Carthamus tinctorius
Carthamus tinctorius, commonly known as safflower, is a versatile medicinal plant valued for its diverse therapeutic properties. Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it is traditionally used to support cardiovascular health, manage blood sugar levels, and reduce inflammation, making it a significant botanical resource in various herbal traditions.
- Scientific name: Carthamus tinctorius
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Carthamus, where it is known as Carthamus tinctorius.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Carthamus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific presence across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution includes the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found growing in Austria and Belgium. Additionally, its geographical range extends through the Czechia-Slovakia region. These locations collectively define the documented habitats for Carthamus tinctorius within these specific territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
Chemicals
Carthamus tinctorius has 113 reported phytochemicals identified across 162 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include hydroxysafflor yellow A, kaempferol, quercetin, anhydrosafflor yellow B, adenosine.
- Total chemicals
- 113
- Scientific sources
- 162
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hydroxysafflor yellow A | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| kaempferol | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| quercetin | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| anhydrosafflor yellow B | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| adenosine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| linoleic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oleic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| palmitic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Carthamus tinctorius has 17 reported activities identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Analgesic, Antiaging, Antidepressant.
- Total activities
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 20
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiaging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifatigue | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiplatelet | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Carthamus tinctorius has 58 reported medicinal uses identified across 74 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular diseases, blood circulation, cancer, myocardial ischemia, cerebrovascular diseases.
- Total uses
- 58
- Scientific sources
- 74
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cardiovascular diseases | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| blood circulation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| myocardial ischemia | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cerebrovascular diseases | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cholesterol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| osteoporosis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |