Safflower.Carthamus tinctorius L.,Flos Carthami.Safflower Extract.
Contents
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- Botanical Basic Data of Safflower:Carthamus tinctorius L.
- What it is Safflower?Property,Effects and constitution of Safflower.
- Functions and clinical use of safflower.
- Ethnobotany:Worlwide use of safflower.
- History:Safflower.
- Safflower:Administration and Guide.
- What is Saffron:Stigma Croci,Crocus sativus L?
- Health benefit and application of Saffron.
- Cosmetic Use of Saffron:
- Safflower:Research Update.
Safflower:Research Update.:
Estimates of broad-sense heritability for seed yield and yield components of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.):Hereditas. 2006 Dec;143(2006):55-7.Camas N, Esendal E.Ondokuz Mayis University, Vocation School of Bafra, Samsun, Turkey. necdetc@omu.edu.tr
This study was carried out to estimate the broad-sense heritability for seed yield and some yield components of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2004 growing season in the Middle Black Sea Region conditions of Turkey. Three safflower cultivars (5-154, Dincer and Yenice) were grown at five locations (Bafra, Ladik, Suluova, Gumushacikoy and Osmancik). The heritability for seed yield, plant height, first branch height, number of branch, head diameter, number of seed per head, 1000-seed weight and oil content were estimates as 35%, 93%, 99%, 45%, 21%, 69%, 81% and 59%, respectively. It was found that first branch height was the least affected trait over environments and followed plant height, thousand seed weight and number of seed per head. On the other hand, head diameter, seed yield, number of branch and oil content were the most affected traits versus environmental conditions. The first branch height, plant height and 1000-seed weight could be used to succeed in selection in early generation.
Metabolic analysis of the cinnamate/monolignol pathway in Carthamus tinctorius seeds by a stable-isotope-dilution method.:Org Biomol Chem. 2007 Mar 7;5(5):802-15. Epub 2007 Jan 29.
The present study established a system for comprehensive metabolic analysis of the cinnamate/monolignol and lignan pathways by the use of a stable-isotope-dilution method. The system was successfully applied to characterization of the pathways in Carthamus tinctorius cv. Round-leaved White maturing seeds in combination with administration of stable-isotope-labelled precursors. Experimental results obtained using this technique strongly suggested the intermediacy of ferulic acid in lignan biosynthesis in the plant.
Effect of saffor (Carthamus tinctorius) injection on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Nov;31(21):1814-8.Gao F, Wu XH, Luo CL, He YF, Zhang LS, Yang M.Department of Urology, The No. 5 Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400062, China.
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect and mechanism of saffor injection on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHOD: Seventy-five SD rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 15, in each), normal control groups, I/R control groups, low-dose treatment groups, middle-dose treatment groups and high-dose treatment groups. After rat's I/R injury model was established, renal function was assessed by measuring serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine osmotic pressure and urine osmotic pressure/blood osmotic pressure, the apoptosis rate in I/R renal tissure was measured by TUNEL method and caspase-3 concentration was measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULT: Reperfusion of the ischemic kidney induced marked renal dysfunction. Saffor injection significantly inhibited the reperfusion-associated increase in apoptosis rate and caspase-3 protein absorbance value. Moreover, the renal dysfunction at all treatment groups was markedly ameliorated by Saffor injection. (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results show that saffor injection significantly reduces the renal dysfunction and injury caused by I/R of the kidney, And the protective effect of Saffor injection may be related to the inhibition of cell apoptosis and caspase-3 gene expression following renal I/R.
An anti-estrogenic lignan glycoside, tracheloside, from seeds of Carthamus tinctorius.:Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2006 Nov;70(11):2783-5. Epub 2006 Nov 7.Yoo HH, Park JH, Kwon SW.College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
The lignan glycoside, tracheloside, was isolated from seeds of Carthamus tinctorius (Compositae) as an anti-estrogenic principle against cultured Ishikawa cells by employing a bioassay-linked HPLC-ELSD method. Tracheloside significantly decreased the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP), an estrogen-inducible marker enzyme, with an IC(50) value of 0.31 microg/ml, a level of inhibition comparable to that of tamoxifen (IC(50) = 0.43 microg/ml).
Determination of safflor yellow A by RP-HPLC and resources quality comparison in Carthamus tinctorius:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Aug;31(15):1234-6.Guo ML, Zhang G, Zhang W, Zhang HM, Su ZW.College of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China. mlguo@smmu.edu.cn
OBJECTIVE: To provide the basis for establishing evaluation criterion, selecting good strains and carring out good agricultural practice of the crude drug. METHOD: Representative 22 varieties of Carthamus tinctorius were selected and cultivated in different ecological localities and different years. And the content of safflor yellow A in their corollas were measured by RP-HPLC to compare the differences and their genetic stabilities among varieties. RESULT: The range of of safflor yellow A content was 0.70%-1.85% which were varied among varieties (P < 0.01). The content of safflor yellow A in varieties Yutai Honghua, Hefei Honghua, Rucheng Honghua were higher than in others. CONCLUSION: The effective compound safflor yellow A in C. tinctorius was one of the main quality evaluation criterions. Varieties Yutai Honghua, Hefei Honghua and Rucheng Honghua were good resources.
New acetylenic glucosides from Carthamus tinctorius:Chem Pharm Bull. 2006 Oct;54(10):1455-6.Zhou YZ, Ma HY, Chen H, Qiao L, Yao Y, Cao JQ, Pei YH.School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.
Two new acetylenic glucosides, 4',6'-acetonide-8Z-decaene-4,6-diyne-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside named carthamoside A(1) (1) and 4,6-decadiyne-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside named carthamoside A(2) (2), along with one known acetylenic glucoside, 8Z-decaene-4,6-diyne-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), have been isolated from the air-dried flower of Carthamus tinctorius, these structures have been identified on the basis of spectroscopic methods.
Serotonin derivatives, major safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed antioxidants, inhibit low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.:J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Jul 12;54(14):4970-6.
The effects of defatted safflower seed extract and its phenolic constituents, serotonin derivatives, on atherosclerosis were studied. Ethanol-ethyl acetate extract of safflower seeds (SSE) inhibited low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation induced in vitro by an azo-containing free-radical initiator V70 or copper ions. Two serotonin derivatives [N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin, CS; N-feruloylserotonin, FS] and their glucosides were identified as the major phenolic constituents of the extract. The study with chemically synthesized materials revealed that a majority of the antioxidative activity of SSE was attributable to the aglycones of these two serotonin derivatives. Orally administered CS and FS suppressed CuSO(4)-induced plasma oxidation ex vivo. Long-term (15 week) dietary supplementation of SSE (1.0 wt %/wt) and synthetic serotonin derivatives (0.2-0.4%) significantly reduced the atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic sinus of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (29.2-79.7% reduction). The plasma level of both lipid peroxides and anti-oxidized LDL autoantibody titers decreased concomitantly with the reduction of lesion formation. Serotonin derivatives were detected as both intact and conjugated metabolites in the plasma of C57BL/6J mice fed on 1.0% SSE diet. These findings demonstrate that serotonin derivatives of SSE are absorbed into circulation and attenuate atherosclerotic lesion development possibly because of the inhibition of oxidized LDL formation through their strong antioxidative activity.
