Herb & supplement monograph

Safflower Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Safflower interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Safflower is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Safflower is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Safflower Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Safflower drug interaction appears low for most people, especially at typical supplement doses. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all are graded as only possible, meaning the evidence comes from small studies, case reports, or conflicting findings.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The strongest concern involves warfarin, where one person stabilized on the drug developed urinary bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a high daily dose of safflower extract for two weeks. A similar caution applies to other anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, since very high doses of safflower oil reduced platelet clumping in small studies, though lower doses did not. People taking diabetes medications should also be aware that studies conflict, with safflower oil raising blood sugar in one trial and lowering it in another.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of listed medications is large, nearly all of them fall into these few broad categories of blood thinners and diabetes drugs. The concerns are mostly dose-dependent or based on limited and conflicting research, and studies using more modest amounts of safflower oil have often shown no meaningful effect in people.

Check your medications against Safflower

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Safflower interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Safflower

208 medications have a known interaction with Safflower, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Abciximab interaction
AbrocitinibCibinqo
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Abrocitinib interaction Abrocitinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcenocoumarolSintrom
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Acenocoumarol interaction
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interaction
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interaction
AcetohexamideDymelor
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Acetohexamide interaction
Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Acetylsalicylic Acid interaction Acetylsalicylic Acid drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AlbiglutideTanzeum
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Albiglutide interaction
AlogliptinNesina
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Alogliptin interaction Alogliptin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Alogliptin, MetforminKazano
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Alogliptin, Metformin interaction
Alogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interaction
Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Alteplase, Tpa interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Anacaulase-bcdb interaction
AnagrelideAgrylin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Anagrelide interaction Anagrelide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AnisindioneMiradon
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Anisindione interaction
Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) InhibitorGlyxambi
Moderate Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Antidiabetes, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (dpp-iv) Inhibitor interaction
Antithrombin IiiThrombate III
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Antithrombin Iii interaction
ApixabanEliquis
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Apixaban interaction Apixaban drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
ArgatrobanArgatroban
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Argatroban interaction
AspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aspirin interaction Aspirin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aspirin, Butalbital interaction
Aspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interaction Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interaction
Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interaction
Aspirin, CaffeineAnacin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

Read the full Safflower + Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Safflower combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Safflower affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Safflower is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Safflower interacts with
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntidiabetes DrugsWarfarin
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking safflower oil, approximately 55 grams daily for 2-3 weeks, decreases platelet aggregation. However, taking lower doses of safflower oil, such as 5 grams daily for 4 weeks, does not seem to affect platelet function. In one case report, a 74-year-old male stabilized on warfarin developed urinary tract bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a safflower extract 20 grams daily for 14 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Some clinical research shows that taking safflower oil 10 grams daily for 3 weeks can increase fasting blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, clinical research in patients with metabolic syndrome with or without impaired glucose tolerance shows that taking safflower oil 8 grams daily for 12 weeks reduces fasting glucose levels by around 8 mg/dL. Some clinical research also shows that taking safflower oil 8 grams daily for 16 weeks does not affect fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin

Theoretically, safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In one case report, a 74-year-old male stabilized on warfarin developed urinary tract bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a safflower extract 20 grams daily for 14 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Safflower: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Safflower is a thistle-like plant used mainly for its seed oil (a common cooking oil) and its colorful flowers. Safflower oil is a reasonable source of unsaturated fats, but strong proof that supplements treat specific diseases is limited. The flower extracts have much weaker evidence and should be used with caution, especially during pregnancy.

Safflower
Scientific name
Carthamus tinctorius
Family
Asteraceae
Part used
Flowers (petals), seeds, and seed oil
Common forms
Cooking oil, capsules (oil or CLA), tea, dried flowers, topical oil
People commonly use it for
  • Heart and cholesterol support
  • Skin moisturizing
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Mild constipation
  • Weight management (oil)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Safflower oil in food is generally well tolerated, but concentrated flower extracts and high-dose supplements have less safety data.

