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Dietary supplement

Saffron Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Bio Nutrition

Saffron Extract 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 Extract 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 Extract is a dietary supplement by Bio Nutrition 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Saffron Extract by Bio Nutrition

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Saffron Extract by Bio Nutrition

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 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. Saffron is the dried stigma (the delicate red thread inside the flower) of the saffron crocus plant, traditionally used in cooking and studied for potential benefits in nerve pain and cognitive health.

The capsule also contains three inactive ingredients—vegetable stearate, vegetable cellulose, and silica—which are fillers and binders that help form and hold the capsule together.

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 two conditions: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain caused by cancer treatment) and Alzheimer disease. That means there's some clinical research suggesting it may help, but the evidence isn't yet strong enough to call it definitively effective.

If you're considering saffron for either of these, talk with your doctor about whether it makes sense for your situation alongside your current treatment.

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 the doses studied, though some people report gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, sedation, or vomiting. Rarely, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) has occurred—allergies to saffron have been reported in clinical trials and can develop from occupational exposure as well.

At higher doses, saffron has been associated with anxiety and hypomania (elevated mood) in some cases. Because the safety data for saffron at supplement doses is limited, caution is advised with regular use at these levels.

The safety data advises against taking medicinal or supplement amounts during pregnancy, as saffron may stimulate the uterus. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety information on file, 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, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any central nervous system depressants (like sleep aids or opioid pain relievers), blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, or consume significant caffeine. Saffron can amplify the effects of these drugs or change how your body handles them.

Tell your healthcare provider about this supplement so they can watch for any changes in how your medications work.

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 extract is worth considering if you're exploring options for chemotherapy-related nerve pain or Alzheimer disease and want to discuss it with your doctor. You'll want to be careful if you take medications that cause drowsiness, lower blood pressure, or control blood sugar—this product can add to or interact with those effects.

Check your exact medications with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting, and let them know if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a known saffron allergy.

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 Apr 25, 2019.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Bio Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 854936003174
Net contents 50 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2019
DSLD ID 200610
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Halal, Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Saffron Extract by Bio Nutrition, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
854936003174
IngredientAmount% DV
Saffron extract88.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Stearate, Vegetable Cellulose, Silica

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: Take one (1) vegetarian capsule daily with meals or as directed by your health care professional.

Formula

Description: Saffron has been used for centuries for its unique flavor and health benefits. Bio Nutrition uses the finest quality Saffron extract standardized to provide .3% safranal. Saffron extract may be healthy addition to ones diet and can contribute to general health.

Halal

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Each serving supply:

Recycle

Made in USA

Seals/Symbols

Halal Food Council Halal USA

Vegetarian

Formulation

Vegetarian

Free of gluten, yeast, corn, sugar, salt, wheat, soy, artificial ingredients and preservatives

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

See for yourself

Saffron Extract by Bio Nutrition label

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

Saffron Extract 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 Extract by Bio Nutrition

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

Serving size1 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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: Vegetable Stearate, Vegetable Cellulose, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Saffron Extract by Bio Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saffron Extract?

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 extract 521

Individual Drug Interactions

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

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Saffron Extract 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
Saffron extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Bio Nutrition

See all Bio Nutrition products
Name
Bio Nutrition, Inc.
City
Island Park
State
NY
ZipCode
11558
Phone Number
516-432-1590
Web Address
www.bionutritioninc.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saffron Extract by Bio Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Saffron Extract by Bio Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saffron Extract 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 contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take saffron if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against taking medicinal or supplement amounts of saffron during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety information on file. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using saffron if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
What side effects might I experience?
Most people tolerate saffron extract well, but some report gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, sedation, or vomiting. Rarely, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) can occur if you're allergic to saffron. At higher doses, anxiety and mood changes have been reported in some cases.
Does saffron actually work for nerve pain or memory problems?
Research shows saffron extract is possibly effective for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and Alzheimer disease, meaning there's clinical evidence suggesting it may help with these conditions. However, the evidence isn't yet strong enough to call it definitively effective, so it should complement—not replace—your doctor's recommendations.
Will this make me drowsy?
Saffron extract at the dose in this product has been shown to cause drowsiness and sedation in clinical research. If you already take medications that cause drowsiness, the combined effect could be stronger, so mention this product to your doctor or pharmacist.
What is saffron extract exactly?
Saffron extract is made from the dried red stigmas (the fine threads) of the saffron crocus flower. It's traditionally used in cooking and has been studied for its potential health effects.
Can I take this with my blood pressure or diabetes medication?
Saffron may lower blood pressure further and increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with these medications. Check your specific prescriptions and doses with your doctor or pharmacist before adding saffron to your routine.

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 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Saffron Extract’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 Extract'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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