Analysis of intraspecific variation of Chinese Carthamus tinctorius L. using AFLP markers.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2006 Jan;41(1):91-6.Zhang L, Huang BB, Kai GY, Guo ML.School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
AIM: To investigate the intraspecific variation of Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) and establish foundation for further breeding of safflower germplasm resource and screening the quality correlation genes. METHODS: Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was carried out to analyze genetic variation of 28 safflower populations collected in China. Unweighed pair-group method of with arithmetical averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis was used to construct a dendrogram and to estimate the genetic distances among the populations. RESULTS: All populations could be uniquely distinguished using 12 selected primer combinations. Similarity coefficients ranged from 0.48 to 0.96 among the populations. Dendrogram revealed distinct segregation of all the cultivars into three main groups and one midst group. CONCLUSION: Limited genetic diversity exists within the tested 28 collections at intra specific level and AFLP-based phyiogeny was not absolutely consistent with that based on morphological characters may be due to the interaction effect between genotype and environment.
Pharmacokinetics and excretion of hydroxysafflor yellow A, a potent neuroprotective agent from safflower, in rats and dogs.:Planta Med. 2006 Apr;72(5):418-23.Chu D, Liu W, Huang Z, Liu S, Fu X, Liu K.Research Center for Drug Metabolism, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
Studies were conducted to characterize the pharmacokinetics and excretion of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in rats and dogs after administration by intravenous injection or infusion. Plasma, urine, feces and bile concentrations of HSYA were measured using five validated mild HPLC methods. Linear pharmacokinetics of HSYA after the intravenous administrations were found at doses ranging from 3 to 24 mg/kg in rats and from 6 to 24 mg/kg in dogs. At a dose of 3 mg/kg, HSYA in urine, feces and bile was determined. For 48 h after dosing, the amount of urinary excretion accounted for 52.6 +/- 17.9 % (range: 31.1 - 78.7%, n = 6) of the dose, and the amount of fecal amount accounted for 8.4 +/- 5.3% (range 1.7 - 16.4%, n = 6) of the dose. Biliary excretion amount accounted for 1.4 +/- 1.0% (range 0.4-2.9%; n = 6) of the dose for 24 h after dosing. Percent plasma protein binding of HSYA ranged from 48.0 to 54.6% at 72 h. In summary, five mild HPLC methods for the determinations of HSYA in rat plasma, urine, feces, bile and dog plasma have been developed and successfully applied to preclinical pharmacokinetics and excretion of HSYA in rats and dogs. The results of excretion studies indicated that HSYA was rapidly excreted as unchanged drug in the urine. In view of previous pharmacological work, the concentration-dependent neuroprotective effect of HSYA in rats was defined.
Kinobeon A, purified from cultured safflower cells, is a novel and potent singlet oxygen quencher.:Acta Biochim Pol. 2005;52(4):903-7. Epub 2005 Oct 25.
We recently reported that kinobeon A, produced from safflower cells, suppressed the free radical-induced damage of cell and microsomal membranes. In the present study, we investigated whether kinobeon A quenches singlet oxygen, another important active oxygen species. Kinobeon A inhibited the singlet oxygen-induced oxidation of squalene. The second-order rate constant between singlet oxygen and kinobeon A was 1.15 x 10(10) M(-1)s(-1) in methanol containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide at 37 degrees C. Those of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene, which are known potent singlet oxygen quenchers, were 4.45 x 10(8) M(-1)s(-1) and 1.26 x 10(10) M(-1)s(-1), respectively. When kinobeon A was incubated with a thermolytic singlet oxygen generator, its concentration decreased. However, this change was extremely small compared to the amount of singlet oxygen formed and the inhibitory effect of kinobeon A on squalene oxidation by singlet oxygen. In conclusion, kinobeon A was a strong singlet oxygen quencher. It reacted chemically with singlet oxygen, but it was physical quenching that was mainly responsible for the elimination of singlet oxygen by kinobeon A. Kinobeon A is expected to have a preventive effect on singlet oxygen-related diseases of the skin or eyes.
Separation and determination of chalcones from Carthamus tinctorius L. and its medicinal preparation by capillary zone electrophoresis.:J Sep Sci. 2005 Jul;28(11):1244-7.Jiang TF, Lv ZH, Wang YH.Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ocean University of China), Ministry of Education, China. jiangtingfu@ouc.edu.cn
A new capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was developed for simultaneous assay of four chalcones, hydroxysafflor yellow A, safflor yellow A, safflamin C, and safflamin A, in the Chinese herbal extract from Carthamus tinctorius L. The optimum buffer system was 30 mM borate buffer (Na2B407/HCl, pH 9.00) with 10% (v/v) methanol. The voltage was 15 kV and detection was at 270 nm. Regression equations revealed linear relationships (correlation coefficients: 0.9973, 0.9992, 0.9989, and 0.9996) between the peak area of each compound and its concentration. The within-day relative standard deviations of migration times and peak areas were < 1.53 and 4.14%, respectively. The effects of several CE parameters on the resolution were studied systematically. The contents of four chalcones in Carthamus tinctorius L. were successfully determined with satisfactory repeatability and recovery. The possibilities of using this method for the determination of chalcones in Chinese medicinal preparation was also tested.
Studies on chemical constituents from the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L:Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Apr;28(4):288-9.Liu Y, Yang J, Liu Q. Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100094.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents from the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius. METHOD: The chemical constituents were isolated and repeatedly purified on silica gel column. They were identified and structurally elucidated by means of physio-chemical constants and spectral analysis. RESULT: Eight compounds were identifed as palmitic acid (I), 1-O-hexadecanolenin (II), trans-3-tridecene-5,7,9,11-tetrayne-1,2-diol (III), trans-trans-3,11-tridecadiene -5,7,9-triyne -1,2-diol (IV), coumaric acid (V), daucosterol (VI), apigenin (VIl) and kaempferol (VIII), respectively. CONCLUSION: Two compounds (II and III) were obtained from the genus of Carthamus for the first time.
