Common names | safflower

Scientific name | Carthamus tinctorius

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin 3-galactoside

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory

Product name | Safflower-APD, Safflower-ANB

Plant Story

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an annual plant producing bright yellow to orange, thistle-like flowers. It is thought to be native to the arid regions of North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean and now cultivated in many other regions including North America and Asia. Safflower has a long history of use. It is thought that safflowers were first cultivated in Mesopotamia, possibly as early as 2500 BC. It is also suggested that the ancient Egyptians used safflower, dating back to the Twelfth Dynasty (1991-1802 BC) as a dye. Safflower has been used for medicinal purposes as well. Safflower tea has been used to relieve fever and colds. Safflower can also be used for bruises and measles, and to improve blood circulation.

Safflower is a source of phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin 3-galactoside. Anti-oxidant activity of safflower was analyzed by DPPH and ABTS assays, as well as reducing power, metal-chelating power, and beta-carotene-linoleic acid assays. Safflower also has anti-inflammatory properties. Safflower extract inhibited production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).