FolkKB

Dyer's-saffron

Carthamus tinctorius

Carthamus tinctorius, commonly known as safflower, originates from traditional medicine practices in various regions including Asia and Europe. Traditionally, it has been used for dyeing fabrics and in culinary applications but not extensively recorded for medicinal uses across different cultures. Scientific evidence suggests that safflower seed oils have high linoleic acid content and good antioxidant properties, indicating potential health benefits. Additionally, studies indicate that BAP application can improve growth parameters and modulate biochemical and molecular mechanisms under copper stress, enhancing antioxidant activity and defense gene expression in safflower. Notably, research has identified proteins like CtLTP8 and transcription factors such as CtDREB1B that enhance the plant's resistance to pathogens and environmental stresses. Safety concerns are minimal with no major issues recorded, and there are no reported drug interactions associated with this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study found that safflower seed oils from Moroccan cultivars, extracted using Soxhlet method, have high linoleic acid content and good antioxidant properties, suggesting potential health benefits. D PMID
  • BAP application improved growth parameters and modulated biochemical and molecular mechanisms under copper stress in Carthamus tinctorius, enhancing antioxidant activity and defense gene expression. D PMID
  • The study identified CtLTP8 as an extracellular vesicle protein present in safflower that enhances resistance to B. cinerea. D PMID
  • The study identified CtDREB1B as a DREB transcription factor that enhances safflower's tolerance to drought and salt stresses. D PMID
  • HSYA improves cardiac function and enhances mitophagy by regulating the SIRT1-FOXO3-BNIP3 pathway in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. D PMID
  • The study monitored six key pest species affecting ten cover crop species, providing a quantitative basis for identifying less pest-attractive options. D PMID
  • The study identified potential roles of long non-coding RNAs, including a NAT pair, in regulating safflower flower color and flavonoid biosynthesis. D PMID
  • The study identified several molecular markers associated with salinity tolerance in safflower, which could be useful for breeding programs. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Dyer's-saffron?

Dyer's-saffron (Carthamus tinctorius) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Dyer's-saffron?

8 sourced findings are recorded for Dyer's-saffron; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that safflower seed oils from Moroccan cultivars, extracted using Soxhlet method, have high linoleic acid content and good antioxidant properties, suggesting potential health benefits.

How strong is the evidence for Dyer's-saffron?

The strongest finding for Dyer's-saffron carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Dyer's-saffron safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Dyer's-saffron in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Dyer's-saffron interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Dyer's-saffron in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Dyer's-saffron?

Dyer's-saffron is also known as: Сафлор красильный, Carthame des teinturiers.

Is Dyer's-saffron a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Unveiling the role of CtDREB1B from safflower: enhancing plant resistance to drought and salt. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Localization and Functional Analysis of CtLTP8, an Extracellular Vesicle Protein That Enhances Resistance to Botrytis cinerea in Safflower. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Mitigating copper toxicity in Carthamus tinctorius L. through 6-benzylaminopurine during seed germination and vegetative growth. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Seed Oils: Effect of Extraction Process and Cultivars on Chemical Composition, Physicochemical Parameters and Nutritional Quality Index. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Marker-trait association analysis revealed loci linked to salinity tolerance in a worldwide collection of safflower. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Monitoring the occurrence of pests on cover crops. literature abstract metadata
  7. T2 Transcriptome Dynamics Reveal the Potential Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Regulating Flower Color of Safflowers (Carthamus tinctorius). literature abstract metadata
  8. T2 Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Regulates SIRT1-FOXO3-BNIP3 Signaling Pathway to Promote Mitophagy: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. literature abstract metadata