Therapeutic effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A on focal cerebral ischemic injury in rats and its primary mechanisms.:J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2005 Aug;7(4):607-13.Zhu HB, Zhang L, Wang ZH, Tian JW, Fu FH, Liu K, Li CL.Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
The therapeutic effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), extracted from Carthamus tinctorius. L, on focal cerebral ischemic injury in rats and its related mechanisms have been investigated. Focal cerebral ischemia in rats were made by inserting a monofilament suture into internal carotid artery to block the origin of the middle cerebral artery and administrated by HSYA via sublingular vein injection in doses of 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 mg kg(-1) at 30 min after the onset of ischemia, in comparison with the potency of nimodipine at a dose of 0.2 mg kg(-1). Then, 24 h later, the evaluation for neurological deficit scores of the rats were recorded and postmortem infarct areas determined by quantitative image analysis. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken to determine plasma 6-Keto-PGF1alpha/TXB2 by radioimmunoassays and blood rheological parameters. The effects exerted by HSYA on thrombosis formation by artery vein by-pass method and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in vivo and in vitro were investigated, respectively. The results indicated that more than 30% of the area of ischemic cerebrum was observed in the ischemic model group. HSYA dose-dependently improved the neurological deficit scores and reduced the cerebral infarct area, and HSYA bore a similarity in potency of the therapeutic effects on focal cerebral ischemia to nimodipine. The inhibition rates of thrombosis formation by HSYA at the designated doses were 20.3%, 43.6% and 54.2%, respectively, compared with saline-treated group. Inhibitory activities of HSYA were observed on ADP-induced platelets aggregation in a dose-dependent manner, and the maximum inhibitory aggregation rate of HSYA was 41.8%. HSYA provided a suppressive effect on production of TXA2 without significant effect on plasma PGI2 concentrations. Blood rheological parameters were markedly improved by HSYA, such as whole blood viscosity (from 21.71 +/- 4.77 to 11.61 +/- 0.90 mPa.s), plasma viscosity (from 2.73 +/- 0.53 to 1.42 +/- 0.07 mPa.s), deformability (from 0.66 +/- 0.26 to 0.77 +/- 0.33) and aggregation of erythrocyte (from 3.24 +/- 0.41 to 2.57 +/- 0.30), but no significant effect of HSYA on homatocrit was found (from 51.38 +/- 4.68% to 49.91 +/- 2.32%). HSYA appears to be a good potential agent to treat focal cerebral ischemia, and the underlying mechanisms exerted by HSYA might be involved in its inhibitory effects on thrombosis formation and platelet aggregation as well as its beneficial action on regulation of PGI2/TXA2 and blood rheological changes in rats.
Effects of three Chinese traditional drugs on afferent discharge from single muscle spindle in toads:Space Med Med Eng (Beijing). 2005 Feb;18(1):16-8.Gao YF, Fan XL.
Objective: To shed some light on treatment of muscle atrophy through testing the effects of several Chinese traditional drugs that can invigorate blood circulation on the afferent discharge of muscle spindle. Method: Single muscle spindle was isolated from sartorius muscle of toad. Afferent discharge from the muscle spindle was recorded using air-gap technique and effects of three Chinese traditional drugs on afferent activity of the muscle spindle were observed. Result: Ligustrazine could markedly tingle the spontaneous electrical activity of the muscle spindle, and it also showed a good dose-response relationship, while Salvia Miltiorrhiza and Safflower had no such excitative effect. Conclusion: It is known that ligustrazine can expand blood vessels and agitate microcirculation, and this effect on the muscle spindle makes it helpful for persons with muscle atrophy.
The effects of a bioabsorbable barrier membrane containing safflower seed extracts on periodontal healing of 1-wall intrabony defects in beagle dogs.:J Periodontol. 2005 Jan;76(1):22-33.Song WS, Kim CS, Choi SH, Jhon GJ, Kim HY, Cho KS, Kim CK, Chai JK.Department of Periodontology, Research Institute for Periodontal Regeneration, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been much research done into the regenerative potential of materials used in oriental medicine. In several studies, evidence was found that these materials have an effect on bone regeneration. Among these materials, safflower seeds are of particular interest as they have been used for the treatment of blood stasis, bone fracture, and osteoporosis in traditional Korean medicine. In addition, they are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate the periodontal tissue regenerative effects of a bioabsorbable barrier membrane (polylactide glycolic acid electro-spun non-woven membrane) containing safflower seed extracts applied to surgically created 1-wall intrabony defects in beagle dogs. METHODS: One-wall intrabony defects were surgically created bilaterally at the mesial and distal sides of the mandibular second premolars and mesial side of the fourth premolars. These defects were randomly assigned either to the surgical control group which received a flap operation only or to one of two experimental groups consisting of defects which received a guided tissue regenerative procedure with either a bioabsorbable membrane (PLGA) or a bioabsorbable membrane containing safflower seed extracts (SSE/PLGA). The dogs were sacrificed 8 weeks after the operation, and a comparative histological examination was done. RESULTS: The new cementum formation was 2.49+/-0.41 mm in the surgical control group, 3.22+/-0.35 mm in the PLGA group, and 3.67+/-0.82 mm in the SSE/PLGA group. The extent of new cementum formation in barrier groups was significantly different from the surgical control group (P <0.05). The amount of intrabony cementum was 1.75+/-0.06 mm, 2.40+/-0.33 mm, and 2.70+/-0.81 mm for the surgical control group, the PLGA group, and the SSE/PLGA group, respectively; the amount of infrabony cementum in the barrier groups was significantly different from the surgical control group (P<0.05). The value of the suprabony cementum was 0.73+/-0.48 mm, 0.82+/-0.21 mm, and 0.97+/-0.09 mm for the surgical control group, the PLGA group, and the SSE/PLGA group, respectively, with no significant differences being observed among the treatments. The amount of new alveolar bone formation was 1.74+/-0.25 mm, 2.36+/-0.30 mm, and 2.64+/-0.74 mm for the surgical control group, the PLGA group, and the SSE/PLGA group, respectively, with a significant difference exhibited between the surgical control group and other groups (P <0.05). Superficial root resorption was often observed, but ankylosis was not present. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that surgical application of polylactide glycolic acid non-woven membrane with or without safflower seed extract could promote the regeneration of alveolar bone and cementum in intrabony periodontal defects.
Study on the antioxidative effect of Safflor Yellow:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 May;29(5):447-9.Jin M, Li JR, Wu W. Department of Pharmacology, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Beijing 100029, China. jinzang@public3.bta.net.cn
OBJECTIVE: To observe the antioxidative effect of Safflor Yellow (SY). METHOD: Hydroxyl radical scavenge effect of SY was tested with 1,10-phenanthroline-Fe2+ oxidative assay. Lipid peroxidation of mouse liver suspension was measured with thiobarbituric acid colorimetry technique. Hemocytocatheresis was determined with colorimetry. RESULT: Hydroxyl radical could be scavenged by 1.39 to 3.42 g x L(-1) SY dose dependently. Mouse liver suspension peroxidation was inhibited by 77.8 to 776.1 mg x L(-1) SY dosage dependently. Hemocytocatheresis was attenuated by 37.1 to 297.1 mg x L(-1) SY dose dependently. CONCLUSION: SY is an antioxidative part of Carthamus tinctorius.
