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Dietary supplement

100% Pure Saffron Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors Stress-Relax

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

100% Pure Saffron Extract is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors Stress-Relax with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for depression and low mood, anxiety, pms symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 521 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Affron. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of 100% Pure Saffron Extract by Natural Factors Stress-Relax

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

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: saffron extract (Affron brand). Saffron is the dried stigma (threadlike part) of the saffron crocus flower and has been used traditionally and in research for brain health and nerve-related side effects from cancer treatment.

The capsule itself is made from microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, purified water, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and silica — all inactive ingredients that help form and preserve the capsule.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Saffron's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mood support, sleep, and emotional well-being.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Insomnia, Postpartum depression, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), depression — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Postpartum depression, Insomnia, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The evidence we hold shows saffron is possibly effective for two uses: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain from cancer drugs) and Alzheimer disease. 'Possibly effective' means some clinical research supports it, but more evidence is needed to be sure. For other uses, effectiveness data isn't established in the information we have on file.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Saffron

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Saffron extract is generally well tolerated orally. The most common side effects in trials were gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, sedation, and vomiting.

Rarely, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) has been reported — it can happen within minutes of eating saffron-containing food. At higher doses (30 mg twice daily for 26 weeks), saffron has caused anxiety and mood changes like hypomania in some people, though at lower doses (30 mg daily for 6 weeks) the rate matched placebo.

Saffron in food amounts is likely safe, but supplement doses should be used carefully — high doses can be toxic. Saffron is likely unsafe in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus; if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Saffron

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?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Saffron.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 521 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 you start, double-check your medications in the tool below if you take any central nervous system depressants (sedatives, sleeping pills, strong pain relievers) — saffron can add to drowsiness. Also check if you're on blood pressure medications or diabetes drugs, as saffron may lower blood pressure or increase the risk of low blood sugar.

If you use caffeine regularly or take it as a supplement, be aware saffron might slow how your body clears it.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Saffron extract may be worth considering if you're interested in nerve pain from cancer treatment or brain health, but it's not a first-line treatment. It's important to avoid it if you take sedatives, blood pressure drugs, or diabetes medications without checking with your pharmacist first.

Anyone with a saffron allergy should skip it. Talk to your pharmacist before adding this to your routine, especially if you're on any regular medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 23, 2023.

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 100% Pure Saffron Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors Stress-Relax
Barcode (UPC) 068958028545
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 282725
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
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 100% Pure Saffron Extract by Natural Factors Stress-Relax, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
068958028545
IngredientAmount% DV
Affron28 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Water, Purified, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Silica

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.
Seals/Symbols

isura Non-GMO - Mass Spec Documentation Lab tested

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 2 capsules per day or as directed by a health professional.

Precautions

Cautions: As with any supplement, consult your health professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate a surgery.

Keep out of reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

Formulation

Affron Saffron has been clinically shown to help maintain a positive mood, promote restful sleep, and support emotional well-being.

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no starch, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, or GMOs.

Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.

IMPROVES MOOD, RELIEVES STRESS, AND SUPPORTS RELAXATION

CLINICALLY RESEARCHED

General Statements

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Product of Canada

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Affron is a registered trademark of Pharmactive, Inc. Isura is a registered trademark of ISURA.

See for yourself

100% Pure Saffron Extract by Natural Factors Stress-Relax label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in 100% Pure Saffron Extract by Natural Factors Stress-Relax

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Affron

Interacts with
521 drugs
28 mg per serving Form: Lepticrosalides, Saffron Stigma Extract

Saffron is a costly spice that has shown promise in early studies for mild-to-moderate depression and some mood and PMS symptoms, but most research us...

Affron monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Water, Purified, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

100% Pure Saffron Extract by Natural Factors Stress-Relax Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 100% Pure Saffron Extract?

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
521Drugs
521 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Affron 521

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in 100% Pure Saffron Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Affron4 drug types · 521 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of saffron with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some clinical research shows that taking saffron extract reduces fasting levels of glucose when used in addition to hypoglycemic agents. However, saffron powder itself has not been shown to reduce fasting glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of saffron with antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects.
Animal and human research suggests that saffron extract can decrease blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Caffeine

Theoretically, saffron might inhibit the metabolism of caffeine.
A small clinical study suggests that taking saffron powder 300 mg in 150 mL water daily for 5 days and then taking caffeine 200 mg seems to reduce caffeine metabolite levels in the saliva and urine in males, but not females. Theoretically, this may be due to the inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 by saffron.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of saffron and CNS depressants might have additive sedative effects.
Clinical research shows that taking saffron extract 60 mg orally daily for 26 weeks can cause drowsiness and sedation. Animal research suggests that adding saffron to hexobarbital further increases sleeping and slows motor activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for 100% Pure Saffron Extract, from the product label.

