Carthamus tinctorius
Carthamus tinctorius · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Carthamus tinctorius, commonly known as safflower, is a versatile plant valued for the bioactive properties found in its seeds and flowers. Scientific studies focusing on various preparations like extracts, CE, CT, and CTI have highlighted its significant antioxidant and neuroprotective capabilities. The plant contains key chemical compounds such as 2-Acetyl-5-hydroxymethylfuran, 3-Formylindole, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 4-hydroxyacetophenone. These constituents allow it to function as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and an ACE-inhibitor, offering potential therapeutic benefits. Consequently, it shows great promise in managing cardiovascular diseases, improving blood circulation, and mitigating the effects of acute ischemic stroke and abiotic stresses.
- Synonyms
- Calcitrapa Tinctoria · Carthamus Tinctorius Var. Spinosus · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Carthamus tinctorius is a versatile botanical species known by many different names across various cultures and languages. In Spanish-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to as Azafrán or Azafrán bastardo, as well as Cartamo or zafferanone. The plant also carries the name Cochlys, reflecting its diverse linguistic history. In English-speaking contexts, it is most commonly identified as Safflower, while German speakers call it Färber-Saflor. These numerous regional monikers highlight the widespread global recognition of this unique plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Carthamus tinctorius is a botanical subject frequently identified through various historical and scientific synonyms. In many taxonomic records, you may encounter it listed as Calcitrapa tinctoria or Carduus tinctorius. Other botanical literature might refer to the species as Carthamus glaber depending on the specific classification system used. Variations of the plant are also documented, such as the specific form known as Carthamus tinctorius var. spinosus. Finally, researchers may sometimes find this plant categorized under the name Centaurea carthamus in older texts.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Carthamus tinctorius is a notable member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the order Asterales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. Specifically, the species is nested within the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by its distinct genus, Carthamus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Carthamus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Carthamus tinctorius maintains a diverse geographical presence, stretching across various regions of Africa and the Macaronesia islands. Its distribution includes specific island territories such as the Canary Islands and Madeira. Within the African continent, the plant is notably established throughout Northeast Tropical Africa. This presence is particularly evident in countries like Eritrea, Ethiopia, and the Sudan-South Sudan region. Consequently, these various locations highlight the wide ecological reach of this species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Carthamus tinctorius is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinct growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 1.2 meters. While its stature can vary, the minimum height often starts around 0.3 meters. However, many specimens frequently maintain a more consistent height of at least 0.859 meters. These physical dimensions contribute to the overall structural presence of the species in its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Carthamus tinctorius is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of pharmacological activities. Research indicates that its extracts possess potent antioxidant properties, driven primarily by flavonoids and specific glycosides that effectively scavenge free radicals. Beyond its oxidative benefits, this plant is a significant subject in modern studies regarding its antithrombotic capabilities for managing blood clots. Furthermore, the species has demonstrated significant potential in neuroprotective applications, particularly in reducing neuronal injury following traumatic brain injury. Collectively, these multifaceted biological effects highlight the therapeutic importance of Carthamus tinctorius in traditional and modern medicine.
Compounds
Carthamus tinctorius, commonly known as safflower, is a chemically diverse medicinal plant containing a wide array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Research has identified several key compounds within the plant, including the important flavonoid kaempferol, which can serve as a marker for differentiating high-quality ecotypes. Detailed chemical analyses of its water-soluble fractions have also confirmed the presence of 2-Acetyl-5-hydroxymethylfuran and 3-Formylindole. Additionally, the plant contains 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, contributing to its complex phytochemical profile. Further studies even demonstrate that the fermentation of C. tinctorius extracts can produce 3-Phenyllactic acid, which shows promise in inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation.
Conditions
Carthamus tinctorius possesses various medicinal properties, including the ability to treat blood stasis and promote blood circulation. It is also used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Regarding its antioxidant capabilities, the plant extracts are effective in scavenging (.)OH radicals. Furthermore, specific genetic mechanisms within the plant, such as the overexpression of CtChi19 and CtTLP13, function to treat Botrytis cinerea by enhancing disease resistance.
Preparations
Carthamus tinctorius is prepared as an extract to investigate its antihypertensive and anti-biofilm properties. This plant is also prepared as a crude extract (CE) for use in controlling food spoilage bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes in cheese. In various pharmacological studies, Carthamus tinctorius is prepared as CT to evaluate its synergistic effects and its ability to generate 3-phenyllactic acid during fermentation. Furthermore, Carthamus tinctorius is prepared as CTI, a traditional medicine used to protect against myocardial injury in rats. Finally, the plant is prepared as Danhong injection (DHI) to serve as a multi-functional protectant against acute hepatic injury.
Parts used
Carthamus tinctorius, commonly known as safflower, contains various plant parts that hold significant medicinal and biological value. The seeds of this species are particularly noteworthy for their lignan content, such as arctiin and tracheloside, which undergo complex structural transformations during metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract. Scientific studies have also explored how gamma-ray irradiation affects the germination rates and physiological status of these seeds. Beyond the seeds, the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius play a vital role in traditional medicine. Specifically, ethnobotanical research indicates that these flowers are used by local communities as a traditional treatment for chicken pox.