Effects of defatted safflower seed extract and phenolic compounds in diet on plasma and liver lipid in ovariectomized rats fed high-cholesterol diets.:J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2004 Feb;50(1):32-7.Cho SH, Lee HR, Kim TH, Choi SW, Lee WJ, Choi Y.Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Catholic University of Daegu, 330 Keumrak 1 ri, Hayang-up, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk 712-702, Korea. shcho@cu.ac.kr
Six polyphenolic compounds were isolated from ethylacetate extract secondary to 80% ethanol extraction of defatted safflower seeds. They were categorized into three types: lignans, flavones and serotonin derivatives. Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 163.4 +/- 6.3 g were ovariectomized (Ovx) and fed either ethylacetate extract at a level of 1% (w/w) or three types of safflower polyphenolic compounds at a level of 200 mg/kg in a diet containing 0.5% (w/w) cholesterol for four wk. The sham and Ovx control groups were fed the same diet without safflower components. Plasma GOT and GPT levels did not differ among the six experimental groups. The plasma levels of total cholesterol were reduced in the four safflower groups by 20-30% as compared to the Ovx control. The plasma level of HDL-cholesterol was higher in the Ovx+ethylacetate extract group or appeared to be in the three Ovx+safflower polyphenolic groups than in the Ovx control. The level of plasma triglyceride was also significantly lower in the Ovx+lignan group than in the Ovx control. The liver level of cholesterol was significantly reduced in the Ovx+ethylacetate extract group. Fecal excretion of cholesterol increased by the safflower lignans and flavones, whereas that of bile acid was not significantly changed by the safflower polyphenols. Matairesinol and acacetin isolated from safflower seeds reduced the cholesterol content in cultured HepG2 cells at a concentration of 0.01-0.1 microM and all three safflower polyphenolics decreased triglyceride content at the concentration of 0.1 microM. These results suggest that safflower polyphenols have the effect of improving blood lipid status via increasing HDL-cholesterol formation and cholesterol excretion without significant uterotropic action in estrogen-deficient animals.
Study on distribution of safflor yellow A in tissues of mice:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2004 Mar;39(3):217-9.Liu YQ, Zhou HT, Bi KS.School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
AIM: To study the distributive character of safflor yellow A in mice. METHODS: A RP-HPLC method for the determination of safflor yellow A in tissues was established and applied to determine safflor yellow A in biological samples. RESULTS: After iv injection of Safflor yellow A in mice, the AUC of safflor yellow A was hightest in plasma, followed by kidney, liver, lung, heart, spleen. But it was not found in the brain. CONCLUSION: The distribution of safflor yellow A in the body is abroad and the speed of its process is swift.
Establishment of chromatographic fingerprint and quality assessment of Carthamus tinctorius L. by high performance liquid chromatography:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2004 Mar;39(3):212-6.Zhao MB, Deng XL, Wang YL, Lu M, Tu PF.School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
AIM: To establish chromatographic fingerprint of Carthamus tinctorius L. by RP-HPLC in order to control the quality of Carthamus tinctorius L. METHODS: The gradient elution mode was applied in chromatographic separation, and data were analysed by "Computer Aided Similarity Evaluation" software to compare the quality of Carthamus tinctorius L. samples from different habitats. RESULTS: Samples from different habitats were of high similarity, though a few samples showed evident difference in fingerprint graphics. CONCLUSION: The RP-HPLC fingerprint method is repeatable, feasible in analysis of Carthamus tinctorius L. and can be used in quality assessment of Carthamus tinctorius L. Chemical components in Carthamus tinctorius L. samples from various habitats are similar, and their ratios between each other are stable.
Structure determination of minor red pigment in carthamus red colorant isolated by preparative LC/MS.:Food Addit Contam. 2003 Nov;20(11):1015-22.
Carthamin is a well-known major pigment in carthamus red colourant. When analysed by HPLC on an ODS column, the colorant separated into two distinct reddish pigments, with both components having almost identical photodiode array spectra. LC/MS analysis suggested one of the compounds was carthamin, whilst the other was an unknown minor pigment. The minor pigment was purified and isolated from the colorant by preparative LC/MS collecting the faction based on monitoring the deprotonated molecule [M-H](-) m/z 953 in electrospray negative-ion mode. The structure was elucidated as a hydroxyethyl ether of carthamin, a novel compound, by means of NMR and HR-FAB-MS analyses.
Developmental transition of the flavonoid contents in safflower leaves during stress-loaded cultivation.:Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2003 Aug;67(8):1691-8.
We have previously reported that strong visible light with limited water caused a significant increase in the polyphenol contents of safflower seedlings (Carthamus tinctrius L.), suggesting that the appropriate stress loading could be applied to effectively cultivate flavonoid-rich plants. In this present study, we investigated in detail the time-dependent transition in the flavonoid contents of safflower leaves during the stress-loaded cultivation. In the cotyledons, the light/water stress continuously increased the content of luteolin 7-O-glucoside, which is a strong antioxidant, whereas the content of acacetin 7-O-glucuronide, a weak antioxidant, generally remained unchanged. In the foliage leaves under the stress condition, the contents of the flavonoid glucosides (luteolin 7-O-glucoside and quercetin 7-O-glucoside) markedly increased on the 2nd day and then decreased to the level before stress loading on the 5th day. These results indicate that appropriate selection of the time for stress loading could provide more flavonoid-rich plants during the practical cultivation of vegetables.
Determination of adenosine, rutin and quercetin in Carthamus tinctorius by HPCE:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2003 Apr;38(4):283-5.Sun Y, Guo T, Sui Y, Li FM.College of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
AIM: To develop a method for determination of adenosine, rutin and quercetin in Carthamus tinctorius L. by high performance capillary electrophoresis(HPCE). METHODS: A fused silica capillary (66.5 cm x 50 microns ID, an effective length of 58 cm) was used. The running buffer composed of 50 mmol.L-1 borax (pH 9.7) containing 18% methanol. The applied voltage was 24 kV and the capillary temperature was 20 degrees C. The detection wavelength was 210 nm. Rifampicin was used as internal standard. RESULTS: A good linearity between peak area ratio of the common peak to the internal standard and the concentration was found in the range of 10-160 mg.L-1 for adenosine, 100-2,000 mg.L-1 for rutin and 100-1,600 mg.L-1 for quercetin (r > 0.998). The average recoveries were 98.5%-100.5%, 96.9%-99.5% and 99.1%-99.5% for adenosine, rutin and quercetin, respectively. The relative standard deviation was less than 6.5% (n = 5). CONCLUSION: The method is simple, rapid and with satisfactory recoveries and good reproducibilities. It can be used to control the quality of Carthamus tinctorius.