Natural Factors Stress-Relax

See all Natural Factors Stress-Relax products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

100% Pure Saffron Extract by Natural Factors Stress-Relax: Common Questions

Does 100% Pure Saffron Extract by Natural Factors Stress-Relax interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 100% Pure Saffron Extract has a known interaction with 521 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
100% Pure Saffron Extract contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Will saffron make me drowsy?
Clinical research shows the extract itself causes drowsiness and sedation in some people. It's especially a concern if you also take sedatives or sleeping pills — the effects can add up. If drowsiness bothers you, mention it to your pharmacist.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
No. Saffron is rated likely unsafe in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. If you're pregnant or planning to be, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use.
What's Affron?
Affron is a branded form of saffron extract — the active ingredient in this product. It comes from the saffron crocus flower.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes. The capsule contains microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, purified water, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and silica — all inactive ingredients that help form the capsule.
What is saffron used for in this product?
According to the research we have on file, saffron is possibly effective for nerve pain from cancer drugs (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy) and for Alzheimer disease. More evidence is needed to be confident about these uses.
Are there any rare serious side effects?
Anaphylaxis — a severe allergic reaction — is rare but has been reported. It can happen within minutes of taking saffron. If you have a saffron allergy or experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, stop and seek emergency help right away.

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

Not sure if 100% Pure Saffron Extract is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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.

100% Pure Saffron Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind 100% Pure Saffron Extract’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

100% Pure Saffron Extract'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 22 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.

Saffron 22 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  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. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  4. Feo F, Martinez J, Martinez A, et al. Occupational allergy in saffron workers. Allergy 1997;52:633-41. PubMed
  5. Wuthrich B, Schmid-Grendelmeyer P, Lundberg M. Anaphylaxis to saffron. Allergy 1997;52:476-7. PubMed
  6. Akhondzadeh S, Tahmacebi-Pour N, Noorbala AA, et al. Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res 2005;19:148-51.
  7. Safarinejad MR, Shafiei N, Safarinejad S. A prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) on semen parameters and seminal plasma antioxidant capacity in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasth
  8. Fatehi, M., Rashidabady, T., and Fatehi-Hassanabad, Z. Effects of Crocus sativus petals' extract on rat blood pressure and on responses induced by electrical field stimulation in the rat isolated vas deferens and guinea-pig ileum. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003; PubMed
  9. Modaghegh, M. H., Shahabian, M., Esmaeili, H. A., Rajbai, O., and Hosseinzadeh, H. Safety evaluation of saffron (Crocus sativus) tablets in healthy volunteers. Phytomedicine. 2008;15(12):1032-1037. PubMed
  10. Imenshahidi, M., Hosseinzadeh, H., and Javadpour, Y. Hypotensive effect of aqueous saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) and its constituents, safranal and crocin, in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Phytother.Res 12-9-2009;
  11. Zhang, Y., Shoyama, Y., Sugiura, M., and Saito, H. Effects of Crocus sativus L. on the ethanol-induced impairment of passive avoidance performances in mice. Biol.Pharm Bull. 1994;17(2):217-221. PubMed
  12. Wuthrich, B., Schmid-Grendelmeyer, P., and Lundberg, M. Anaphylaxis to saffron. Allergy 1997;52(4):476-477. PubMed
  13. Akhondzadeh S, Sabet MS, Harirchian MH, Togha M, Cheraghmakani H, Razeghi S, Hejazi SSh, Yousefi MH, Alimardani R, Jamshidi A, Zare F, Moradi A. Saffron in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a 16-week, randomized and plac
  14. Kashani L, Eslatmanesh S, Saedi N, Niroomand N, Ebrahimi M, Hosseinian M, Foroughifar T, Salimi S, Akhondzadeh S. Comparison of Saffron versus Fluoxetine in Treatment of Mild to Moderate Postpartum Depression: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial. Ph PubMed
  15. Kianbakht S, Ghazavi A. Immunomodulatory effects of saffron: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2011 Dec;25(12):1801-5. PubMed
  16. Mazidi M, Shemshian M, Mousavi SH, Norouzy A, Kermani T, Moghiman T, Sadeghi A, Mokhber N, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Ferns GA. A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in the treatment of anxiety and depression. J C
  17. Safarinejad MR, Shafiei N, Safarinejad S. An open label, randomized, fixed-dose, crossover study comparing efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate and saffron (Crocus sativus Linn.) for treating erectile dysfunction in men naïve to treatment. Int J Impo PubMed
  18. Talaei A, Hassanpour Moghadam M, Sajadi Tabassi SA, Mohajeri SA. Crocin, the main active saffron constituent, as an adjunctive treatment in major depressive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical trial. J Affect Disord. 2 PubMed
  19. Azimi P, Ghiasvand R Feizi A, Hariri M, Abbasi B. Effects of cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, and ginger consumption on markers of glycemic control, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and inflammation in type 2 diabetes. Rev Diabet Stud. 2014 Fall-Winter;11(3-4
  20. Begas E, Bounitsi M, Kilindris T, et al. Effects of short-term saffron (Crocus sativus L.) intake on the in vivo activities of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in healthy volunteers. Food Chem Toxicol. 2019;130:32-43. PubMed
  21. Moravej Aleali A, Amani R, Shahbazian H, Namjooyan F, Latifi SM, Cheraghian B. The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabet
  22. Abbaszadeh-Mashkani S, Hoque SS, Banafshe HR, Ghaderi A. The effect of crocin (the main active saffron constituent) on the cognitive functions, craving, and withdrawal syndrome in opioid patients under methadone maintenance treatment. Phytother Res. 2021; PubMed

See these in context on the Saffron 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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