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Dietary supplement

Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Only Natural

Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg 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

Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg is a dietary supplement by Only Natural 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 Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural

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 Jul 11, 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: standardized 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 health and brain function.

The capsule itself is made from vegetable cellulose, with silicon dioxide and vegetable stearate as inactive ingredients to help form and stabilize 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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mood, cognition, and eye health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer disease, Anxiety, Postpartum depression, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Saffron is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Saffron is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Anxiety, Postpartum depression, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and more.

In the data we hold, saffron extract is rated possibly effective for two uses: chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage from cancer treatment) and Alzheimer disease. "Possibly effective" means there's some promising research, but we don't yet have enough high-quality evidence to be certain it works. If you're considering saffron for either of these conditions, talk with your doctor about whether it makes sense 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.

Orally, saffron extract is generally well tolerated at the doses tested. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, sedation, and vomiting.

Rare but serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported. At higher doses — 30 mg twice daily over 26 weeks — saffron has been linked to anxiety and mood changes; at lower doses, side effects were similar to placebo.

Occupational exposure to saffron dust can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in sensitive people. The safety data advises against medicinal or supplement amounts of saffron during pregnancy, as it may stimulate the uterus.

There isn't enough reliable safety information for breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you. Doses should be used carefully, and high doses can be toxic.

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 pharmacist if you take any sedating or sleep medications, blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, or regular caffeine supplements. Saffron can add to the effects of sedatives and blood pressure medications, increase the risk of low blood sugar with diabetes drugs, and may slow caffeine clearance from your body.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Saffron extract may be worth considering if you have chemotherapy nerve damage or Alzheimer disease and want to explore a possibly effective option. However, it interacts with sedating drugs, blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, and caffeine — so check your medications first.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a saffron allergy, talk with your pharmacist before starting.

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 Oct 10, 2014.

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 Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Only Natural
Barcode (UPC) 7-27413-00123-2
Net contents 60 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 10, 2014
DSLD ID 37852
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 Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural, 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 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
7-27413-00123-2
IngredientAmount% DV
Saffron extract88.5 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Stearate

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: As a dietary supplement take one (1) vegetable capsule once daily or as directed by your health care practitioner.

General Statements

DESCRIPTION: The ancient spice saffron has been revered for centuries for it's health promoting properties and distinct flavor.* The active compound (crocin) may be a healthy addition to the diet for individuals with neuro-degenerative disorders, memory loss, low libido, inflammation, obesity and arthritic conditions.* It may assist in the maintenance of cholesterol levels already within normal range.

Est.1986

Formula

Only natural's Saffron Extract is made from clinically tested Saffr'Active(R).

made with Saffr'Activ(R)

Storage

STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE

Precautions

KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN

TAMPER RESISTANT - DO NOT USE IF SEAL IS DAMAGED OR MISSING

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.

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA

Formulation

GUARANTEED FREE OF: yeast, corn, wheat, gluten, starch preservatives, artificial flavor & color

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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

See for yourself

Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural label

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

Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg 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 Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural

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

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

Saffron extract

Interacts with
521 drugs
88.5 mg per serving Form: Saffr'active, Saffron extract

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 Cellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg?

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521Drugs
521 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Saffron extract 521

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg interact with 521 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg 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 Standardized 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
Saffron extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Only Natural

See all Only Natural products
Name
Only Natural, Inc.
City
Island Park
State
NY
ZipCode
11558
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural: Common Questions

Does Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg by Only Natural interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Standardized 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?
Standardized 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 saffron make me drowsy?
Yes — clinical research shows that saffron extract at this dose causes drowsiness and sedation in some people. This effect is stronger if you also take sedating medications like sleeping pills or narcotic pain relievers. If you're sensitive to drowsiness, start carefully and avoid driving until you see how it affects you.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
No. The safety data advises against medicinal or supplement amounts of saffron during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, skip this product and talk with your doctor about safer options.
What are the side effects?
Most common are stomach upset, nausea, sedation, and vomiting. Rare but serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have occurred. At very high doses over long periods, anxiety and mood changes have been reported. If you have a saffron allergy or asthma, be especially cautious.
Does saffron really work for nerve damage from chemotherapy?
The evidence is promising but not yet conclusive — saffron is rated possibly effective for chemotherapy nerve damage. That means some good studies support it, but we need more research. Talk with your oncologist about whether it fits into your overall treatment plan.
Can I take this with my blood pressure medication?
Not without checking with your pharmacist first. Saffron can lower blood pressure on its own, so taking it with blood pressure drugs might drop your pressure too much. Your pharmacist can help you figure out if it's safe at a specific dose.
What's in the capsule besides saffron?
The capsule is made from vegetable cellulose with silicon dioxide and vegetable stearate as inactive ingredients — standard materials to hold and stabilize the capsule. There are no added fillers or unnecessary extras.

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.

Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Standardized Saffron Extract 88.5 mg’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

Standardized 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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