A Review on Phytochemical Potential of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.)
Keywords:
Safflower, Phytochemistry, Bioactive compoundAbstract
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) belonging to the Asteraceae family is an annual herbaceous plant that is indigenous to Asia, India, and the Middle East. It is famous for its rich traditional medicinal applications, complex phytochemistry and medicinal properties, growing to a height of 130 cm with tubular flowers and lanceolate leaves. The plant contains more than 200 bioactive compounds including polyacetylenes, flavonoids, and alkaloids such as N-feruloylserotonin, Quino chalcones such as hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), and fatty acids that are predominantly rich in linoleic acid. Pharmacological studies have emphasized its antimicrobial activity against pathogens causing dandruff and acne, hypoglycaemic action through the augmentation of insulin secretion and the mitigation of oxidative stress, potent antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of saponins, stigmasterol, and various other compounds.
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