Neuroprotective effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A: in vivo and in vitro studies.:Planta Med. 2003 May;69(5):429-33.Zhu H, Wang Z, Ma C, Tian J, Fu F, Li C, Guo D, Roeder E, Liu K.Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China.
Previous work has shown that hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), extracted from Carthamus tinctorius L. markedly extended the coagulation time in mice and exhibited a significant antithrombotic effect in rats. The present study was conducted to demonstrate further its neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemic injury in both in vivo and in vitro studies. In vivo, male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were evaluated for neurological deficit scores followed by the treatment with a single dose of HSYA. Furthermore, the infarction area of the brain was assessed in the brain slices. In vitro, the effect of HSYA was tested in cultured fetal cortical cells exposed to glutamate and sodium cyanide (NaCN) to identify its neuroprotection against neurons damage. The results in vivo showed that sublingular vein injection of HSYA at doses of 3.0 mg/kg and 6.0 mg/kg exerted significant neuroprotective effects on rats with focal cerebral ischemic injury by significantly decreasing neurological deficit scores and reducing the infarct area compared with the saline group, HSYA at a dose of 6.0 mg/kg showed a similar potency as nimodipine at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. Sublingular vein injection of HSYA at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg showed a neuroprotective effect, however, with no significant difference when compared with the saline group. Results in vitro showed that HSYA significantly inhibited neuron damage induced by exposure to glutamate and sodium cyanide (NaCN) in cultured fetal cortical cells. Noticeably, the neuroprotective action of HSYA on glutamate-mediated neuron injury was much better than that of HSYA on NaCN-induced neuron damage. All these findings suggest that HSYA might act as a potential neuroprotective agent useful in the treatment in focal cerebral ischemia. Abbreviations. HSYA:hydroxysafflor yellow A TTC:2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride MTT:3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide DMEM:Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium FCS:Fetal calf serum MCAO:middle cerebral artery occlusion ECA:external carotid artery ICA:internal carotid artery LDH:lactate dehydrogenase NMDA: N-methyl- D-aspartate
Determination of the saflor yellow-A in Carthamin tinctorius:Zhong Yao Cai. 2000 Aug;23(8):458-9.Zhu M, Guo Z.Zhejiang Provincial Institute for Drug Control, Hangzhou 310004.
The content of the saflor yellow-A in Carthamin tinctorius medicinal materials was determined by the HPLC method. The C18-ODS(150 x 4.5 mm) column and methanol-acetonitrile-0.7% H3PO4(26:2:72) as a mobile phase were used. The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min and the detective wavelength was 403 nm. The average recovery was 100.72% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.73%.
Notoginseny cream in the treatment of phlebitis.:J Infus Nurs. 2003 Jan-Feb;26(1):49-54.Gouping Z, Wan-Er T, Xue-Ling W, Min-Qian X, Kun F, Turale S, Fisher JW.Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdon Province, People's Republic of China. jola105@hotmail.com
This study investigated the curative effects of notoginseny cream versus Hirudoid cream in the treatment of postinfusion phlebitis. Sixty-five patients who received peripheral infusion therapy during a 20-month period and had developed phlebitis were divided randomly into two groups. Group A was treated with notoginseny cream, a topical Chinese medicine developed and produced by the pharmacological department of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University. Group B was treated with heparinoid cream (Hirudoid, a commercial product from Germany). Significantly fewer applications of notoginseny cream were required to bring about the disappearance of signs and symptoms of phlebitis in the group A patients as compared with the group B patients for the same effect. The actual time of disappearance of the signs and symptoms of phlebitis also were significantly shorter in patients treated with notoginseny cream than with heparinoid cream.
Safflower polysaccharides activate the transcription factor NF-kappa B via Toll-like receptor 4 and induce cytokine production by macrophages.:Int Immunopharmacol. 2002 Jul;2(8):1155-62.
Two active polysaccharide fractions (SF1 and SF2) purified from dried safflower petals (Carthamus tinctorius L.) stimulated the synthesis of various cytokines by peritoneal macrophages. In a number of cell types, SF1 and SF2 induced a rapid degradation of IkappaB alpha essential for the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), but not TLR2, was expressed in all cell lines that responded to SF1 and SF2. Enforced expression of TLR4 and MD-2 rendered responsiveness to SF1 and SF2. Moreover, these safflower polysaccharides failed to induce the production of TNF-alpha and NO by peritoneal macrophages prepared from C3H/HeJ mice that have a point mutation in the Tlr4 gene. Thus, these observations clearly indicate that safflower polysaccharides activate the NF-kappaB signaling pathway via TLR4.
Studies on the effects of space flight on Carthamus tinctorius L:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Apr;24(4):203-5, 254.Gao W, Zhao S, Xue L, Quan L, Xiao P. Institute of Medicinal Plants, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing.
OBJECTIVE: To substantiate the effects of space condition of medicinal plants. METHODS: The seeds of Carthamus tinctorius were sent to space in retrievable satellites. After returning to earth, the seeds were stored at 0-4 degrees C, and cultured in the test field in the spring of next year. The peroxidases, soluble proteins and ultrastructure of leaves were studied in flowering stage. RESULTS: The peroxidase activity of the flight group was lower than that of the earth controlled group, and the protein content of the flight group was higher than that of the earth controlled group. The main bands in electrophoresis patterns of peroxidases and proteins were alike, and some bands were different. Some changes could be observed in the ultrastructure of chloroplast between the flight group and the earth controlled group. CONCLUSION: Space environments have some effect on Carthamus tinctorius. The results of this experiment are consistent with those of the previous experiment.
Antioxidative flavonoids from leaves of Carthamus tinctorius.:Arch Pharm Res. 2002 Jun;25(3):313-9.Lee JY, Chang EJ, Kim HJ, Park JH, Choi SW. Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Catholic University of Daegu, Hayang, Gyeongbuk, Korea.
A total of eight flavonoids (1-8), including a novel quercetin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6) and seven known flavonoids, luteolin (1), quercetin (2), luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) quercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), acacetin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronide (7) and apigenin-6-C-beta-D-glucopyrano syl-8-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), have been isolated from the leaves of the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and identified on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical studies. The antioxidative activity of these flavonoids was evaluated against 2-deoxyribose degradation and rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by hydroxyl radicals generated via a Fenton-type reaction. Among these flavonoids, luteolin-acetyl-glucoside (4) and quercetin-acetyl-glucoside (6) showed potent antioxidative activities against 2-deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Luteolin (1), quercetin (2), and their corresponding glycosides (3 & 5) also exhibited strong antioxidative activity, while acacetin glucuronide (7) and apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside (8) were relatively less active.
Studies on chemical components of Carthamus tinctorius petals:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1998 Aug;33(8):626-8.Li Y, Che Q.Department of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bijing Medical University, Beijing 100083.