PregnancyLikely Safe

When safflower oil is used orally as part of the diet.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Safe

When safflower oil is used orally as part of the diet. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of safflower flower durin...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a thistle-like plant with bright yellow, orange, or red flowers. It has been grown for thousands of years, first as a source of dye and later for its oil-rich seeds. Today it is cultivated in many parts of the world, including India, the United States, and parts of the Middle East and Asia.

The two most common products from safflower are the seed oil and the dried flowers. Safflower oil is a popular cooking oil because it has a mild flavor and a high smoke point. The flowers have a long history in traditional medicine, and they are sometimes used as a cheaper substitute for true saffron in cooking and coloring.

People take safflower as a cooking oil, in capsules, as a tea made from the flowers, or apply the oil to the skin.

How it works

Safflower oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid, and also contains vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant. Diets that swap saturated fats for these unsaturated fats may help support healthier cholesterol levels. Some safflower oil supplements are marketed as containing CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which has been studied for body fat with inconsistent results.

Safflower flowers contain plant pigments and compounds such as carthamin and other flavonoids. Laboratory and animal studies suggest these may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood-thinning-like effects, and the flower has traditionally been thought to affect blood flow and the uterus. Importantly, these mechanisms are mostly based on test-tube and animal research and do not prove that safflower works the same way in people.

Effectiveness

Does Safflower work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 15 uses evaluated
15 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Safflower, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 15 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Coronary heart disease (CHD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Safflower oil, which is high in oleic acid, may be beneficial for reducing the risk of CHD when used to replace other dietary oils.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cystic fibrosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral safflower oil is beneficial in children with cystic fibrosis. <b>Details</b>: A very small clinical study in children with cystic fibrosis shows that taking safflower oil 1 gram/kg daily for one year does not affect sweat chloride concentrations or disease severity when compared with age-matched controls.

Sources Ref 72281
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies of oral safflower oil for improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes have yielded mixed results.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetic nephropathy
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that intravenous safflower yellow, a component of safflower flower, might improve symptoms and markers of diabetic nephropathy.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Familial hypercholesterolemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that substituting safflower oil in place of butter in the diet may modestly reduce cholesterol levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hepatitis C
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral safflower oil has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral safflower oil is beneficial for reducing blood pressure; the available research is conflicting.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Low birth weight
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral safflower oil is beneficial in infants with low birth weight.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Metabolic syndrome
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral safflower oil is beneficial in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Myocardial infarction
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Intravenous safflower yellow, a component of safflower flower, might improve outcomes when used as an adjunct to conventional therapy for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral safflower oil for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of safflower oil for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Phrynoderma
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral safflower oil is beneficial in patients with phrynoderma.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Scarring
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Topical safflower oil has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that intravenous safflower yellow, a constituent of safflower flower, as an adjunct to conventional treatments, may improve neurological outcomes post-stroke.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Unstable angina
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Intravenous safflower yellow, a component of safflower flower, might improve outcomes when used as an adjunct to conventional therapy for the treatment of unstable angina.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Safflower oil used as a food is generally considered safe for most people. Concentrated flower extracts and high-dose supplements have less safety information available, so more caution is needed.

People who are allergic to plants in the daisy/ragweed family (Asteraceae), such as ragweed, marigolds, or chrysanthemums, may also react to safflower. Because some safflower compounds may slow blood clotting, people with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should be cautious and talk to their doctor.

Pregnancy: Avoid medicinal safflower, especially the flower. It has traditionally been used to stimulate menstruation and may affect the uterus, which could be harmful in pregnancy. Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety data, so it is best to avoid medicinal amounts and stick to normal food use. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using safflower supplements.

Side effects

Used as a normal cooking oil, safflower oil rarely causes problems. When taken as a supplement or in larger medicinal amounts, possible side effects include stomach upset, loose stools, or nausea.

Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants. Signs can include rash, itching, or, rarely, more serious reactions. Because safflower may have a mild blood-thinning effect, watch for easy bruising or bleeding. Stop use and seek medical care if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling or trouble breathing.

