What are the side effects of saffron?
Sep 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the use of saffron may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, increased risk of bleeding, neurological abnormalities, allergic reactions, and effects on the endocrine system. In addition, pregnant women should absolutely avoid using saffron, as it may cause miscarriage; children, whose bodies are not fully developed, should also avoid its use. At the same time, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using saffron to ensure safety.
Generally, the use of saffron may cause side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, increased risk of bleeding, nervous system abnormalities, allergic reactions, and endocrine disruption. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Saffron can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa. Excessive or improper use may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These symptoms occur because the active ingredients in saffron stimulate abnormal gastrointestinal motility, disrupting normal digestive rhythms and leading to digestive dysfunction. Therefore, dosage should be controlled when using saffron.
2. Increased Risk of Bleeding
Saffron has anticoagulant properties and can interfere with the blood clotting process. Individuals with existing bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications may experience further reduced blood clotting ability when using saffron, which could lead to gum bleeding, skin bruising, and, in severe cases, internal bleeding. Thus, these individuals should avoid using saffron.
3. Nervous System Abnormalities
Excessive use of saffron may negatively affect the nervous system, causing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and insomnia. This is because excessive amounts of certain components in saffron can disrupt the normal balance between excitation and inhibition in the nervous system, leading to neurological dysfunction and the aforementioned discomfort. Therefore, saffron must be used according to the recommended dosage.
4. Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may be allergic to components of saffron, experiencing allergic symptoms such as skin itching, rashes, and rapid breathing after contact or use. Allergic reactions occur when the body identifies saffron components as "foreign substances," triggering an immune response that leads to various allergic manifestations. Individuals with a history of allergies should avoid using saffron.
5. Endocrine Disruption
Long-term or excessive use of saffron may interfere with normal endocrine function, leading to hormonal imbalances. For example, it may affect women's menstrual cycles, causing menstrual disorders, or impact thyroid function, potentially inducing hyperthyroidism or worsening symptoms of hypothyroidism. Therefore, long-term abuse should be avoided.
In addition, pregnant women using saffron may experience miscarriage and must absolutely avoid its use. Children, whose bodies are not fully developed, should also avoid using saffron. Before using saffron, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to ensure safety.
