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Dietary supplement

Safflower Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

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

Safflower is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart and cholesterol support, skin moisturizing, menstrual cramps.Based on those ingredients, 208 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Safflower Petal Extract, Dry. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Safflower by Herbal Terra

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 is a single-ingredient product: safflower petal extract in liquid form. The extract is mixed with alcohol, water, and glycerin as inactive ingredients to create the liquid base.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Safflower product and its label doesn't state a use — see Safflower's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence on safflower for its traditional uses—unstable angina, coronary heart disease, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes—is insufficient to rate in our data. That doesn't mean it doesn't work, only that reliable clinical evidence isn't yet established for these conditions.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Safflower

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.

Safflower oil in food amounts is generally well tolerated, but concentrated flower extracts and higher-dose supplements have less safety data behind them. The most serious concern in the literature is liver failure—there are at least 7 case reports of acute liver failure requiring transplant probably tied to safflower oil overuse, usually for weight loss, though the exact doses involved aren't clear.

During pregnancy, safflower flower may stimulate the uterus and has been used traditionally to bring on menstruation, so medicinal amounts should be avoided. There isn't enough reliable information on safflower while breastfeeding, so it's best to stick to normal food amounts only.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Safflower

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 — Safflower.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 208 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 this, check with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, warfarin specifically, or any diabetes medications. These have documented Moderate interactions with safflower at higher doses.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Safflower extract is worth a closer look if you're interested in its traditional uses, but its effectiveness isn't well established yet. If you take blood thinners, warfarin, or diabetes medications, this product needs a conversation with us or your doctor first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip medicinal amounts.

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 Sep 25, 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 Safflower, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 7238360553338
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2025
DSLD ID 325353
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Safflower by Herbal Terra, 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 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
7238360553338
IngredientAmount% DV
Safflower Petal Extract, Dry983 mg--

Other ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin

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

Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz. of juice or water up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking. May have contraindications and cause adverse reaction.

Consult a physician before giving to children under 18, before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Consult a physician before giving to children under 18, before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications. Keep out of the reach of children!

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formulation

cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.

Sugar free

Expertly extracted 100% natural Premium product

Organic alcohol

No artificial ingredients, color additives, fillers or binders.

Natural Gluten free

Formula

Carthamus tinctorius

Organic alcohol

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA

General Statements

Organic raw material.

See for yourself

Safflower by Herbal Terra label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Safflower by Herbal Terra

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Safflower Petal Extract, Dry

Interacts with
208 drugs
983 mg per serving

Safflower is a thistle-like plant used mainly for its seed oil (a common cooking oil) and its colorful flowers. Safflower oil is a reasonable source o...

Safflower Petal Extract, Dry monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Safflower by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Safflower?

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
208Drugs
208 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Safflower 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.

Safflower Petal Extract, Dry3 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

High doses of safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking safflower oil, approximately 55 grams daily for 2-3 weeks, decreases platelet aggregation. However, taking lower doses of safflower oil, such as 5 grams daily for 4 weeks, does not seem to affect platelet function. In one case report, a 74-year-old male stabilized on warfarin developed urinary tract bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a safflower extract 20 grams daily for 14 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, safflower oil might alter the effects of antidiabetes drugs.
Some clinical research shows that taking safflower oil 10 grams daily for 3 weeks can increase fasting blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, clinical research in patients with metabolic syndrome with or without impaired glucose tolerance shows that taking safflower oil 8 grams daily for 12 weeks reduces fasting glucose levels by around 8 mg/dL. Some clinical research also shows that taking safflower oil 8 grams daily for 16 weeks does not affect fasting glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin

Theoretically, safflower oil might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
In one case report, a 74-year-old male stabilized on warfarin developed urinary tract bleeding and an elevated INR after taking a safflower extract 20 grams daily for 14 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