Safflower: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Safflower from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition
Obesity Hepatic

Orally, safflower oil has been associated with liver failure. There are at least 7 case reports of acute liver failure requiring liver transplant that are probably associated with over-use of safflower oil, usually for weight loss purposes. However, it is not clear what dose or duration of safflower use led to liver failure in these cases.

  1. de Ataide EC, Reges Perales S, de Oliveira Peres MA, et al. Acute liver failure induced by Carthamus tinctorius oil: Case reports and literature review. Transplant Proc. 2018;50(2):476-477.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no official standardized dose for safflower as a medicine. Products vary widely, from cooking oil to capsules of oil, CLA, or dried flower extract, and each will have its own label directions.

The best advice is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. Because evidence is limited and the right dose for any health condition is not well established, talk to a pharmacist or doctor before starting safflower supplements, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safflower & Pregnancy

Likely Safe

When safflower oil is used orally as part of the diet.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Borkman M, Chisholm DJ, Furler SM, et al. Effects of fish oil supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in NIDDM. Diabetes 1989;38:1314-9..
  3. Kaji, K., Yoshida, S., Nagata, N., Yamashita, T., Mizukoshi, E., Honda, M., Kojima, Y., and Kaneko, S. An open-label study of administration of EH0202, a health-food additive, to patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Gastroenterol. 2004;39(9):873-878.
Possibly Safe

When safflower oil is administered intravenously in recommended doses by a healthcare professional.

  1. Amato, P. and Quercia, R. A. A historical perspective and review of the safety of lipid emulsion in pregnancy. Nutr Clin Pract. 1991;6(5):189-192.
Likely Unsafe

When safflower flower is used due to its abortifacient, menstrual stimulant, and uterine stimulant effects.

  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Safflower & Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

When safflower oil is used orally as part of the diet. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of safflower flower during lactation; avoid using.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Borkman M, Chisholm DJ, Furler SM, et al. Effects of fish oil supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in NIDDM. Diabetes 1989;38:1314-9..
  3. Kaji, K., Yoshida, S., Nagata, N., Yamashita, T., Mizukoshi, E., Honda, M., Kojima, Y., and Kaneko, S. An open-label study of administration of EH0202, a health-food additive, to patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Gastroenterol. 2004;39(9):873-878.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 14 references that drive our Safflower monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  3. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  4. Borkman M, Chisholm DJ, Furler SM, et al. Effects of fish oil supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in NIDDM. Diabetes 1989;38:1314-9.. PubMed
  5. Amato, P. and Quercia, R. A. A historical perspective and review of the safety of lipid emulsion in pregnancy. Nutr Clin Pract. 1991;6(5):189-192. PubMed
  6. Demke, D. M., Peters, G. R., Linet, O. I., Metzler, C. M., and Klott, K. A. Effects of a fish oil concentrate in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Atherosclerosis 1988;70(1-2):73-80. PubMed
  7. Kaji, K., Yoshida, S., Nagata, N., Yamashita, T., Mizukoshi, E., Honda, M., Kojima, Y., and Kaneko, S. An open-label study of administration of EH0202, a health-food additive, to patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Gastroenterol. 2004;39(9):873-878. PubMed
  8. Kwon, J. S., Snook, J. T., Wardlaw, G. M., and Hwang, D. H. Effects of diets high in saturated fatty acids, canola oil, or safflower oil on platelet function, thromboxane B2 formation, and fatty acid composition of platelet phospholipids. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. PubMed
  9. Lloyd-Still, J. D., Simon, S. H., Wessel, H. U., and Gibson, L. E. Negative effects of oral fatty acid supplementation on sweat chloride in cystic fibrosis. Pediatrics 1979;64(1):50-52. DOI
  10. Challen, A. D., Branch, W. J., and Cummings, J. H. The effect of aspirin and linoleic acid on platelet aggregation, platelet fatty acid composition and haemostasis in man. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 1983;37(3):197-208.
  11. Asp ML, Collene AL, Norris LE, Cole RM, Stout MB, Tang SY, Hsu JC, Belury MA. Time-dependent effects of safflower oil to improve glycemia, inflammation and blood lipids in obese, post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-masked, cro
  12. Liu Y, Liu S, Shi Y, et al. Effects of safflower injection on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin in rats. Xenobiotica. 2017 Oct 25:1-6. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed
  13. de Ataide EC, Reges Perales S, de Oliveira Peres MA, et al. Acute liver failure induced by Carthamus tinctorius oil: Case reports and literature review. Transplant Proc. 2018;50(2):476-477. PubMed
  14. Ruyvaran M, Zamani A, Mohamadian A, et al. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) oil could improve abdominal obesity, blood pressure, and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

