Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 6 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for depression and low mood, anxiety, pms symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 1,034 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are natural Astaxanthin, Saffron extract, Marigold extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 6 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “Marigold extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.
  • “MacuGuard Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (173 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Mixed Carotenoids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

MacuGuard contains 8 active ingredients designed to support eye and cognitive health. The main ones are saffron extract, two forms of zeaxanthin (meso-zeaxanthin and trans-zeaxanthin), natural astaxanthin, and free lutein — all carotenoids (plant pigments with antioxidant properties) that concentrate in the eye.

The product also includes phospholipids, alpha-carotene, marigold extract, and a proprietary blend with C3G (a type of anthocyanin from berries). The softgels are filled with olive oil, glycerin, and safflower oil to help absorption.

Inactive ingredients like gelatin, beeswax, acacia gum, and food colorings make up the rest.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Eye health and macular support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Central serous retinopathy, Choroideremia, Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Zeaxanthin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Saffron extract is possibly effective for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage from cancer treatment) and Alzheimer disease based on clinical research. Lutein is possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

Both zeaxanthin ingredients are possibly effective for AMD as well. Astaxanthin, however, has insufficient evidence to support use for the conditions listed — including AMD, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer disease — so we cannot confirm it works for those purposes.

The evidence for the other ingredients isn't established in our data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Saffron Astaxanthin Calendula

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 3 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Saffron extract is generally well tolerated at supplement doses, though the most common side effects are gastrointestinal upset, nausea, sedation, and vomiting. Rarely, anaphylactic reactions have occurred.

At higher doses (30 mg twice daily), anxiety and hypomania have been reported, though at lower doses it looks similar to placebo. The safety data advises against saffron in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus; there isn't enough data on breastfeeding.

Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated but has limited long-term safety data; the safety data advises against it in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Both zeaxanthin ingredients are likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, though supplement safety in those settings is not well studied.

Lutein is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation. Astaxanthin may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools, particularly at higher doses.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Saffron Astaxanthin Calendula

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?
  • 3 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Saffron, Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,035 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.

Check your medications if you take CNS depressants (sleep aids, sedatives, anxiety medications) — saffron can add to drowsiness. Also check if you're on blood pressure medications or diabetes drugs, where saffron and zeaxanthin may strengthen their effects.

If you take medications broken down by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 liver enzymes, mention astaxanthin to your pharmacist, since astaxanthin may reduce their levels in your system.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is built around saffron and carotenoids aimed at protecting vision and cognition. If you take sleep aids, blood pressure medications, or diabetes drugs, saffron's sedative and blood-sugar-lowering effects mean you should check with your pharmacist first.

Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with their doctor about saffron and astaxanthin before starting. Run your medications through our interaction checker on this page.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2020.

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 MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870199366
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 232206
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension, 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:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
737870199366
IngredientAmount% DV
Phospholipids0 NP--
Alpha-Carotene1.24 mg--
Saffron extract20 mg--
Meso-Zeaxanthin4 mg--
Trans-Zeaxanthin0 NP--
Marigold extract0 NP--
natural Astaxanthin6 mg--
free Lutein10 mg--
C3G2.2 mg--
MacuGuard Proprietary Blend173 mg--
Mixed Carotenoids0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, extra virgin Olive Oil, Glycerin, Safflower Oil, Palm Oil, purified Water, Beeswax, Acacia Gum, Annatto color, Potato Maltodextrin

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. Directions: Take one (1) softgel daily, with food, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

1 Daily

Formula

Based on scientific studies, this formula is enhanced with phospholipids to increase lutein absorption.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are lactating.

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

LuteinPlus and Mz are registered trademarks of NutriProducts Ltd., UK, licensed under U.S. Patent 8,623,428.

Formulation

Gluten free Non GMO LE Certified

Plant extracts to support healthy vision

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO LE Certified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension label

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

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension

These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Saffron extract

Interacts with
521 drugs
20 mg per serving

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...

Saffron extract monograph & interactions

Natural Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
6 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis algae

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Natural Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

C3G

2.2 mg per serving Form: European Black Currant extract

MacuGuard Proprietary Blend

173 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Extra virgin Olive Oil, Glycerin, Safflower Oil, Palm Oil, Purified Water, Beeswax, Acacia Gum, Annatto color, Potato Maltodextrin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin?

