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Dietary supplement

Saffron Extract Max Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by SMNutrition

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

Saffron Extract Max is a dietary supplement by SMNutrition 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 Max by SMNutrition

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.

Saffron Extract Max contains one active ingredient: saffron extract, a concentrated form of the spice derived from the saffron crocus flower. The product also includes cellulose and rice flour as inactive ingredients (fillers and binders in the capsule).

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: support appetite control, vision health, mood.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Anxiety, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), depression, eye health.
  • The closest evidence on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Postpartum depression, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The evidence we hold shows saffron extract is possibly effective for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain and tingling caused by cancer treatment) and possibly effective for Alzheimer disease. For other uses, effectiveness data isn't established in the sources we have on file.

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. Rare serious reactions include anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).

Some people have developed allergies to saffron, and occupational exposure has been linked to rhinoconjunctivitis and allergy-induced asthma. At higher doses—30 mg twice daily for 26 weeks—anxiety and hypomania have been reported, though at 30 mg daily for 6 weeks the rate was similar to placebo.

During pregnancy, the safety data advises against using medicinal or supplement amounts of saffron because it may stimulate the uterus. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety information on file, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.

While saffron is likely safe in food amounts, supplement doses should be used carefully.

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 Saffron Extract Max, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use any CNS depressants (sleep aids, sedatives, anxiety medications, opioid pain relievers), blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, or significant amounts of caffeine. These are the medication types where saffron has documented Moderate interactions that could change how your drugs work or add to their effects.

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 Max may be worth considering if you're looking at options for chemotherapy-related nerve pain or Alzheimer disease and want to explore a possibly effective supplement. Be cautious if you take sleep aids, blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, or heavy amounts of caffeine—you'll want to review your full medication list with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant women should avoid it, and if you're breastfeeding, check with your pharmacist first.

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 Jan 22, 2022.

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 Max, straight from the product label.

Brand SMNutrition
Barcode (UPC) 850005458258
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 22, 2022
DSLD ID 258943
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Max by SMNutrition, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
850005458258
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.
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.

Formulation

Saffron Extract Max may help support Appetite control Vision health Mood

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule twice a day. For best results take 20-30 minutes before a meal with an 8 oz glass of water or as directed by a healthcare professional. Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

One capsule serving

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.

General Statements

Lot # and best by date printed on bottom of bottle

100% money back guarantee

Find us on: Facebook Instagram

Seals/Symbols

Manufactured in a FDA Registered Facility

GMP Sourced from a GMP Certified Facility

Formula

88.5 mg of saffron per capsule

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

SMNutrition Built on trust. Crafted with care.

See for yourself

Saffron Extract Max by SMNutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Saffron Extract Max by SMNutrition

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 container90 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 Max by SMNutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Saffron Extract Max?

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 Max 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 Max, from the product label.

SMNutrition

See all SMNutrition products
Name
Smoky Mountain Nutrition
Street Address
P.O. Box 101335
City
Nashville
State
TN
ZipCode
37224
Web Address
SMNutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Saffron Extract Max by SMNutrition: Common Questions

Does Saffron Extract Max by SMNutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Saffron Extract Max 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 Max 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 this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against medicinal or supplement amounts during pregnancy because saffron may stimulate the uterus. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety information on file. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for your situation.
What are the most common side effects?
Most commonly, people report gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, sedation, and vomiting. Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) is rare but serious. If you have a known saffron allergy, avoid this product.
Does this actually work?
The evidence we hold shows saffron extract is possibly effective for chemotherapy-induced nerve pain and possibly effective for Alzheimer disease. For other uses, we don't have effectiveness data on file.
What happens if I take this with caffeine?
Saffron may slow how your body breaks down caffeine, which could raise caffeine levels and effects like jitteriness or anxiety. A small study showed this in men but not women. If you drink coffee or take caffeine pills, mention this product to your pharmacist.
Will this lower my blood sugar if I'm diabetic?
There's a theoretical risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if you combine saffron with diabetes medications. Some research shows saffron extract can reduce fasting glucose when added to diabetes drugs, but saffron powder alone has not. Talk with your doctor about whether this product is safe to use alongside your diabetes medication.
Can I take this with my sleep medication?
Saffron can add to the drowsy effects of CNS depressants like sleep aids and sedatives. Since this product itself causes drowsiness, combining them could make you very drowsy. Check with your pharmacist before starting.

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 Max label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Saffron Extract Max’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 Max'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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