Bilberry, also referred to as myrtille, whortleberry and bleaberry, is a plant that may have medicinal uses. People have used the ripe fruit, dried fruit and leaves to make medicine. Medical conditions bilberry may possible help include glaucoma, impaired night vision, chest pain, problems with the urinary tract, hemorrhoids, menstrual pain, diarrhea and varicose veins. In addition to the desired effects of bilberry, the supplement carries possible risks. Consult a healthcare professional before beginning any herbal supplements used to treat medical conditions.
Decreased Blood Sugar Levels
Bilberry may cause a decrease in blood sugar levels. This may cause concern for people with diabetes and hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. Taking medications, such as insulin, glyburide and glipizide, for diabetes in addition to taking bilberry may cause a significant drop in blood sugar levels. Thus, people should closely monitor blood sugar levels when taking bilberry supplements. A physician may need to adjust diabetes medications during the time a person takes bilberry.
Increased Risk of Bleeding
Bilberry may decrease the clotting ability of the blood. People taking medications used to thin the blood, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin and enoxaparin, need to use caution when taking bilberry supplements. Combining the blood thinning medications with bilberry may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising..
Considerations
When taking bilberry, it is important to follow the recommended amounts of the supplement. Taking more than necessary or taking the supplement in multiple forms increases the risk of overdosing on bilberry. Not enough studies exist to establish the safety of using bilberry when pregnant or breastfeeding. The supplement may cause harm to the developing baby.
Overdose and Adverse Reactions
Generally, an overdose occurs when using the bilberry extract or the bilberry leaf. Using the bilberry fruit and fruit extract do not cause known side effects. Taking a bilberry supplement for an extended period may also increase the risk of possible adverse reactions because of the tannins -- a chemical that effects absorption in the gastrointestinal tract -- the leaf and leaf extract contain. Possible symptoms from the increased tannins include muscle spasms, severe weight loss and death.
Member Comments