Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Saffron (Macular Health) Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Generally very well tolerated at recommended doses
- Nausea and headache at very high doses (>200 mg)
- Possible mood changes at extremely high intakes
- Allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Crocus species
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Anticoagulants — saffron may have mild antiplatelet properties at high doses
- Antidepressant medications — saffron has serotonergic activity and may potentiate SSRIs
- Blood pressure medications — saffron may have mild hypotensive effects
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 200 mg/day short-term has been tolerated; standard supplemental doses are 20-30 mg/day
References
- Falsini B, Piccardi M, Minnella A, et al. (2010). Influence of saffron supplementation on retinal flicker sensitivity in early age-related macular degeneration. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. DOI PubMed
- Piccardi M, Marangoni D, Minnella AM, et al. (2012). A longitudinal follow-up study of saffron supplementation in early age-related macular degeneration. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI PubMed
- Marangoni D, Falsini B, Piccardi M, et al. (2013). Functional effect of saffron supplementation and risk genotypes in early age-related macular degeneration. Nutrients. DOI PubMed