Saffron Supplements: Safety and Allergic Considerations

Allergic Reactions and Safety Profile

• Saffron can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals and may be used in oral food challenge testing for spice allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 1
• Skin prick testing may be helpful in screening for natural additives including saffron in patients with suspected allergic reactions, as recommended by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 1

Perioperative Considerations

• The American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests that saffron does not require discontinuation before surgery, unlike many other supplements with antiplatelet effects or CNS depression properties, due to its lack of significant bleeding risk or anesthetic interaction concerns 2, 3, 4