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

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Safflower

81 brands in our database make a supplement containing Safflower.

Product directory

Supplement products with Safflower

279 products in our database contain Safflower. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Total Body Purifier by Cellular Research Formulas Tablet Or Pill 60 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Ultimate Men's Daily Pack by Burton Nutrition Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 30 Packet(s) View ingredients & interactions Ultra Circulation Plus by Nora Ross Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Upper Relief by Pacific BioLogic Capsule 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Vegan Multivitamin by Number One Nutrition Tablet Or Pill 90 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Vegan Multivitamins by Rise-N-Shine Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Vitilax by Merry Clinic Tablet Or Pill 150 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Vitilax by Merry Clinic Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Voice-Ease by Earth Friend Herb Co. Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Voice-Ease by Earth Friend Herb Co. Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions Wang's Ketsumeisei by World Nutrition Incorporated Capsule 180 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Whole Body Cleanse Detoxify by AB American Biologics Tablet Or Pill 300 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Whole Food Multivitamins & Minerals by Rise-N-Shine Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Women's Multivitamins & Minerals by Rise-N-Shine Tablet Or Pill 30 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Xue Fu Zhu Yu Pian Blood StasisClear 200 mg by Guang Ci Tang Tablet Or Pill 200 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Zendocrine by doTERRA DigestZen Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Zendocrine by doTERRA DigestZen Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions +Pain Relief Pain Relief Complex by Shaklee Other (e.g. Tea Bag) 90 Caplet(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions All Cell Detox by Nature's Sunshine Capsule 100 Capsule(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions All Cell Detox by Nature's Sunshine Capsule 100 Capsule(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Angelica Rasayana - 7 by Ayurvedic Rasayanas Liquid 10.7 Ounce(s) · 300 Gram(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Biotone EFA by Genestra Brands Softgel Capsule 100 Softgel Capsule(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Calm In The Sea Of Life Teapills Tong Jing Wan by Plum Flower Tablet Or Pill 1.2 oz. · 33 g · 200 Pill(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions Calm In The Sea Of Life Teapills Tong Jing Wan by Plum Flower Brand Tablet Or Pill 1.2 oz. · 33 Gram(s) · 200 Pill(s) Off market View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Safflower: Common Questions

What is Safflower used for, and does it work?
People use Safflower for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Safflower interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 208 medications with a known interaction with Safflower. Use the checker above to see how Safflower interacts with a specific drug.
How are Safflower interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Safflower with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Safflower interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Safflower the same as saffron?
No. Safflower is a different, cheaper plant whose flowers are sometimes used to imitate the color of true saffron. They are not the same spice and have different properties.
Is Safflower oil good for cooking?
Yes, Safflower oil is a common cooking oil with a mild flavor and high smoke point. It is mostly unsaturated fat, which can be part of a heart-healthy diet when used in place of saturated fats.
Can Safflower help me lose weight?
Some supplements use Safflower oil or CLA for weight or body fat, but the human evidence is weak and inconsistent. It is not a reliable substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
Is it safe to take Safflower during pregnancy?
Medicinal Safflower, especially the flower, should be avoided in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus and has traditionally been used to bring on menstruation.

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

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Products that contain Safflower

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Safflower — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

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