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Dietary supplement

Saffron Extract 88.5 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Double Wood Supplements

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

Saffron Extract 88.5 mg is a dietary supplement by Double Wood Supplements 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 extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Double Wood Supplements

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 product contains one active ingredient: saffron extract at 88.5 mg per capsule. Saffron is a spice derived from the crocus flower and has been studied for its effects on nerve pain from chemotherapy and age-related cognitive decline.

The capsule itself is made from hypromellose (a plant-based coating), rice flour, and cellulose — these are inactive binders and fillers that hold the extract together.

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: supports appetite control and mood.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Postpartum depression, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), depression, mood disorders.
  • The closest evidence on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Postpartum depression, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The evidence we have rates saffron extract as possibly effective for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain from cancer treatment) and possibly effective for Alzheimer disease. That means some clinical trials show promise, but the research isn't conclusive enough yet to call it proven.

If you're considering it for either of these conditions, talk it through with your doctor about what the current evidence actually means 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 is generally well tolerated at supplement doses, though the most common side effects are gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, sedation, and vomiting. A rare but serious reaction — anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) — has been reported; if you have a known saffron allergy or have had breathing problems after eating it, avoid this product.

At higher doses, saffron has occasionally caused anxiety, agitation, or mood changes in trial participants. Importantly, saffron is not advised during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus — the safety data classifies it as likely unsafe.

There isn't enough reliable information on breastfeeding safety, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're nursing.

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 doctor or pharmacist if you take any CNS depressants (sleeping pills, sedatives, anxiety medications), antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure medications), antidiabetes drugs (insulin, metformin, or other glucose-lowering medicines), or regular caffeine supplements — saffron has documented Moderate interactions with all of these drug types.

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.

Saffron extract may be worth considering if you're exploring options for chemotherapy-related nerve pain or cognitive concerns, but it comes with real interaction risks if you take sedatives, blood pressure meds, or diabetes drugs. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are off-limits without medical guidance.

Before you start, check your complete medication list with your own doctor or pharmacist using the tool on this page.

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 Feb 25, 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 Extract 88.5 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Double Wood Supplements
Barcode (UPC) 859793007556
Net contents 210 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2021
DSLD ID 241947
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 Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Double Wood Supplements, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
210
UPC/BARCODE
859793007556
IngredientAmount% DV
Saffron extract88.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Cellulose

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

Product Information: Saffron is the world's most expensive spice. When the active ingredient Safranal is extracted and standardized, the resulting extract offers many benefits. Studies have shown that it may support appetite control and mood. Saffron Extract achieves its effects by acting on the serotonin system in the body.

Made with Non-GMO ingredients Gluten free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a supplement, take 1-2 capules per day on an empty stomach to support appetite control and mood. Do not exceed 2 capsules in one day.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dark place. Do not freeze or expose to moisture or heat above room temperature.

Seals/Symbols

Proudly made in USA

General Statements

Supports appetite control Supports optimal mood Supports healthy weight management

LOT # 21909112 EXP: 01/2023

Formula

88.5 mg per veggie capsule

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Precautions

Warning: Consult your physician before use.

Do not use Saffron if you are pregnant, nursing, or are under 18 years of age.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor immediately if any adverse reactions occur.

Do not use Saffron and operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Do not use Saffron if you are pregnant, nursing, or are under 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not exceed 2 capsules per day.

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.

See for yourself

Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Double Wood Supplements label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Double Wood Supplements

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 container210 Amounts shown are per serving.

Saffron 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 extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Double Wood Supplements Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saffron Extract 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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Saffron Extract 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 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
The maker

Brand information

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

Double Wood Supplements

See all Double Wood Supplements products
Name
Double Wood LLC
Street Address
3510 Scotts Ln Ste 219
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
ZipCode
19129-1573
Web Address
www.doublewoodsupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Double Wood Supplements: Common Questions

Does Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Double Wood Supplements interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saffron Extract 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 Extract 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.
Will this make me drowsy?
Yes, it can. Clinical trials show that saffron extract at this dose range causes drowsiness and sedation in some people. That effect gets worse if you're also taking sedatives or sleep aids, so mention those to your doctor first.
Is saffron safe during pregnancy?
No. The safety data classifies saffron as likely unsafe during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, skip this product and talk with your OB/GYN about your options.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach complaints, nausea, sedation, and vomiting are the most common. Allergic reactions, including severe ones, have been reported but are rare. If you've ever had breathing trouble or swelling after eating saffron-spiced food, don't use this product.
Can this really help with Alzheimer disease?
The evidence rates it as possibly effective, which means some clinical trials show promise but it's not proven yet. It's not a replacement for standard medical care — talk with your neurologist about whether it makes sense to add alongside your current treatment.
What if I take caffeine pills or drink a lot of coffee?
Saffron may slow your body's breakdown of caffeine, meaning it could stay in your system longer and affect you more strongly. A small study showed this effect in men but not women. If you're a heavy caffeine user, mention this to your pharmacist before starting.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medicine?
Not without checking first. Saffron can lower blood pressure on its own, so taking it with antihypertensive drugs might drop your pressure too far. Your doctor or pharmacist needs to weigh your specific medication and dosing before you start.

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 Extract 88.5 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Saffron Extract 88.5 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Saffron Extract 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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