Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Also known as: Safflower, Safflower flower extract, Carthamus tinctorius L., Carthamus tinctorius
Overview
Carthamus tinctorius flower extract is derived from the flowers of the safflower plant, a botanical traditionally utilized in Chinese and other herbal medicine systems. This extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as hydroxysafflor yellow A, sterols, and erythro-alkane-6,8-diols, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties. It is primarily investigated for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular, and dermatological benefits. While research on this extract is ongoing and includes several in vitro and in vivo studies, along with some preliminary clinical investigations, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on the flower extract are currently limited. The existing evidence quality varies, with robust animal studies and mechanistic research providing a foundation, but a scarcity of large-scale human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) means that human efficacy and safety are not yet fully established.
Benefits
Carthamus tinctorius flower extract shows promising benefits across several health areas, primarily supported by preclinical research. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity has been demonstrated in animal models, where an ethanol extract significantly reduced edema and inflammation, with high doses achieving effects comparable to methotrexate. Cardiovascular benefits include enhancing peripheral blood flow and inhibiting platelet aggregation, which could support overall heart health. In metabolic health, specifically for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), rat studies indicate that the extract can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, while also attenuating liver damage and steatosis through Nrf2-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, the extract, particularly its compound hydroxysafflor yellow A, has shown potential for promoting hair growth by modulating growth factors and inhibiting 5α-reductase, suggesting its use in alopecia treatment. Lastly, the seed oil exhibits notable antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens and strong antioxidant capacity, indicating its utility in managing skin injuries and protecting against oxidative stress.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Carthamus tinctorius flower extract are attributed to its diverse bioactive compounds. Its anti-inflammatory effects are primarily mediated by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and inhibiting pathways involved in edema and rheumatoid arthritis. Cardiovascular benefits stem from its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance capillary blood flow, potentially through modulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). The extract's hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective effects in type 2 diabetes are linked to the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, a key regulator of antioxidant response that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Hair growth promotion is associated with the suppression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and inhibition of 5α-reductase enzyme activity. Additionally, antimicrobial activity is attributed to specific bioactive compounds that scavenge free radicals and inhibit microbial growth.
Side effects
Carthamus tinctorius flower extract generally appears to have a favorable safety profile in animal studies, with no significant toxicity reported at effective doses. However, detailed human safety data, including reports of common or rare side effects, are largely absent from the reviewed literature. This lack of human-specific safety information necessitates caution. Potential drug interactions and contraindications have not been well characterized. Given the extract's demonstrated effects on platelet aggregation and blood glucose in preclinical models, individuals taking anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) or antidiabetic medications should exercise particular caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. There is a theoretical risk of increased bleeding or altered blood sugar control when combined with these medications. Comprehensive safety assessments in human clinical trials are needed to fully understand its safety profile, potential adverse effects, and drug interactions.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosage guidelines for Carthamus tinctorius flower extract due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Effective doses observed in animal studies range from 100 to 400 mg/kg of body weight for anti-inflammatory effects and 300 mg/kg for metabolic benefits in type 2 diabetes models. These animal doses cannot be directly translated to humans without proper pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. The timing of administration and specific formulation specifics are also not well defined, though ethanol extracts and seed oils are common forms used in research. Without human equivalent doses or clinical trial data, it is not possible to recommend a safe or effective human dosage. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been determined, emphasizing the need for caution and professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Carthamus tinctorius flower extract safe for humans?
Limited human data exist. Animal studies suggest safety at effective doses, but comprehensive clinical trials are needed to confirm safety and identify potential side effects in humans.
Can it be used for diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis?
Preclinical evidence supports potential benefits for diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. However, human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm efficacy in these conditions.
How long before effects appear?
Animal studies typically observed effects after 4 to 8 weeks of consistent treatment. Human response times may vary and are not yet established.
Research Sources
- https://japsonline.com/abstract.php?article_id=4393&sts= – This animal study investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of Carthamus tinctorius ethanol extract. It demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in edema and inflammation in RA models, with the highest dose achieving effects comparable to methotrexate, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5984022/ – This review summarizes various in vitro and in vivo studies on Carthamus tinctorius, highlighting its cardiovascular, hair growth, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It discusses the bioactive compounds responsible for these effects, providing a broad overview of the plant's therapeutic potential.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39334757/ – This study in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus showed that Carthamus tinctorius flower extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol. It also attenuated liver damage and steatosis by activating the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/4103418 – This research focused on the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Carthamus tinctorius seed oil. It demonstrated significant antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity against common skin pathogens, suggesting its potential application in managing skin injuries and infections.
