Bilberry, also known as huckleberry, is considered a safe complementary and alternative therapy, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Native to Northern Europe, the bilberry is closely related to the American blueberry, and like the blueberry, bilberry is also used in pies, jams, teas and other comestibles. Anthocyanosides and vitamin C give bilberry its antioxidant properties. Bilberry supplements may reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer and macular degeneration, a disorder that affects the eyes. However, bilberry can have side effects when used inappropriately or taken with the wrong combination of medications or herbs.
Toxicity
When used in safe amounts, bilberry extract has no known side effects, according to the University of Michigan Health System. However, taking too much extract for a long period of time can be toxic, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The tannins in bilberry may result in muscle spasms, weight loss and even death.
Anticoagulant Effect
Theoretically, the anthocyanosides in bilberry supplements may affect how quickly blood clots. The UMMC states that you should speak with your doctor before using bilberry supplements along with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin. If you take these drugs, it may be safer to eat bilberries as a whole fruit rather than to take extract. It may also increase your risk of bleeding if you have hemophilia or a similar clotting disorder, cautions the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Low Blood Sugar
Avoid bilberry if you take drugs to control diabetes, as it may enhance the effects of your medication and cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The UMMC also points out that taking bilberry with other herbs can also lower your blood sugar. These include garlic, ginseng, ginger and fenugreek.
Other Effects
Bilberry may be beneficial to people with macular degeneration or cataracts, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. However, there's been few clinical studies on its effect on humans, and there is no evidence to suggest it is beneficial for any other purpose. Bilberry products are classified as a dietary supplement by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and do not go through the same rigorous approval process as medications. Their safety and efficacy is not assured. Please talk to your doctor before you use bilberry to address your health concerns.
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