The flower petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae) provide one of the most important drugs in traditional Chinese medicine[1] used for the treatment of gynecological diseases, heart diseases and inflammation[2]. Carthamin, safflor yellows A and B, safflomin A, and C, isocarthamin, isocarthamidin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, and tinctormine have been reported from these petals, as well as several new flavonoids and phenolic compounds[3]. A continuation of these studies has led to the isolation of four compounds including a new flavonoid glucoside. The dried petals of C. tinctorius, cultivated in Sichuan, China, were extracted with 95% ethanol, and the extract was partitioned between H2O and organic solvents (petroleum ether and EtOAc). The water fraction was subjected to Diaion D101 and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography with elution by a gradient of EtOH in water to yield compounds 1-4. Compound I is 6-hydroxykaempferol 3-O-glucoside, compound II is a new compound named 6-hydroxykaempferol 7-O-glucoside, compound 3 is kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside and compound 4 is quercetin 3-O-glucoside.
Effects of water-deficit on lipids of safflower aerial parts.:Phytochemistry. 2001 Sep;58(2):277-80.Hamrouni I, Salah HB, Marzouk B.INRST, Laboratoire d'Adaptation et d'Amelioration des Plantes, BP 95 2050, Hammam-Lif, Tunisia.
Three-week-old plants of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) were subjected to a water-deficit stress. The lipid composition of the shoot parts of both control (well-watered) and water stressed plants was analyzed. Experimental data revealed that moderate stress induced an increase in total lipid content within all lipidic classes. However, severe water-deficit induced a sharp decrease in the total lipid content and specially in polar lipids, particularly in phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, monogalactosyl-diacylglycerol and digalactosyl-diacylglycerol. Also, the content of neutral lipids was increased. Concerning the fatty acid composition, water-deficit induced a decrease in their degree of unsaturation expressed by a reduction in the proportions of linolenic (18:3) and linoleic (18:2) acids and most of lipidic classes.
A study on the teratogenic and cytotoxic effects of safflower extract.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Dec;73(3):453-9.Nobakht M, Fattahi M, Hoormand M, Milanian I, Rahbar N, Mahmoudian M.Department of Histology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
In recent years, the use of carthami flos (the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L.) as a coloring and flavoring agent has increased as a food additive in Iran. In order to evaluate its safety, the teratogenic effects of carthami flos on the central nervous system development in mice was investigated. Furthermore, its cytotoxic effect on the rat nervous cell culture was studied to complete safety evaluations. For teratogenic studies, after natural mating, pregnant mice were divided into test and control groups. The groups were treated with different dosage regimens of aqueous carthami flos extract during 0-8 days of gestation. Embryos were then isolated at the 13th gestation day and evaluated for macroscopic, microscopic and morphometric characteristics. The results showed that in higher doses (1.6 and 2 mg/kg/day) the embryos were absorbed, whereas with lower dose (1.2 mg/kg/day) changes in external, internal and longitudinal diameters, open neuropore, changes in cellular orientation and cellular degeneration were observed. The results obtained from cytotoxic assay also demonstrated a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect of carthami flos extract. It is concluded that the use of carthami flos as a food additive should be reconsidered.
Purification and characterization of precarthamin decarboxylase from the yellow petals of Carthamus tinctorius L.:Arch Biochem Biophys. 2000 Oct 15;382(2):238-44.Cho MH, Hahn TR.Department of Genetic Engineering and Plant Metabolism Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Suwon, Korea.
Carthamin, a red quinochalcone pigment in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), is enzymatically converted from a yellow precursor, precarthamin. The enzyme, which catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of precarthamin to carthamin, was purified to apparent homogeneity from yellow petals of safflower and named precarthamin decarboxylase. The molecular mass of the denatured enzyme was estimated as 33 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The molecular mass of the native enzyme was determined by gel filtration chromatography to be 24 kDa; thus, the native enzyme is a monomer. The optimum pH of the enzyme was 5.0. The enzyme activity was inhibited by Mn2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+ and sharply decreased at temperatures higher than 50 degrees C for 10 min. The activation energy and the Arrhenius frequency factor of the enzyme reaction were 19.7 kcal mol(-1) and 9.94 x 10(11) s(-1), respectively. The saturation curve of precarthamin showed that the enzyme follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The Km and Vmax of the enzyme were calculated as 164 microM and 29.2 nmol/ min, respectively. The turnover number (kcat) of the enzyme was calculated as 1.42 x 10(2) s(-1). The enzyme activity was severely inhibited by reducing agents such as glutathione and DTT at pH 5.0, suggesting that a disulfide bond may play an important role in enzyme function.
A new flavone diglycoside from Carthamus tinctorius seeds.:Pharmazie. 2000 Aug;55(8):621-2.Ahmed KM, Marzouk MS, el-Khrisy EA, Wahab SA, el-Din SS.Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
From the aqueous ethanol extract (AE) of Carthamus tinctorius seeds, a new acacetin diglycoside has been isolated and identified as acacetin 7-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1"'-->6" instead of 6')-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside together with previously isolated kaempferol 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, acacetin 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside and acacetin. The structures of these metabolites have been established on the basis of chemical, chromatographic and spectral methods.
Cartorimine, a new cycloheptenone oxide derivative from Carthamus tinctorius.:J Nat Prod. 2000 Aug;63(8):1164-5.
Cartorimine (1), a new cycloheptenone oxide derivative, was isolated from Carthamus tinctorius, and its structure was established from spectral data interpretation and single-crystal X-ray analysis.
Separation and determination of flavonols in the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius by RP-HPLC:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1997;32(2):120-2.Yu H, Xu LX.Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050.
Carthamus tinctorius L. is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of uterine congestion, cardio-vascular disease, thrombosis and so on. Eight flavonoids have been isolated from its flowers. A reversed phase HPLC method for the separation and determination of the three flavonols: rutin (I), quercetin(II) and kaempferol(III) in the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. is described. The column was 25 cm x 4.6 mm ID, packed with YWG-C18(10 microns). The mobile phase was a mixture of MeOH-H2O-H3PO4(48.5:51.5:0.25, pH 3.5). The flow rate was 1.0 ml.min-1. Daidzein was used as an internal standard. UV detection was performed at 360 nm. The relative standard deviation of the method was 1.1-2.6%. The calibration curves showed good linearity over the range of 0.11-0.80 microgram, gamma = 0.9995-0.9998 and detection limits were 2.0-20.0 ng. The recoveries were 97.8%-98.9% for the three flavonols. The method is simple, fast, sensitive and accurate and has been applied to the analysis of Carthamus tinctorius L. of different sources. It can also be used for the quality control of safflower preparations for clinical uses.
Reduction of crude fiber content in safflower meal (Carthamus tinctorius L) and its potential use in human food:Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1996 Dec;46(4):295-8.Martinez Flores H, Cruz Mondragon C, Larios Saldana A.Dpto. de Biotecnologia y Bioingenieria, Centro de Investigacion y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Mexico.
