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

OcuShield Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Nutrition

OcuShield 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 OcuShield 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

OcuShield is a dietary supplement by Herbal Nutrition with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for minor wounds and skin healing, skin inflammation and irritation, diaper rash.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 Astaxanthin, Natural, Saffron Stigma Extract, Marigold Flower 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 OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition

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.
  • “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.
  • “Marigold Flower Extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

OcuShield is an 8-ingredient softgel with a mix of vision-supporting plant compounds. The active ingredients are lutein, alpha-carotene, astaxanthin (natural), trans-zeaxanthin, mixed carotenoids, meso-zeaxanthin, and extracts from marigold flower and saffron stigma.

These work together as carotenoids and antioxidants — compounds your eyes naturally use to filter light and protect against damage. The softgel also contains inactive ingredients (olive oil, gelatin, glycerin, safflower oil, beeswax, palm oil, purified water, acacia gum, annatto, and potato maltodextrin) that help deliver and stabilize the active compounds.

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 night vision support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Dry eye, Myopia, Visual acuity — and 3 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).

The evidence for OcuShield's ingredients is mixed. Lutein and zeaxanthin (both forms) are possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults.

For other conditions, the data doesn't support the same level of benefit — lutein and zeaxanthin appear ineffective for retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disease. Astaxanthin and saffron don't have enough reliable evidence yet to rate them for most eye-health claims.

Saffron does show promise for chemotherapy-related nerve pain and Alzheimer's disease, but those aren't eye conditions.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calendula Astaxanthin 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 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.

Lutein is generally well tolerated at supplement doses up to 20 mg daily, though the safety data for concentrated supplements is more limited than for lutein from food. Trans-zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are well tolerated at typical doses.

Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety data are limited; some trial participants reported abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stool. Saffron extract is usually well tolerated but can cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or drowsiness.

Rare serious reactions (anaphylaxis and allergy-related asthma from occupational exposure) have been reported; if you're allergic to saffron or related plants, avoid this product. For pregnancy and breastfeeding: lutein and zeaxanthin are rated likely safe, but supplement safety is not well studied — talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Astaxanthin should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Saffron should be avoided in pregnancy (it may stimulate the uterus) and breastfeeding (not enough data).

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calendula Astaxanthin 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?
  • 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.

Before taking OcuShield, check with your pharmacist if you take CNS depressants (sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs), blood pressure medication, diabetes drugs, or consume caffeine regularly — saffron and astaxanthin may interact with these. The zeaxanthin ingredients also carry a risk with diabetes drugs.

If you take any prescription medication, use the checker below to search your exact drugs.

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.

OcuShield may be worth considering if you're concerned about age-related macular degeneration and want lutein and zeaxanthin — the two best-supported ingredients for that condition. Be cautious if you take blood pressure medication, diabetes drugs, sleep aids, or anxiety medications, or if you consume significant caffeine — check your exact medications with the tool on this page first.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or allergic to saffron, talk with your pharmacist before starting.

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 Oct 24, 2024.

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 OcuShield, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 743970258247
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2024
DSLD ID 317384
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition, 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
743970258247
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend173 mg--
Lutein10 mg--
Alpha-Carotene1.25 mg--
Phospholipids0 NP--
Astaxanthin, Natural6 mg--
Trans-Zeaxanthin0 NP--
Mixed Carotenoids0 NP--
Meso-Zeaxanthin4 mg--
C3G2.2 mg--
Marigold Flower Extract0 NP--
Saffron Stigma Extract20 mg--

Other ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Safflower Oil, Beeswax, Palm Oil, Water, Purified, Acacia Gum, Annatto, 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

Directions: OcuShield is a complete eye care formula for eye health and night vision. Take one (1) softgel daily, with food or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended dose. Do not use 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 pregnant or lactating.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Made in the USA GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Consistent Quality

Formulation

Non GMO

Herbal science for eye health Night vision formula Ocular nutrition Retinal protective Supports visual acuity Saffron optimized Vascular eye health Helps fight eye fatigue

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

OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition label

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

OcuShield 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 OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition

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 Servings per container60 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.

Proprietary Blend

173 mg per serving

Astaxanthin, Natural

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

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

Astaxanthin, Natural monograph & interactions

C3G

2.2 mg per serving Form: European Black Currant extract

Saffron Stigma 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 Stigma Extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against OcuShield?

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

Astaxanthin, Natural 671
Saffron Stigma Extract 521
Marigold Flower Extract 248

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in OcuShield interact with 1,034 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 6 ingredients in OcuShield interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin, Natural Saffron Stigma Extract Marigold Flower Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in OcuShield 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.

Astaxanthin, Natural2 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
Astaxanthin, Natural full monograph & interactions

Saffron Stigma 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 Stigma Extract full monograph & interactions

Marigold Flower 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 Flower Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for OcuShield, from the product label.

Herbal Nutrition

See all Herbal Nutrition products
Name
Herbal Nutrition
City
Alpharetta
State
Georgia
Phone Number
800.497.4709
Web Address
herbalnutritionhealth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition: Common Questions

Does OcuShield by Herbal Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, OcuShield 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?
OcuShield 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 OcuShield actually help with macular degeneration?
Lutein and both forms of zeaxanthin in this product are rated possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration — meaning there's evidence they may help, but it's not definitive. Astaxanthin and saffron don't yet have enough reliable evidence for this specific condition, though saffron shows promise for other conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
What's astaxanthin, and why is it in here?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a red pigment from sea organisms — that works as an antioxidant. It's included because of its potential to protect eye tissue from damage, though we don't yet have strong evidence it works for any specific eye condition. Long-term safety data are limited.
Can I take this while pregnant?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are rated likely safe in pregnancy, but the supplement safety data are limited — talk with your doctor. Astaxanthin and saffron should be avoided; astaxanthin lacks safety data, and saffron may stimulate the uterus.
What are the side effects I might notice?
Most people tolerate OcuShield well. Lutein and zeaxanthin rarely cause problems. Astaxanthin may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stool in some users. Saffron can cause nausea, drowsiness, or stomach upset. Rare allergic reactions to saffron (including anaphylaxis) have been reported.
Why does the saffron in here matter for my medications?
Saffron extract can lower blood pressure, increase the risk of low blood sugar with diabetes drugs, add drowsiness if you take sleep aids or anti-anxiety drugs, and theoretically slow how your body processes caffeine. These are all moderate-severity interactions, so check your exact medications before starting.
Is there enough data on lutein in supplements during breastfeeding?
Lutein is naturally in breast milk, but safety of higher supplement doses isn't well studied. The product facts advise caution — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you while breastfeeding.

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

Not sure if OcuShield 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.

OcuShield label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind OcuShield’s Ingredients

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

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 → 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

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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

OcuShield'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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team