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Dietary supplement

Optimized Saffron Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Optimized Saffron label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
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 Optimized Saffron 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

Optimized Saffron is a dietary supplement by Life Extension 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 Satiereal Saffron extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Optimized Saffron by Life Extension

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Optimized Saffron 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

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: Satiereal saffron extract, a concentrated form of saffron—the red stigma (thread-like part) from the saffron crocus flower. The capsule also holds inactive ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, silica, and acacia gum, which are standard binders and fillers.

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: Eye health and mood support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Anxiety, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Postpartum depression, Depression — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Postpartum depression, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Saffron extract is possibly effective for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage and pain from cancer treatment) and Alzheimer disease, according to the evidence we hold. That means there's some clinical support for these uses, but the research isn't yet conclusive.

For other purposes, we don't have effectiveness data 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 at supplement doses, though some people report stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. Sedation and drowsiness are the most common side effects seen in trials.

Rarely, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis (a severe, sudden allergic reaction) can occur; occupational exposure to saffron has also triggered asthma and hay fever-like symptoms in some people. At higher doses, saffron has been linked to anxiety and mood changes in a few trial participants.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: We don't hold safety data for saffron during pregnancy or lactation. Because saffron may stimulate the uterus, the data advises against medicinal or supplement amounts in pregnancy.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in these situations.

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 with your pharmacist if you take CNS depressants (sedatives, sleep aids, pain relievers that cause drowsiness), blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, or rely on caffeine. Saffron can intensify the effects of all four groups.

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.

Optimized Saffron may be worth considering if you have chemotherapy-related nerve pain or early Alzheimer disease and want to explore a supplement option. If you take sedatives, blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, or drink a lot of caffeine, check with us first—saffron can amplify their effects.

A quick chat with your pharmacist will tell you whether it fits your routine.

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 May 21, 2025.

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 Optimized Saffron, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870143260
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 21, 2025
DSLD ID 328617
Product type Botanical
Supplement form 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 Optimized Saffron 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
737870143260
IngredientAmount% DV
Satiereal Saffron extract88.25 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Silica, Acacia Gum

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.
General Statements

Scan for product info

Precautions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. This supplement should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Results may vary.

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 pregnant or lactating.

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take one (1) capsule twice daily (morning and evening) with food or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Satiereal is a registered trademark of INOREAL. International patents pending.

Formulation

Gluten free Non GMO Le certified

Helps support healthy eating habits

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO Le certified

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

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

See for yourself

Optimized Saffron by Life Extension label

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

Optimized Saffron 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 Optimized Saffron by Life Extension

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

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Satiereal Saffron extract

Interacts with
521 drugs
88.25 mg per serving Form: Safranal

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...

Satiereal Saffron extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Silica, Acacia Gum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Optimized Saffron by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Optimized Saffron?

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

Satiereal Saffron extract 521

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Optimized Saffron interact with 521 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Optimized Saffron interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Satiereal Saffron extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Optimized Saffron 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.

Satiereal 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
Satiereal Saffron extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Optimized Saffron, 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

Optimized Saffron by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Optimized Saffron by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Optimized Saffron 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?
Optimized Saffron 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 this make me drowsy?
Drowsiness and sedation are the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of saffron extract at supplement doses. If you're sensitive to sleepiness or operate machinery, start low and see how you feel.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
We don't have enough safety data to recommend saffron supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Because saffron may stimulate the uterus, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it in pregnancy.
What's Satiereal saffron extract, and why that name?
Satiereal is a branded form of saffron extract—a concentrated version of the red threads (stigmas) from the saffron flower. It's standardized for consistency and potency.
Could this trigger an allergic reaction?
Allergies to saffron are rare but documented. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis can happen quickly. If you've never had saffron before or have a history of food allergies, introduce it cautiously and watch for hives, swelling, or breathing trouble.
Does saffron actually work for Alzheimer disease?
The evidence we hold rates it possibly effective—meaning there's some clinical support, but research isn't conclusive yet. Talk with your doctor about whether it's a reasonable addition to your care plan.
What inactive ingredients are in this capsule?
The capsule contains microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose, silica, and acacia gum—standard binders and flow agents that help make the capsule stable and easy to swallow.

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

Not sure if Optimized Saffron is safe with your meds?

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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.

Optimized Saffron label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Optimized Saffron’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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Optimized Saffron'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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