Can You Take Metoprolol With Saffron?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses the interaction between saffron and metoprolol.
Can I take saffron with metoprolol?
Dec 30, 2022- Both metoprolol and saffron can lower blood pressure, so taking them together may cause your blood pressure to drop more than intended.
- Watch for signs of low blood pressure like dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred vision if you use both.
- Tell your doctor about any saffron supplements you're taking so they can monitor you appropriately.
Answer
Thanks so much for reaching out!
There is a potential interaction between metoprolol and saffron. While they don't affect each other directly, they both can lower blood pressure, potentially causing additive effects in this regard.
This interaction can be found by using our 'Drug-Herbal Interaction Checker'.
Additive Blood Pressure Lowering
Metoprolol is used for a number of different conditions, including high blood pressure, heart failure, and chest pain. It, as intended, will cause a lowering of blood pressure.
There have been very few studies evaluating the effects of saffron on blood pressure, but the ones that have been done show that it seems to have mild antihypertensive (i.e., blood-pressure-lowering) effects.
Animal studies have shown saffron extract lowers systolic blood pressure by around 5-10 mmHg, but the effect seems to be less in humans. One study concluded the following:
Saffron supplementation may significantly improve both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults. It should be noted that the hypotensive effects of saffron supplementation were small and may not reach clinical importance.
So, I would recommend using saffron and metoprolol cautiously as there is a slight chance of your blood pressure dropping more than intended. Be sure to look out for signs and symptoms of low blood pressure, such as:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Dehydration
- Blurred vision
- Trouble concentrating
Also, be sure to let your doctor know of all the supplements you are taking so you can be appropriately monitored.
Final Words
Thanks so much for reaching out! Please feel free to do so again anytime.
References & sources
- Hypotensive effect of aqueous saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) and its constituents, safranal and crocin, in normotensive and hypertensive rats — PubMed
- 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 — PubMed
- The Effect of Saffron Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Metoprolol
- A medication that lowers blood pressure and is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and chest pain.
- Saffron
- A plant-derived supplement that may have mild blood pressure-lowering effects.
- Additive effects
- When two substances combine to create a stronger effect than either one alone.
- Antihypertensive
- Having the ability to lower blood pressure.
- Systolic blood pressure
- The higher number in a blood pressure reading, which measures pressure when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure
- The lower number in a blood pressure reading, which measures pressure when the heart is resting between beats.
- Hypotensive effects
- Effects that cause blood pressure to drop below normal levels.
- MmHg
- The unit of measurement used to express blood pressure readings.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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