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

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra LLC
Phone Number
+18083857868
Web Address
herbalterra.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Safflower by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Safflower by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Safflower has a known interaction with 208 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Safflower 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.
Can I take this if I'm on warfarin or a blood thinner?
Not without checking first. Safflower at higher doses may increase bleeding risk when combined with warfarin or other blood thinners. One case report showed a patient on warfarin develop bleeding and an elevated INR after taking safflower extract daily. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting.
Can I take this if I have diabetes or take diabetes medication?
Clinical research suggests safflower oil can raise fasting blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, so it could interfere with how your diabetes drugs work. Check with your pharmacist or doctor first to make sure it's safe for you.
What is safflower and what's it supposed to do?
Safflower is a flower traditionally used for heart health, blood sugar, and other conditions. This product is an extract of the flower petals in liquid form. The evidence on whether it actually works for those uses isn't established yet in our data.
Is safflower safe to take?
Safflower oil in food is generally well tolerated. Concentrated extracts and higher-dose supplements have less safety data. The main concern we track is liver failure—there are case reports of liver failure tied to safflower overuse, usually for weight loss, but the exact doses involved aren't clear.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, not in medicinal amounts. Safflower flower may stimulate the uterus and has been used traditionally to bring on menstruation, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. There also isn't enough reliable information on medicinal safflower while breastfeeding, so stick to normal food amounts only.
What are the side effects?
Safflower oil is associated with liver failure in the literature—at least 7 case reports of acute liver failure requiring transplant, usually tied to overuse for weight loss. It's not clear what dose or how long it takes to reach that point, so this is a concern to discuss with your pharmacist.

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

Not sure if Safflower 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.

Safflower label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Safflower'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 14 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.

Safflower 14 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  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. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  4. Borkman M, Chisholm DJ, Furler SM, et al. Effects of fish oil supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in NIDDM. Diabetes 1989;38:1314-9.. PubMed
  5. Amato, P. and Quercia, R. A. A historical perspective and review of the safety of lipid emulsion in pregnancy. Nutr Clin Pract. 1991;6(5):189-192. PubMed
  6. Demke, D. M., Peters, G. R., Linet, O. I., Metzler, C. M., and Klott, K. A. Effects of a fish oil concentrate in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Atherosclerosis 1988;70(1-2):73-80. PubMed
  7. Kaji, K., Yoshida, S., Nagata, N., Yamashita, T., Mizukoshi, E., Honda, M., Kojima, Y., and Kaneko, S. An open-label study of administration of EH0202, a health-food additive, to patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Gastroenterol. 2004;39(9):873-878. PubMed
  8. Kwon, J. S., Snook, J. T., Wardlaw, G. M., and Hwang, D. H. Effects of diets high in saturated fatty acids, canola oil, or safflower oil on platelet function, thromboxane B2 formation, and fatty acid composition of platelet phospholipids. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. PubMed
  9. Lloyd-Still, J. D., Simon, S. H., Wessel, H. U., and Gibson, L. E. Negative effects of oral fatty acid supplementation on sweat chloride in cystic fibrosis. Pediatrics 1979;64(1):50-52. DOI
  10. Challen, A. D., Branch, W. J., and Cummings, J. H. The effect of aspirin and linoleic acid on platelet aggregation, platelet fatty acid composition and haemostasis in man. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 1983;37(3):197-208.
  11. Asp ML, Collene AL, Norris LE, Cole RM, Stout MB, Tang SY, Hsu JC, Belury MA. Time-dependent effects of safflower oil to improve glycemia, inflammation and blood lipids in obese, post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-masked, cro
  12. Liu Y, Liu S, Shi Y, et al. Effects of safflower injection on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin in rats. Xenobiotica. 2017 Oct 25:1-6. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed
  13. de Ataide EC, Reges Perales S, de Oliveira Peres MA, et al. Acute liver failure induced by Carthamus tinctorius oil: Case reports and literature review. Transplant Proc. 2018;50(2):476-477. PubMed
  14. Ruyvaran M, Zamani A, Mohamadian A, et al. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) oil could improve abdominal obesity, blood pressure, and insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. PubMed

See these in context on the Safflower 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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