Herb & supplement monograph

Sassafras Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

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

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Sassafras 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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Sassafras 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 Sassafras drug interaction appears low for most people, since every listed concern is theoretical rather than proven in humans. None of the interactions are rated major, and all of them rest on lab research or predicted effects rather than documented human reports.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination most worth watching is sassafras with sedating medications, such as sleep aids, anxiety medicines, and other drugs that slow the nervous system, because added drowsiness is at least plausible even though it has not been confirmed in studies. Lab research also hints that certain medicines, including omeprazole, might raise the toxicity of safrole, a compound in sassafras, but this has never been reported in a person. Neither concern is well documented, so caution rather than alarm is the right posture.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of medications reflects just two broad drug categories, so hundreds of individual drugs get counted even though the underlying concerns are few. All of these interactions are theoretical, based on lab findings or predicted additive effects, and none have been shown to cause meaningful problems in people so far.

Check your medications against Sassafras

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

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Sassafras

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

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Sassafras using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Sassafras interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

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 Sassafras 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 Sassafras affects

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

All 2 drug categories Sassafras interacts with

Cns DepressantsCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Inducers

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of sassafras with drugs with sedative properties may cause additive sedative effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Inducers

In vitro research suggests that cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) inducers might increase the cytotoxicity of safrole. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Also, it is not known if CYP1A2 inducers increase the toxicity of sassafras. Inducers of CYP1A2 include omeprazole (Prilosec).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Sassafras: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Sassafras is an aromatic North American tree whose root bark and oil were once popular in teas and as a flavoring, but it contains safrole, a compound the FDA has banned in foods because it can cause cancer and liver damage. There is no good evidence it safely treats any health condition, and most experts recommend avoiding internal use. If you want the flavor, choose products that are labeled safrole-free.

Scientific name: Sassafras albidum
Family: Lauraceae
Part used: Root bark, bark, and essential oil
Common forms: Tea, dried root bark, essential oil, capsules, and as a flavoring

People commonly use it for

Digestive complaints
Cold and flu symptoms
Joint and muscle aches
Skin conditions (topical folk use)
As a flavoring agent (traditional root beer)

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

Safety at a glance

OverallBest avoided

Sassafras contains safrole, a compound linked to cancer and liver toxicity, and the FDA has banned it in food.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using. Sassafras oil has abortifacient effects.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using. Sassafras oil has abortifacient effects.

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

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is an aromatic tree in the laurel family that grows in the eastern United States and parts of East Asia. It is well known for its three-shaped leaves and its sweet, spicy smell. People have used the root and root bark for centuries.

Historically, Native Americans and early settlers used sassafras root bark to make teas and tonics. It was also a key flavoring in old-fashioned root beer and in a drink called "saloop." Today, the plant is mostly used as a flavoring source, though its main flavor compound, safrole, is now restricted because of safety concerns.

Uses & effectiveness

Traditionally, people have used sassafras for digestive upset, colds and flu, fevers, joint and muscle aches, and skin problems. It has also been used as a so-called "blood purifier" and as a flavoring agent.

The evidence for these uses is very weak. Most claims come from folk tradition rather than well-designed human studies. There is no reliable scientific proof that sassafras treats or cures any medical condition. Because of its safety risks, modern health authorities do not recommend it as a medicine.

How it works

The main active compound in sassafras is safrole, an aromatic oil found mostly in the root bark. Safrole gives sassafras its distinctive smell and taste.

In laboratory and animal studies, safrole has been shown to damage the liver and to cause cancer (tumors) in rodents. The body can change safrole into compounds that may damage DNA. These findings are why safrole is considered unsafe, and they are the basis for banning it in foods. Any proposed health "benefits" of sassafras are not supported by solid mechanism research in people.

Safety & precautions

Sassafras is generally considered unsafe to take by mouth. The U.S. FDA banned safrole and sassafras oil as food additives because of evidence that safrole can cause cancer and liver damage. Even "sassafras tea" made from the root bark can contain meaningful amounts of safrole.

Some products are labeled safrole-free; these have had the safrole removed and are used for flavoring. Whole sassafras root, root bark, and essential oil should not be taken internally.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid sassafras entirely. Safrole is toxic and could harm a developing baby, and there is not enough safety information for nursing mothers. Children, people with liver problems, and anyone with a history of cancer should also avoid it. Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using any sassafras product.

Side effects

Reported problems from sassafras and safrole include liver toxicity and an increased cancer risk seen in animal studies. Concentrated sassafras oil is especially dangerous and has been linked to poisoning.

Other possible effects include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and feeling dizzy or unwell. High doses of the oil can be very toxic and may cause serious symptoms. If you have taken sassafras oil or feel ill after using a sassafras product, seek medical care promptly.

Sassafras: Reported Adverse Effects

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

Sassafras is generally regarded as unsafe for use in medicinal amounts. Any benefits of therapy may not outweigh the risks of toxicity. Orally, sassafras can cause diaphoresis and hot flashes. Consumption of large amounts of sassafras oil can cause hallucinations lasting for several days. In adults, 5 mL sassafras oil can cause shakes, vomiting, dilated pupils, hypertension, tachycardia, stupor, collapse, abortion, paralysis, liver cancer, and death. The safrole constituent of sassafras oil and tea is carcinogenic. Increased incidence of esophageal cancer has been noted in areas with habitual sassafras consumption.