The purpose of this work was to reduce the content of crude fibre (CF) and to determine the content of phenolics compounds (PC) and trypsin inhibitors (TI) in safflower meal (SM), in order to recommend the possibility of utilization it in human food. The SM (23.3% of CF, 22.4% of protein and 1.75% of PC was grinded in a blender and in a hammer mill respectively, after that, they were classified in particle size by sieving and compared with the SM and their fractions. Grinding in hammer mill was more effective; in this process the yield of the fine fractions was 60.5% and the contents of protein and PC were concentrated by 46.7% and 50%, respectively. The test of TI in SM resulted negative. Grinding and sieving showed to be an easy and cheap mechanical size separation process to reduce CF, which also increase the protein content with a good yield of material. It should be possible the utilization of the fine fractions in human food, provided that the level of incorporation in a food product will be low.
Stimulating action of Carthamus tinctorius L., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and Leonurus sibiricus L. on the uterus:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1995 Mar;20(3):173-5, 192.Shi M, Chang L, He G.Department of Pharmacology, Hubei College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan.
The experimental results indicate that the decoction of Chinese drugs Carthamus tinctorius, Angelica sinensis and Leonurus sibiricus has stimulating action on the uterus of mouse in vitro. The stimulating action of Carthamus tinctorius and Leomurus sibiricus has been found related to stimulating H1-receptor and alpha-adrenergic receptor of uterus, but the action of Angelica sinensis to stimulating H1-receptor of uterus only.
Effect of xiaoyu pian on new platelet aggregation defect:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1994 Oct;14(10):589-91.Shen D, Shen L, Wang AL. Xiehe Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan.
The Xiaoyu pian (XYP, mainly consisted of prunus persica, Carthamus tinctorius, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, etc) was used to treat patients with new platelet aggregation defect. Patients were divided into 2 groups, the TCM group (72 cases) treated with XYP and the control group (65 cases) treated with vitamin C and P and/or adrenosem for at least 3 months. The results showed that marked effective rate was 87.5% in TCM group and 35.4% in control group (chi 2 = 39.7, P < 0.01); the recovery rate of platelet was 91.8% in the former and 10.3% in the latter (chi 2 = 71.4, P < 0.01); the recurrence rate of follow-up (6 months after treatment) was 30.8% in the former and 82.1% in the latter (chi 2 = 19.2, P < 0.01). The difference between two groups was very significant. The results suggested that XYP could regulate the hemostatic action and the platelet aggregation function. It is worthwhile to use XYP as an hemostatic clinically.
Neuroprotectants in Honghua: glucose attenuates retinal ischemic damage.:Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1993 Jan;34(1):72-80.Romano C, Price M, Bai HY, Olney JW.Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
PURPOSE. This study examined the neuroprotective properties of Honghua, an extract of safflower used as an herbal medicine in China, in several experimental models of retinal ischemia. METHODS. Honghua and other agents were tested (1) in the ex vivo chick embryo retina assay (CER) for anti-excitotoxin efficacy and against simulated ischemia (30 min glucose/oxygen deprivation); and (2) in the in vivo adult rat retina dye-photothrombosis assay. Active components of Honghua were purified by conventional chromatographic techniques. RESULTS. In the CER, Honghua protected against excitotoxicity of glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate, kainate, and quisqualate, and against neuronal degeneration caused by simulated ischemia. Honghua more potently protected against simulated ischemia than against the agonists. In the in vivo adult rat retina, ischemic damage was reduced greatly by intravitreal injection of Honghua. An approximately 100-fold purification of an active principle was achieved chromatographically. The purest fractions were rich in glucose, so the effects of glucose in the ischemia models were determined. Many neuroprotective effects of Honghua were mimicked by pure solutions of equivalent glucose concentration. Glucose (> 3.2 mmol/l) in the CER-ischemia assay provided protection. Glucose did not protect against the lesions induced by direct application of the excitotoxic agonists. Intravitreal injection of glucose provided highly significant neuroprotection in the adult rat retina dye-photothrombosis model. CONCLUSIONS. These results suggest that retinal excitotoxic damage in vivo can occur secondary to depletion of cellular energy reserves, and therefore may be prevented by simple procedures that maintain the availability of energy sources.
Hypotensive effects of safflower yellow in spontaneously hypertensive rats and influence on plasma renin activity and angiotensin II level:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1992;27(10):785-7.Liu F, Wei Y, Yang XZ, Li FG, Hu J, Cheng RF.Department of Pharmacology, Xin jing Medical College, Urumuqi.
Safflower yellow (SY) is a mixture of chalconoid compounds extracted from Carthamus tinctorius L. Ig SY 1-2 g.kg-1.d-1 lowered the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), for about 1.86-3.86 kPa. Five weeks after administration of SY, the plasma renin activity and angiotensin II level diminished in the SHR experimental groups. These suggest that the decrease of blood pressure is mediated by the renin-angiotensin system.
Suppressive effects of safflower yellow on immune functions:Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1991 Nov;12(6):537-42.Lu ZW, Liu F, Hu J, Bian D, Li FG. Department of Pharmacology, Xinjiang Medical College, Urumqi, China.
Safflower yellow (SY) extracted from Carthamus tinctorius L contained chalconoid compounds, 75% of which was safflomin A. SY ip 50-450 mg.kg-1.d-1 x 6-8 d in mice decreased serum lysozyme concentration and phagocytosing functions of both peritoneal macrophages and peripheral leukocytes; diminished the production of plaque forming cells, specific rosette forming cells, and antibody; inhibited delayed type hypersensitivity reaction and the activation of T suppressor cells elicited by supraoptimal immunization. Experiments in vitro showed inhibitory effects on [3H]TdR incorporation during human peripheral T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation by SY 0.03-3.0, 0.1-2.0 mg.ml-1 respectively, murine mixed lymphocyte culture response and the production of interleukin-2 by SY 0.1-2.5 mg.ml-1. In conclusion, SY produced declines in both nonspecific and specific immune functions.
Serotonin Derivatives, Major Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Seed Antioxidants, Inhibit Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Oxidation and Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice.:
The effects of defatted safflower seed extract and its phenolic constituents, serotonin derivatives, on atherosclerosis were studied. Ethanol-ethyl acetate extract of safflower seeds (SSE) inhibited low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation induced in vitro by an azo-containing free-radical initiator V70 or copper ions. Two serotonin derivatives [N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin, CS; N-feruloylserotonin, FS] and their glucosides were identified as the major phenolic constituents of the extract. The study with chemically synthesized materials revealed that a majority of the antioxidative activity of SSE was attributable to the aglycones of these two serotonin derivatives. Orally administered CS and FS suppressed CuSO(4)-induced plasma oxidation ex vivo. Long-term (15 week) dietary supplementation of SSE (1.0 wt %/wt) and synthetic serotonin derivatives (0.2-0.4%) significantly reduced the atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic sinus of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (29.2-79.7% reduction). The plasma level of both lipid peroxides and anti-oxidized LDL autoantibody titers decreased concomitantly with the reduction of lesion formation. Serotonin derivatives were detected as both intact and conjugated metabolites in the plasma of C57BL/6J mice fed on 1.0% SSE diet. These findings demonstrate that serotonin derivatives of SSE are absorbed into circulation and attenuate atherosclerotic lesion development possibly because of the inhibition of oxidized LDL formation through their strong antioxidative activity.
