you stop taking it.
Is lutein the same as zeaxanthin?
They're both carotenoids — compounds that your eye uses — and they work similarly, but they're different molecules. Both are rated possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration. They concentrate in different parts of the eye, and lutein is also possibly effective for cataracts.
How much zeaxanthin and lutein am I actually getting per capsule?
The product facts provided don't include the specific dose of each ingredient per capsule. Check the label on your bottle for those amounts, or ask your pharmacist.
Is it okay to take this long-term?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are generally well tolerated long-term at typical supplement doses. Bilberry, however, has limited long-term safety data, so there's less certainty about extended use. Discuss duration with your pharmacist.

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

Not sure if Bilberry Plus Lutein is safe with your meds?

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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 Plus Lutein label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bilberry Plus Lutein’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with 86 drugs

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 strongest evidence relates to slowing progres...

Read the full Zeaxanthin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bilberry

Interacts with 275 drugs

Bilberry is a blueberry-like fruit rich in antioxidant plant compounds called anthocyanins, and it has a long history of traditional use for eye health, circulation, and mild diarrhea. While...

Read the full Bilberry monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lutein

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

Read the full Lutein monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bilberry Plus 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.

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 →

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 →

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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