Safflower Oil Extract
Also known as: Safflower oil extract, Safflower oil, Carthamus tinctorius
Overview
Safflower oil extract is derived from the seeds of *Carthamus tinctorius*, a plant historically valued for its culinary, dyeing, and medicinal properties. This dietary oil supplement is notably rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with linoleic acid (an omega-6 PUFA) being its primary component. Its main applications in health include the modulation of blood lipid profiles, enhancement of glycemic control, and exhibition of anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to potential cardiovascular benefits. Research on safflower oil is relatively mature, supported by numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, including network meta-analyses, which have investigated its impact on blood lipids and metabolic health. The overall quality of evidence is considered good, though some studies may have limitations such as smaller sample sizes or focus on specific populations.
Benefits
Safflower oil extract offers several evidence-based health benefits, primarily related to metabolic and cardiovascular health. Its most robust benefit is in **blood lipid improvement**: a 2018 network meta-analysis of 54 RCTs identified safflower oil as one of the most effective dietary oils for reducing LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC). Compared to saturated fats, it demonstrated LDL-C reductions ranging from approximately −0.23 to −0.42 mmol/L, indicating strong evidence for its lipid-lowering effects. For **glycemic control**, a 2011 RCT showed that a daily intake of 8 g of safflower oil over four months improved blood sugar levels and insulin resistance in obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, suggesting a moderate level of evidence for this specific population. Furthermore, safflower oil's unsaturated fatty acids contribute to **anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects** by potentially reducing inflammation, improving endothelial function (blood vessel relaxation), and decreasing platelet stickiness, which may contribute to lower blood pressure. While some in vitro and animal studies suggest additional effects like antimicrobial properties and hair growth promotion, these benefits are less established in human clinical trials.
How it works
Safflower oil's primary mechanism of action stems from its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. These PUFAs modulate lipid metabolism by replacing saturated fats in the diet, leading to a reduction in LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. The oil may also enhance insulin sensitivity and mitigate inflammation by influencing inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress pathways. Additionally, it can impact platelet aggregation and endothelial function, contributing to its cardiovascular protective effects. As a dietary oil, it is absorbed in the small intestine and subsequently incorporated into plasma lipids, making its active components bioavailable throughout the body.
Side effects
Safflower oil is generally considered safe for consumption as part of a balanced diet. Adverse effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most commonly reported issue, typically occurring with very large intakes. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications widely reported in the scientific literature. However, due to its potential effects on platelet function, caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders, although the evidence supporting this concern is limited. As with any dietary supplement, individuals with specific health conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating large amounts of safflower oil into their diet. No severe or life-threatening side effects have been consistently documented in human clinical trials.
Dosage
Effective dosages of safflower oil extract, as observed in clinical studies, typically range from 8 to 10 grams per day. This amount has been utilized in randomized controlled trials lasting several months to achieve beneficial effects on glycemic control and lipid profiles. There is no established maximum safe dose for safflower oil, but excessive intake should be avoided due to its high caloric content, which could contribute to unwanted weight gain. Safflower oil is commonly consumed as part of the overall dietary fat intake, and its timing is flexible, often taken with meals to optimize absorption. It's important to note that these dosages are based on research for specific health outcomes, and individual needs may vary.
FAQs
Is safflower oil effective for lowering cholesterol?
Yes, evidence from a network meta-analysis supports that safflower oil can modestly reduce LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol when used to replace saturated fats in the diet.
Can safflower oil improve blood sugar?
Some research, particularly a 2011 RCT, suggests that safflower oil may improve blood sugar and insulin resistance, especially in obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.
Is safflower oil safe for long-term use?
Generally, yes. When consumed in dietary amounts, safflower oil is considered safe for long-term use, with no major safety concerns reported in studies.
Does safflower oil help with inflammation?
Safflower oil may help reduce inflammatory markers due to its unsaturated fatty acid content, but more robust human clinical data are needed to confirm this benefit definitively.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6121943/ – This 2018 network meta-analysis, including 54 randomized controlled trials, found safflower oil to be among the most effective dietary oils for reducing LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol. It demonstrated significant LDL-C reductions compared to saturated fats, highlighting its strong lipid-lowering potential.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1502815/full – This systematic review on seed oils, including safflower oil, indicates their potential to improve lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in conditions like diabetes and dyslipidemia. While comprehensive, it notes variability in study designs and calls for more robust, safflower-specific randomized controlled trials.
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322245 – Summarizing a 2011 RCT, this source highlights that 8 g/day of safflower oil for four months improved blood sugar, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels in obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests benefits for glycemic control in this specific population, though it has a small sample size.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5984022/ – This 2018 review on safflower's medicinal uses, primarily based on preclinical studies, suggests that safflower extract can improve blood flow, inhibit platelet aggregation, and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. It indicates potential therapeutic applications but notes the limited human clinical trial data for these specific claims.
