Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Saffron Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by youtheory

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 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

Saffron is a dietary supplement by youtheory with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fatigue and low energy, stress and coping (adaptogen), mental performance and focus.Based on those ingredients, 1,429 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ashwagandha (root, leaf) extract, Rhodiola (root) extract, Saffron (stigma) 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 by youtheory

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saffron by youtheory

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 Sep 10, 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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This supplement contains 3 active ingredients: rhodiola (root) extract, ashwagandha (root and leaf) extract, and saffron (stigma) extract. Each is included for its traditional use in supporting stress, mood, and mental clarity.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — vegetable cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, vegetable magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — which are fillers and binders that help form and stabilize the capsule.

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: mood and emotional well-being.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Depression, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Postpartum depression, Stress, Fatigue — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ashwagandha is rated "Possibly Effective" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Stress.
  • Also on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Postpartum depression, Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue.

The evidence for what this product can do is mixed and incomplete. Ashwagandha is possibly effective for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Saffron is possibly effective for chemotherapy-induced nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) and Alzheimer disease. Rhodiola, however, has insufficient evidence in our data for the conditions listed — altitude sickness, generalized anxiety, abnormal heart rhythms, athletic performance, and bladder cancer — so we can't say whether it works for those purposes based on the research we hold.

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

Rhodiola is generally well tolerated for short-term use, though long-term safety hasn't been well studied. The most common side effects are dizziness and changes in saliva production (either dry mouth or excessive saliva).

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated in healthy adults for short-term use, but quality and long-term safety data are limited. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness, though these don't typically happen at standard doses.

Rare cases of liver injury have been reported. Saffron is generally well tolerated at supplement doses, though high doses can be toxic.

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, sedation, and gastrointestinal upset. Rare but serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported.

Anxiety and mood changes have occurred at higher doses. During pregnancy, the safety data advises against rhodiola (not enough information to be sure it's safe), ashwagandha (traditionally thought to risk miscarriage), and saffron (may stimulate the uterus).

During breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information for rhodiola or ashwagandha, and supplement amounts of saffron are best avoided. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Rhodiola Ashwagandha 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 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Saffron, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,430 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 doctor or pharmacist if you take blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) — all three ingredients may lower blood pressure further. Similarly, if you take blood sugar drugs (antidiabetes medications), all three ingredients may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

If you take sedatives, sleep aids, or benzodiazepines like Valium or Klonopin, ashwagandha and saffron may amplify their effects. If you take losartan (Cozaar), rhodiola may raise its level in your body.

If you take thyroid hormone replacements, ashwagandha may increase their effects. If you take immunosuppressive drugs, both rhodiola and ashwagandha may interfere.

If you take medications that stress your liver, ashwagandha adds a potential risk. Use the checker on this page to review your full medication list.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product might interest someone looking to support stress, mood, and mental clarity — ashwagandha in particular has some evidence for anxiety and insomnia. However, if you take blood pressure medications, blood sugar medications, sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid replacements, or drugs your liver has to process, you'll need to check your specific medications first.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you have liver concerns or take multiple prescriptions.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2021.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand youtheory
Barcode (UPC) 850502007133
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2021
DSLD ID 253059
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 by youtheory, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
850502007133
IngredientAmount% DV
Rhodiola (root) extract350 mg--
Ashwagandha (root, leaf) extract150 mg--
Saffron (stigma) extract28 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Formulation

Adaptogenic formula Promotes a positive mental outlook Helps reduce stress

This product is ideally suited to individuals with temporary depressed mood, occasional anxiety, stress-related exhaustion or mental fatigue. For best results, use daily. Uplifts & maintains a healthy mood

Formula

With clinically-supported Affron Youtheory Saffron is a multifaceted formulation that is synergistically designed to support mood and emotional well-being.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: (Adults) Take two (2) capsules daily with water.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Affron is a registered trademark of Pharmactive, Inc. Sensoril is a registered trademark of Natreon, Inc.

Precautions

This product is manufactured in a facility that processes fish extracts.

Usage Warnings: Check with your doctor before using this product if you are taking medication or have any medical conditions. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing.

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake.

Not intended for persons under 18. Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place after opening.

General Statements

youtheory made for all of you

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.

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

See for yourself

Saffron by youtheory label

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

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 Saffron by youtheory

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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.

