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Dietary supplement

Sassafras Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Herbs

Sassafras label
See full label image
Liquid 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 Sassafras 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

Sassafras is a dietary supplement by Pure Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive complaints, cold and flu symptoms, joint and muscle aches.Based on those ingredients, 275 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Sassafras Bark 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 Sassafras by Pure Herbs

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Sassafras by Pure Herbs

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.

Pure Herbs Sassafras Liquid contains one active ingredient: sassafras bark extract. There are no other active ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Sassafras product and its label doesn't state a use — see Sassafras's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The product facts we hold contain no effectiveness ratings for sassafras bark extract, so we can't tell you what evidence supports its use.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Sassafras

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.

Sassafras contains safrole, a compound the FDA has banned from food because it's linked to cancer and liver damage. The product facts advise against it entirely.

Sassafras is generally regarded as unsafe for medicinal use—orally it can cause sweating and hot flashes, and large doses (as little as 5 mL of sassafras oil) have caused hallucinations, tremors, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and death. Chronic consumption raises the risk of liver cancer and esophageal cancer.

Applied to skin, it may trigger contact dermatitis. It is not safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding because safrole is toxic to a developing baby and we lack safety data in nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Sassafras

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 — Sassafras.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 275 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 sedating medications (like sleep aids, benzodiazepines, or opioids) or omeprazole (Prilosec) for heartburn. These can interact with sassafras.

Because of the product's serious safety profile, it's especially important to clear it with your healthcare provider before starting.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product carries significant safety concerns and is not recommended for medicinal use. If you're considering sassafras for any reason, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first—the safety data strongly advises against it, and it interacts with common medications including sedatives and heartburn drugs.

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 Dec 13, 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 Sassafras, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Herbs
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 13, 2022
DSLD ID 279224
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
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 Sassafras by Pure Herbs, 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 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Sassafras Bark Extract1957 mg--

Other ingredients: None

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

Directions: For adults, mix 2 mL (abt. 1/2 tsp) of extract in 2 fl. oz (60 mL) water one time daily preferably with a meal.

Shake well before use

Formulation

Beneficial for the maintenance of blood health. Helps to enhance energy.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, consult your doctor prior to use.

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

Keep out of reach of children

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pure Herbs, Ltd. Natural Herbal Extracts

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

"No expense has been spared to provide the finest nature has to offer."

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

See for yourself

Sassafras by Pure Herbs label

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

Sassafras 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 Sassafras by Pure Herbs

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

Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Sassafras Bark Extract

Interacts with
275 drugs
1957 mg per serving

Sassafras is an aromatic North American tree whose root bark and oil were once popular in teas and as a flavoring, but it contains safrole, a compound...

Sassafras Bark Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Sassafras by Pure Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Sassafras?

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
275Drugs
275 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Sassafras Bark Extract 275

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Sassafras interact with 275 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Sassafras 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.

Sassafras Bark Extract2 drug types · 275 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of sassafras with drugs with sedative properties may cause additive sedative effects.

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

In vitro research suggests that cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) inducers might increase the cytotoxicity of safrole. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. Also, it is not known if CYP1A2 inducers increase the toxicity of sassafras. Inducers of CYP1A2 include omeprazole (Prilosec).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sassafras Bark Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Pure Herbs

See all Pure Herbs products
Name
Pure Herbs, Ltd.
City
Sterling Heights
State
MI
Phone Number
(800) 860-4372
Web Address
www.pureherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sassafras by Pure Herbs: Common Questions

Does Sassafras by Pure Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Sassafras has a known interaction with 275 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Sassafras 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.
Is sassafras safe to use?
No. Sassafras contains safrole, which the FDA banned from food because it's linked to cancer and liver toxicity. The product facts rate sassafras as unsafe for medicinal use, and even small doses can cause serious side effects.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Sassafras is rated unsafe during pregnancy because safrole is toxic to a developing baby, and unsafe while breastfeeding due to safrole's toxicity and lack of safety data. Do not use during either period.
What happens if I take a large dose?
Large doses of sassafras oil—as little as 5 mL—have caused hallucinations lasting days, tremors, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, collapse, and death. Even smaller amounts carry serious risks of liver cancer and other toxicity.
Does sassafras work for anything?
We don't have effectiveness data on file for sassafras bark extract. That said, the serious safety concerns mean potential benefits do not outweigh the risks of toxicity.
Why does the FDA care about sassafras?
The FDA banned sassafras from food because safrole, its active compound, is carcinogenic. Chronic sassafras use raises the risk of liver cancer and esophageal cancer, particularly in people who consume it regularly over time.

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

Not sure if Sassafras is safe with your meds?

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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.

Sassafras label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Sassafras’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Sassafras

Interacts with 275 drugs

Sassafras is an aromatic North American tree whose root bark and oil were once popular in teas and as a flavoring, but it contains safrole, a compound the FDA has banned in foods because it...

Read the full Sassafras monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Sassafras'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 9 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.

Sassafras 9 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  4. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  5. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  6. Ueng, Y. F., Hsieh, C. H., Don, M. J., Chi, C. W., and Ho, L. K. Identification of the main human cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in safrole 1'-hydroxylation. Chem Res Toxicol 2004;17(8):1151-1156. PubMed
  7. Kapadia, G. J., Chung, E. B., Ghosh, B., Shukla, Y. N., Basak, S. P., Morton, J. F., and Pradhan, S. N. Carcinogenicity of some folk medicinal herbs in rats. J Natl.Cancer Inst. 1978;60(3):683-686.
  8. Segelman, A. B., Segelman, F. P., Karliner, J., and Sofia, R. D. Sassafras and herb tea. Potential health hazards. JAMA 8-2-1976;236(5):477. DOI
  9. Hu L, Wu F, He J, Zhong L, Song Y, Shao H. Cytotoxicity of safrole in HepaRG cells: studies on the role of CYP1A2-mediated ortho-quinone metabolic activation. Xenobiotica. 2019;49(12):1504-1515. PubMed

See these in context on the Sassafras 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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