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
1,034Drugs
1,034 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

natural Astaxanthin 671
Saffron extract 521
Marigold extract 248

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin interact with 1,034 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 6 ingredients in MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. natural Astaxanthin Saffron extract Marigold extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

natural Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
natural Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions

Saffron extract4 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
Saffron extract full monograph & interactions

Marigold extract1 drug type · 248 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, calendula might have additive effects when used with CNS depressants, although this appears to be unlikely.
Although some animal research has suggested that a saponoside constituent in calendula may have sedative effects, calendula has been used for over 30 years without reports of sedation in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Marigold extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin, from the product label.

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin has a known interaction with 1,034 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin contains 6 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Does this product really help with macular degeneration?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are both possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration based on research. Saffron is possibly effective for Alzheimer disease. But astaxanthin—another ingredient here—doesn't have enough evidence behind it yet for AMD. The mix may help, but talk with your eye doctor about whether it fits your specific situation.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or trying to become pregnant?
The safety data advises against saffron and astaxanthin during pregnancy—there isn't enough data to know they're safe. Lutein and zeaxanthin are likely safe. Because this product contains saffron, it's best to avoid it if you're pregnant or trying to conceive. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.
What are the most common side effects?
From saffron, the most common are nausea, stomach upset, and sedation or drowsiness. Astaxanthin may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, or red-colored stools, especially at higher doses. Lutein and zeaxanthin have no reported side effects at typical doses.
Is saffron safe to use long term?
Saffron extract is generally well tolerated at supplement doses. However, at high doses, anxiety and hypomania have been reported. Start with the dosage on the label and tell your pharmacist if you experience mood changes or intense drowsiness.
Can I take this with my blood pressure or diabetes medication?
Both saffron and zeaxanthin can lower blood pressure and blood sugar further, raising the risk of side effects. If you're on those medications, check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting—you may need dose adjustments or closer monitoring.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The softgel capsule contains gelatin, olive oil, glycerin, safflower oil, palm oil, water, beeswax, acacia gum, annatto color, and potato maltodextrin. If you have allergies to any of these, check the label or ask us.

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

Not sure if MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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.

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Saffron

Interacts with 521 drugs

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 uses small trials, so results are not defi...

Read the full Saffron monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Calendula

Interacts with 248 drugs

Calendula is a flowering plant whose petals are used mainly in skin creams, oils, and ointments to soothe minor irritation and support wound healing. Some early research is promising for ski...

Read the full Calendula monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin'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 40 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 →

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin monograph →

Calendula 9 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Reider N, Komericki P, Hausen BM, et al. The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Contact Dermatitis 2001;45:269-72..
  3. Gol'dman II. [Anaphylactic shock after gargling with an infusion of Calendula]. Klin Med (Mosk) 1974;52:142-3.
  4. Paulsen E. Contact sensitization from Compositae-containing herbal remedies and cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis 2002;47:189-98. PubMed
  5. Bojadjiev C. On the sedative and hypotensive effect of preparations from the plant Calendula officinalis. Nauch Trud Visshi Med Inst Sof 1964;43:15-20.
  6. Samochowiec L. Pharmacological study of saponosides from Aralia mandshurica Rupr. et Maxim and Calendula officinalis L. Herba Pol. 1983;29:151-155.
  7. Madisetti M, Kelechi TJ, Mueller M, Amella EJ, Prentice MA. Feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability of RGN107 in the palliative wound care management of chronic wound symptoms. J Wound Care. 2017;26(Sup1):S25-S34. PubMed
  8. Final Assessment report on Calendula officinalis L., flos. European Medicines Agency: Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). 2018. EMA/HMPC/603409/2017. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-cal
  9. Puaratanaarunkon T, Washrawirul C, Chuenboonngarm N, Noppakun N, Asawanonda P, Kumtornrut C. Efficacy and safety of a facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glaba root extract in the treatment of maskne: A

See these in context on the Calendula monograph →

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin monograph →

Lutein 2 references
  1. Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
  2. Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed

See these in context on the Lutein 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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