Topically, sassafras can cause contact dermatitis.

Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Segelman, A. B., Segelman, F. P., Karliner, J., and Sofia, R. D. Sassafras and herb tea. Potential health hazards. JAMA 8-2-1976;236(5):477.
Ueng, Y. F., Hsieh, C. H., Don, M. J., Chi, C. W., and Ho, L. K. Identification of the main human cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in safrole 1'-hydroxylation. Chem Res Toxicol 2004;17(8):1151-1156.
Kapadia, G. J., Chung, E. B., Ghosh, B., Shukla, Y. N., Basak, S. P., Morton, J. F., and Pradhan, S. N. Carcinogenicity of some folk medicinal herbs in rats. J Natl.Cancer Inst. 1978;60(3):683-686.

Reports by condition

Cancer Oncologic

Orally, consuming sassafras oil can cause liver cancer. The safrole constituent of sassafras oil and tea is carcinogenic. Increased incidence of esophageal cancer has been noted in areas with habitual sassafras consumption.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Kapadia, G. J., Chung, E. B., Ghosh, B., Shukla, Y. N., Basak, S. P., Morton, J. F., and Pradhan, S. N. Carcinogenicity of some folk medicinal herbs in rats. J Natl.Cancer Inst. 1978;60(3):683-686.

Dermatitis Immunologic

Topically, sassafras can cause contact dermatitis.

The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.

Hypertension Cardiovascular

Orally, consuming 5 mL sassafras oil can cause hypertension and tachycardia.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.

Myasthenia gravis Other

Orally, consuming 5 mL sassafras oil can cause death in adults.

One study estimates that safrole at doses as low as 0.66 mg/kg could be toxic. One cup of tea made with 2.5 grams of sassafras is estimated to contain 200 mg of safrole, or approximately 3 mg/kg for the average adult. This is 4.5 times the estimated toxic dose. A few drops of sassafras oil may be fatal in children.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.

Nausea and vomiting Gastrointestinal

Orally, consuming 5 mL sassafras oil can cause vomiting.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.

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 established safe dose for sassafras, and most experts recommend not taking it internally at all because of safrole. There is no standardized medical dosing.

If you use a commercial flavoring product that is labeled safrole-free, follow the directions on the label. Do not use whole sassafras root, bark, or essential oil as a home remedy. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or doctor before using any sassafras product.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Sassafras & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using. Sassafras oil has abortifacient effects.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Sassafras & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using. Sassafras oil has abortifacient effects.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 9 references that drive our Sassafras 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.

Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Ueng, Y. F., Hsieh, C. H., Don, M. J., Chi, C. W., and Ho, L. K. Identification of the main human cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in safrole 1'-hydroxylation. Chem Res Toxicol 2004;17(8):1151-1156. PubMed
Kapadia, G. J., Chung, E. B., Ghosh, B., Shukla, Y. N., Basak, S. P., Morton, J. F., and Pradhan, S. N. Carcinogenicity of some folk medicinal herbs in rats. J Natl.Cancer Inst. 1978;60(3):683-686.
Segelman, A. B., Segelman, F. P., Karliner, J., and Sofia, R. D. Sassafras and herb tea. Potential health hazards. JAMA 8-2-1976;236(5):477. DOI
Hu L, Wu F, He J, Zhong L, Song Y, Shao H. Cytotoxicity of safrole in HepaRG cells: studies on the role of CYP1A2-mediated ortho-quinone metabolic activation. Xenobiotica. 2019;49(12):1504-1515. 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.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Sassafras

3 brands in our database make a supplement containing Sassafras.

Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Pure Herbs 634 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Sassafras

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

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sassafras: Common Questions

Does Sassafras interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 275 medications with a known interaction with Sassafras. Use the checker above to see how Sassafras interacts with a specific drug.

How are Sassafras 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 Sassafras 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 Sassafras 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 Sassafras tea safe to drink?

Traditional Sassafras tea made from the root bark can contain safrole, a compound linked to cancer and liver damage, so it is not considered safe. The FDA banned safrole in foods, and most experts advise against drinking real Sassafras tea.

Why was Sassafras banned?

Sassafras and its oil were banned as food additives in the U.S. because safrole, the main aromatic compound, caused liver damage and cancer in animal studies.

Is the Sassafras in modern root beer dangerous?

Most modern root beer uses safrole-free Sassafras flavoring or artificial flavors, so it does not contain the harmful compound. The traditional root-bark version is the one to avoid.

Can I use Sassafras while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Sassafras should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because safrole is toxic and there is not enough evidence that it is safe.

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

Keep exploring

Products that contain Sassafras

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

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Sassafras Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Sassafras Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Sassafras

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Sassafras affects

Sassafras: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

Uses & effectiveness

How it works

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Sassafras: Reported Adverse Effects

Dosing

Sassafras & Pregnancy

Sassafras & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Sassafras

Supplement products with Sassafras

Sassafras: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Sassafras

Have a question about Sassafras?