Rhodiola (root) extract

Interacts with
1,271 drugs
350 mg per serving

Rhodiola is an herb traditionally used to fight fatigue and help the body cope with stress. Some small studies suggest it may modestly reduce fatigue...

Rhodiola (root) extract monograph & interactions

Ashwagandha (root, leaf) extract

Interacts with
1,372 drugs
150 mg per serving

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evid...

Ashwagandha (root, leaf) extract monograph & interactions

Saffron (stigma) extract

Interacts with
521 drugs
28 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: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Saffron by youtheory Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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
1,429Drugs
1,092 Moderate 337 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ashwagandha (root, leaf) extract 1,372
Rhodiola (root) extract 1,271
Saffron (stigma) extract 521

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Saffron interact with 1,429 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in Saffron interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ashwagandha (root, leaf) extract Rhodiola (root) extract Saffron (stigma) extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Saffron 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.

Ashwagandha (root, leaf) extract10 drug types · 1,372 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
There is preliminary clinical evidence suggesting that ashwagandha might lower blood glucose levels. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that ashwagandha might lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Theoretically, ashwagandha might have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Benzodiazepines

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of benzodiazepines.
There is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might have an additive effect with diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin). This may also occur with other benzodiazepines.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha with hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Ashwagandha has been linked to cases of acute hepatitis, liver failure, hepatic encephalopathy, autoimmune hepatitis, the need for liver transplantation, and death due to liver failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might decrease the effects of immunosuppressants.
Ashwagandha has demonstrated immunostimulant effects in humans. Animal research has shown that ashwagandha can attenuate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Ashwagandha might increase the effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone.
Concomitant use of ashwagandha with thyroid hormones may cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects. Preliminary clinical research and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha boosts thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In one clinical study, ashwagandha increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels by 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively, and reduced serum TSH levels by 17.4% from baseline in adults with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP1A2 enzymes.

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

Theoretically, ashwagandha might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ashwagandha extract induces CYP3A4 enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Some animal studies have reported that ashwagandha can enhance serotonergic transmission by altering certain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. However, there is no evidence to suggest that ashwagandha increases the risk of serotonin-related effects, and there have been no published case reports of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Nevertheless, due to the lack of extensive studies on the matter and the fact that ashwagandha appears to affect serotonergic pathways, it would be prudent to exercise caution when combining it with drugs that affect serotonin. [References: - Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwaga ndha) on Stress and the Stress-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2021 Sep 14; 19: 1468–1495. - A Prospective, Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Safety and Efficacy of a High-Concentration Full-Spectrum Extract of Ashwagandha Root in Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Adults. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/]

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Ashwagandha (root, leaf) extract full monograph & interactions

Rhodiola (root) extract10 drug types · 1,271 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract can decrease blood glucose due to alpha-glucosidase activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking rhodiola with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In vitro and animal research shows that rhodiola extract inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and might lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP2C9. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. Also, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, rhodiola use might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro and animal research show that rhodiola has immunostimulatory effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Rhodiola might increase the levels and adverse effects of losartan.
A clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days reduces the metabolism of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, by 21% after 4 hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits P-glycoprotein. Theoretically, using rhodiola with P-glycoprotein substrates might increase drug levels and potentially increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidepressant Drugs

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with antidepressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of tachyarrhythmias, myalgia, arthralgia, gum pain, restless leg syndrome, swallowing disorders, and changes in consciousness when rhodiola was taken in combination with paroxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, trazodone, and/or duloxetine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cns Depressants

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with CNS depressants.
A review of adverse event reports in Poland identified cases of excessive sedation, myoclonus, hypotension, and hallucinations when rhodiola was taken with haloperidol, diazepam, or alprazolam.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP1A2. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate.

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

Theoretically, rhodiola might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that rhodiola inhibits CYP3A4. This effect is highly variable and appears to be dependent on the rhodiola product studied. However, a clinical study in healthy young males found that taking rhodiola extract 290 mg daily for 14 days does not inhibit the metabolism of midazolam, a CYP3A4 substrate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rhodiola (root) extract 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
The maker

Brand information

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

youtheory

See all youtheory products
Name
Nutrawise
City
Irvine
State
CA
ZipCode
92618
Phone Number
1.888.271.8976
Web Address
youtheory.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saffron by youtheory: Common Questions

