Pharmacological Properties of Carthamus Tinctorius Components

Carthamus tinctorius, commonly known as safflower, is a rich source of bioactive constituents including quinochalcone C-glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, polysaccharides and unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds collectively exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by modulating reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory mediators. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), a signature quinochalcone pigment, has demonstrated robust cardioprotective effects in models of ischaemia–reperfusion injury through attenuation of oxidative damage and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Flavonoids and phenolic acids contribute to vascular protection and lipid-lowering effects, while polysaccharides display immunomodulatory and antitumour potential. Recent work also highlights the neuroprotective and hepatoprotective roles of specific safflower extracts, underscoring their capacity to regulate apoptotic pathways and mitochondrial function. Beyond pharmacotherapy, safflower-derived fractions are under investigation as functional food ingredients and cosmetic antioxidants. The global significance of Carthamus tinctorius arises from its multifaceted applications in cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic disorders, coupled with a well-established safety profile and growing interest in drug-delivery optimisation.

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Pharmacological Properties of Carthamus Tinctorius Components publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in pharmacological properties of carthamus tinctorius components across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Quinochalcone C-glycosides: Water-soluble pigments unique to safflower with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antioxidant capacity: The ability of compounds to neutralise reactive oxygen species and prevent cellular oxidative damage.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress: A cellular disorder caused by accumulation of misfolded proteins that may trigger apoptosis.

Myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury: Tissue damage resulting from restored blood flow after a period of oxygen deprivation in the heart.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD): An endogenous enzyme that catalyses the dismutation of superoxide radicals to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen.

References

1. Distinct Effects of Seed Coat and Flower Colors on Metabolite Contents and Antioxidant Activities in Safflower Seeds. Antioxidants (2023).
2. Genetic diversity, clinical uses, and phytochemical and pharmacological properties of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): an important medicinal plant. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024).
3. Safflower Yellow Injection Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Reducing Oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress. Pharmaceuticals (2024).
4. A Metabolic Perspective and Opportunities in Pharmacologically Important Safflower. Metabolites (2020).
5. Hydroxysafflor Yellow A: A Promising Therapeutic Agent for a Broad Spectrum of Diseases. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2018).
6. Hydroxysafflor Yellow A: A Systematical Review on Botanical Resources, Physicochemical Properties, Drug Delivery System, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacological Effects. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020).
7. Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Adipogenic Effect of Hot Water Extract from Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Seed. Nutrients (2013).