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Dietary supplement

Saffron Extract 88.50 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by eXplicit Supplements

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

Saffron Extract 88.50 mg is a dietary supplement by eXplicit 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 88.50 mg by eXplicit 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 88.50 mg per capsule. Saffron comes from the crocus plant and has been studied for nerve pain related to cancer treatment and memory concerns in Alzheimer disease.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose and rice flour — that help form and fill out 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

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).

The evidence we hold shows saffron extract is possibly effective for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain from cancer drugs) and Alzheimer disease. That means the research suggests a benefit, but more or larger studies are needed to be sure.

We don't have effectiveness data in our system for other uses, so if you're taking it for something else, that's a good question to bring to your pharmacist or doctor.

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've ever had an allergy to saffron or related plants, or have had occupational exposure that caused breathing or eye problems, mention it before taking this. At higher doses (30 mg twice daily over 26 weeks), saffron has caused anxiety and mood changes like hypomania in some people; at lower daily doses (30 mg for 6 weeks), the rate matched placebo.

We hold no data on safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you if you're pregnant or 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.

Check this product against any blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, sedatives or sleep aids, and regular caffeine use before you start. All four types have Moderate interaction warnings with saffron extract.

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.

If you have nerve pain from cancer treatment or memory concerns in Alzheimer disease and your doctor suggests saffron extract, it's possibly worth trying. Just run your blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, sedatives, and caffeine use through the checker on this page before you start.

Stop and call us or your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness, low blood sugar symptoms, or any sign of an allergic reaction.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 23, 2024.

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 88.50 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand eXplicit Supplements
Barcode (UPC) 711841905330
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 23, 2024
DSLD ID 310045
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 88.50 mg by eXplicit 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 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
711841905330
IngredientAmount% DV
Saffron Extract88.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Rice Flour

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 one (1) veggie capsule twice a day. For best results take 20-30 min before a meal with 8 oz glass of water or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

General Statements

Please recycle this container

Come check out our other products: www.explicitsupplements.com

Formula

Saffron Extract 88.50 mg per serving

Formulation

Made with All Natural Ingredients No Artificial Flavors No Preservatives

No Soy, Dairy Or Egg Ingredients

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice FDA Registered Facility

Made in the USA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Saffron Extract 88.50 mg by eXplicit Supplements label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Saffron Extract 88.50 mg by eXplicit Supplements

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

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

Saffron Extract

Interacts with
521 drugs
88.5 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 Extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Saffron Extract 88.50 mg by eXplicit Supplements Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saffron Extract 88.50 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 88.50 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 88.50 mg, from the product label.

eXplicit Supplements

See all eXplicit Supplements products
Name
iXanda Inc. dba explicit Supplements
City
Clarence
State
NY
ZipCode
14032
Phone Number
(716)-701-4092
Web Address
www.explicitsupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saffron Extract 88.50 mg by eXplicit Supplements: Common Questions

Does Saffron Extract 88.50 mg by eXplicit Supplements interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saffron Extract 88.50 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 88.50 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?
Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects. Clinical trials found that saffron extract at 60 mg daily causes sedation in participants. If you're sensitive to sedating supplements or take sleep aids or other CNS depressants, you're at higher risk — talk to your pharmacist first.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure or diabetes medication?
Saffron can lower blood pressure and blood sugar further, which could throw your medication balance off. You need to check with your pharmacist before adding this — don't assume it's safe just because it's a supplement. Your exact medications matter.
What's in the capsule besides the saffron?
The inactive ingredients are cellulose and rice flour — these are fillers and binders that help hold the capsule together. They're not active medicine.
Is there any risk of an allergic reaction?
Yes. Allergy to saffron has been reported in clinical trials, and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can happen within minutes. If you've had any allergy to saffron or occupational exposure that caused breathing or eye problems, avoid this product and tell your doctor.
Does saffron actually help with nerve pain or Alzheimer disease?
Our data shows saffron extract is possibly effective for both chemotherapy-related nerve pain and Alzheimer disease. That means research suggests benefit, but we need more studies to be sure. Talk to your doctor about whether it makes sense for your situation.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
We don't have enough safety information for pregnancy. Our data also notes that medicinal amounts of saffron may stimulate the uterus. Talk with your doctor or midwife before taking this if you're pregnant or trying to conceive.

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

Not sure if Saffron Extract 88.50 mg is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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 88.50 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Saffron Extract 88.50 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 88.50 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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