Does Saffron by youtheory interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saffron has a known interaction with 1,429 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Saffron contains 3 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.
Is saffron safe to take while pregnant?
No. The safety data advises against saffron during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. Ashwagandha and rhodiola in this product are also not recommended during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any supplement use if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Can I take this if I'm breastfeeding?
The safety information suggests avoiding this product while breastfeeding. None of the three ingredients — rhodiola, ashwagandha, or saffron — have enough reliable safety data in breastfeeding. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the most common side effects?
Rhodiola may cause dizziness, dry mouth, or excessive saliva. Ashwagandha commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness at higher doses, though these are rare at typical doses. Saffron may cause nausea, vomiting, sedation, and stomach upset. Serious side effects are rare but can include liver injury (ashwagandha) and allergic reactions (saffron).
Does ashwagandha really help with anxiety?
Ashwagandha is possibly effective for anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder based on the evidence we hold. However, 'possibly effective' means the research shows a benefit, but it's not conclusive, and results vary between people. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.
Can I take this with coffee?
The saffron in this product may slow down how your body processes caffeine, which could cause caffeine to build up. If you drink a lot of coffee or caffeinated beverages, mention it to your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement.
Is this product safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data are limited for all three ingredients. Rhodiola is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but long-term effects aren't well studied. Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, but long-term data are sparse. It's best to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how long you plan to take this and whether it's appropriate for your needs.

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

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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 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Saffron’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Rhodiola

Interacts with 1,271 drugs

Rhodiola is an herb traditionally used to fight fatigue and help the body cope with stress. Some small studies suggest it may modestly reduce fatigue and improve mood, but the evidence is li...

Read the full Rhodiola monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Ashwagandha

Interacts with 1,372 drugs

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb most often taken to help with stress, anxiety, and sleep, and some small studies suggest it may help, though the evidence is still limited. It is generally w...

Read the full Ashwagandha 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

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 67 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.

Rhodiola 13 references
  1. Kim SH, Hyun SH, Choung SY. Antioxidative effects of Cinnamomi cassiae and Rhodiola rosea extracts in liver of diabetic mice. Biofactors 2006;26:209-19.
  2. Kwon YI, Jang HD, Shetty K. Evaluation of Rhodiola crenulata and Rhodiola rosea for management of type II diabetes and hypertension. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15:425-32.
  3. Bystritsky A, Kerwin L, Feusner JD. A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). J Altern Complement Med 2008;14:175-80.
  4. Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 2003;10:95-105. PubMed
  5. Apostolidis E, Kwon YI, Shetty K. Potential of cranberry-based herbal synergies for diabetes and hypertension management. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2006;15:433-41.
  6. Hellum BH, Tosse A, Hoybakk K, et al. Potent in vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein by Rhodiola rosea. Planta Med 2010;76:331-8.
  7. Skopriska-Rozewska E, Wojcik R, Siwicki AK, et al. The effect of Rhodiola quadrifida extracts on cellular immunity in mice and rats. Pol J Vet Sci 2008;11:105-11.
  8. Mishra KP, Chanda S, Shukla K, Ganju L. Adjuvant effect of aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricate rhizome on the immune responses to tetanus toxoid and ovalbumin in rats. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2010;32:141-6.
  9. Li HX, Sze SC, Tong Y, Ng TB. Production of Th1- and Th2-dependent cytokines induced by the Chinese medicine herb, Rhodiola algida, on human peripheral blood monocytes. J Ethnopharmacol 2009;123:257-66. PubMed
  10. Mishra KP, Ganju L, Chanda S, et al. Aqueous extract of Rhodiola imbricate rhizome stimulates Toll-like receptor 4, granzyme-B and Th1 cytokines in vitro. Immunobiology 2009;214:27-31.
  11. Thu OK, Nilsen OG, Hellum B. In vitro inhibition of cytochrome P-450 activities and quantification of constituents in a selection of commercial Rhodiola rosea products. Pharm Bio. 2016 Dec;54(12):3249-3256.
  12. Thu OK, Spigset O, Nilsen OG, Hellum B. Effect of commercial Rhodiola rosea on CYP enzyme activity in humans. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Mar;72(3):295-300. PubMed
  13. Woron J, Siwek M. Unwanted effects of psychotropic drug interactions with medicinal products and diet supplements containing plant extracts. Psychiatr Pol 2018;52(6):983-96. PubMed

See these in context on the Rhodiola monograph →

Ashwagandha 32 references
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Saffron 22 references
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  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.
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  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
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  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
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