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Dietary supplement

Saffron 88.5 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nutricost

Saffron 88.5 mg 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 Saffron 88.5 mg 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

Saffron 88.5 mg is a dietary supplement by Nutricost 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 Saffron Flower 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 Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost

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: saffron flower extract at 88.5 mg per capsule. Saffron is the dried stigma (the female reproductive part) of the saffron crocus flower and has been used traditionally and studied for memory and nerve-related concerns.

The capsule also contains rice flour and hypromellose (a plant-based capsule material) as inactive ingredients.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Saffron's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Saffron for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Alzheimer disease — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Saffron extract in this product is rated possibly effective for two conditions: Alzheimer disease and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage from cancer treatment). That means there's some clinical evidence it may help, but the research isn't conclusive enough to say it works reliably.

If you're considering it for either of those reasons, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current evidence shows and whether it makes sense for your situation.

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 at supplement doses is generally well tolerated, but you should know what to watch for. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, vomiting) and sedation.

Rare but serious, anaphylactic reactions (severe allergic reactions) have occurred, and people with a saffron allergy may also develop hay fever or allergy-triggered asthma. At higher doses (30 mg twice daily), some people have reported anxiety, agitation, or mood elevation (hypomania).

The safety data advises against saffron in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable information, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it.

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 taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you use any CNS depressants (sleep aids, sedatives, anxiety medications), antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure medications), antidiabetes drugs (insulin, metformin, and similar), or caffeine supplements. All four drug types have documented moderate-severity interactions with saffron.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Saffron may be worth considering if you're exploring options for Alzheimer disease or chemotherapy-related nerve pain, but it does interact with blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, sedatives, and possibly caffeine. If you take any of those, check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Pregnant people should avoid it. Watch for nausea and drowsiness, and talk to your pharmacist about whether it's right for you.

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 Aug 22, 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 Saffron 88.5 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nutricost
Barcode (UPC) 810014673523
Net contents 240 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 338581
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
240
UPC/BARCODE
810014673523
IngredientAmount% DV
Saffron Flower Extract88.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose

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

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily with 8-12 oz of water or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Formulation

Third Party Tested

Non-GMO Gluten-Free

Made and quality tested in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. Support for positive mood levels

Vegetarian Product

Non-GMO product

Precautions

Warning: For healthy individuals 18 years and older.

Consult a healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Notice: Store in a cool, dry place.

Formula

Saffron 88.5 mg per serving

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.

Seals/Symbols

Nutricost Quality Guaranteed Vegetarian Product GMP Compliant Facility

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

See for yourself

Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost label

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

Saffron 88.5 mg 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 Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container240 Amounts shown are per serving.

Saffron Flower Extract

Interacts with
521 drugs
88.5 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...

Saffron Flower Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saffron 88.5 mg?

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

Saffron Flower Extract 521

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Saffron 88.5 mg interact with 521 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Saffron 88.5 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Saffron Flower Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Saffron 88.5 mg 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.

Saffron Flower 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 Flower Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Saffron 88.5 mg, from the product label.

Nutricost

See all Nutricost products
Name
Nutricost
Street Address
351 E 1750 N
City
Vineyard
State
UT
ZipCode
84059
Phone Number
(866) 438-3694
Web Address
www.nutricost.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost: Common Questions

Does Saffron 88.5 mg by Nutricost interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saffron 88.5 mg 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?
Saffron 88.5 mg 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.
What is saffron used for?
Saffron extract in this product is studied for Alzheimer disease and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage from cancer treatment). Clinical evidence suggests it's possibly effective for both, but that means the research is promising—not definitive. Talk with your doctor about whether it fits your health goals.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against saffron in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable information to know either way—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common ones are gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, and sedation. At higher doses, anxiety and agitation have been reported. Rare but serious, anaphylactic reactions (severe allergies) can happen. If you have a known saffron allergy, avoid this product.
Does saffron interact with blood pressure or diabetes medications?
Yes. Saffron may lower blood pressure on its own, so combining it with blood pressure drugs could drop your pressure further. It may also reduce blood sugar, raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if you take diabetes medications. Check your specific drugs with the tool on this page.
Can saffron make me drowsy?
Yes. Clinical research shows saffron extract can cause drowsiness and sedation on its own. If you also take sleep aids, sedatives, or anxiety medications, the combined effect could be stronger. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
How much saffron is in this capsule?
Each capsule contains 88.5 mg of saffron flower extract. The capsule itself is made of hypromellose and contains rice flour as a filler.

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

Not sure if Saffron 88.5 mg 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.

Saffron 88.5 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Saffron 88.5 mg’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

Saffron 88.5 mg'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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