Pharmacokinetics and excretion of hydroxysafflor yellow A, a potent neuroprotective agent from safflower, in rats and dogs.:
Studies were conducted to characterize the pharmacokinetics and excretion of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in rats and dogs after administration by intravenous injection or infusion. Plasma, urine, feces and bile concentrations of HSYA were measured using five validated mild HPLC methods. Linear pharmacokinetics of HSYA after the intravenous administrations were found at doses ranging from 3 to 24 mg/kg in rats and from 6 to 24 mg/kg in dogs. At a dose of 3 mg/kg, HSYA in urine, feces and bile was determined. For 48 h after dosing, the amount of urinary excretion accounted for 52.6 +/- 17.9 % (range: 31.1 - 78.7%, n = 6) of the dose, and the amount of fecal amount accounted for 8.4 +/- 5.3% (range 1.7 - 16.4%, n = 6) of the dose. Biliary excretion amount accounted for 1.4 +/- 1.0% (range 0.4-2.9%; n = 6) of the dose for 24 h after dosing. Percent plasma protein binding of HSYA ranged from 48.0 to 54.6% at 72 h. In summary, five mild HPLC methods for the determinations of HSYA in rat plasma, urine, feces, bile and dog plasma have been developed and successfully applied to preclinical pharmacokinetics and excretion of HSYA in rats and dogs. The results of excretion studies indicated that HSYA was rapidly excreted as unchanged drug in the urine. In view of previous pharmacological work, the concentration-dependent neuroprotective effect of HSYA in rats was defined.
The effects of a bioabsorbable barrier membrane containing safflower seed extracts on periodontal healing of 1-wall intrabony defects in beagle dogs.:
BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been much research done into the regenerative potential of materials used in oriental medicine. In several studies, evidence was found that these materials have an effect on bone regeneration. Among these materials, safflower seeds are of particular interest as they have been used for the treatment of blood stasis, bone fracture, and osteoporosis in traditional Korean medicine. In addition, they are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate the periodontal tissue regenerative effects of a bioabsorbable barrier membrane (polylactide glycolic acid electro-spun non-woven membrane) containing safflower seed extracts applied to surgically created 1-wall intrabony defects in beagle dogs. METHODS: One-wall intrabony defects were surgically created bilaterally at the mesial and distal sides of the mandibular second premolars and mesial side of the fourth premolars. These defects were randomly assigned either to the surgical control group which received a flap operation only or to one of two experimental groups consisting of defects which received a guided tissue regenerative procedure with either a bioabsorbable membrane (PLGA) or a bioabsorbable membrane containing safflower seed extracts (SSE/PLGA). The dogs were sacrificed 8 weeks after the operation, and a comparative histological examination was done. RESULTS: The new cementum formation was 2.49+/-0.41 mm in the surgical control group, 3.22+/-0.35 mm in the PLGA group, and 3.67+/-0.82 mm in the SSE/PLGA group. The extent of new cementum formation in barrier groups was significantly different from the surgical control group (P <0.05). The amount of intrabony cementum was 1.75+/-0.06 mm, 2.40+/-0.33 mm, and 2.70+/-0.81 mm for the surgical control group, the PLGA group, and the SSE/PLGA group, respectively; the amount of infrabony cementum in the barrier groups was significantly different from the surgical control group (P<0.05). The value of the suprabony cementum was 0.73+/-0.48 mm, 0.82+/-0.21 mm, and 0.97+/-0.09 mm for the surgical control group, the PLGA group, and the SSE/PLGA group, respectively, with no significant differences being observed among the treatments. The amount of new alveolar bone formation was 1.74+/-0.25 mm, 2.36+/-0.30 mm, and 2.64+/-0.74 mm for the surgical control group, the PLGA group, and the SSE/PLGA group, respectively, with a significant difference exhibited between the surgical control group and other groups (P <0.05). Superficial root resorption was often observed, but ankylosis was not present. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that surgical application of polylactide glycolic acid non-woven membrane with or without safflower seed extract could promote the regeneration of alveolar bone and cementum in intrabony periodontal defects.
Study on the antioxidative effect of Safflor Yellow:
OBJECTIVE: To observe the antioxidative effect of Safflor Yellow (SY). METHOD: Hydroxyl radical scavenge effect of SY was tested with 1,10-phenanthroline-Fe2+ oxidative assay. Lipid peroxidation of mouse liver suspension was measured with thiobarbituric acid colorimetry technique. Hemocytocatheresis was determined with colorimetry. RESULT: Hydroxyl radical could be scavenged by 1.39 to 3.42 g x L(-1) SY dose dependently. Mouse liver suspension peroxidation was inhibited by 77.8 to 776.1 mg x L(-1) SY dosage dependently. Hemocytocatheresis was attenuated by 37.1 to 297.1 mg x L(-1) SY dose dependently. CONCLUSION: SY is an antioxidative part of Carthamus tinctorius.
Studies on the synthesis of safflomin-A, a yellow pigment in safflower petals: oxidation of 3-C-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-5-methylphloroacetophenone.:
The direct C-glycosylation of methylphloroacetophenone 8 with d-glucose gave C-beta-d-glucopyranosylmethylphloroacetophenone (7) in 65% yield, which, on oxidation in the presence of small amount of pyridine under an oxygen atmosphere afforded the quinone 9, oxidized at the methylated position of the benzene ring as a pair of diastereomers in 27% yield. A detailed NMR analysis and a comparison of the UV-vis and CD spectra of their acetates indicated that the structure and stereochemistry of 9 was (1R,1'S,2R,3S,3aS,5R and 1R,1'S,2R,3S,3aS,5S)-7-acetyl-2-(1',2'-dihydroxyethyl)-5-methyl-3,5,6-trihydroxy-8-oxofuro[3,2-d]benzo[b]furan.
Inhibitory effects of active compounds isolated from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds for melanogenesis.:
In order to develop a new skin whitening agent, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds were evaluated for melanogenesis inhibitory activity and its active principles were identified following activity-guided isolation. The 80% aqueous methanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction from safflower seeds showed a significant inhibition for mushroom tyrosinase. Three active compounds, N-feruloylserotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin, and acacetin, were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction as the active principles. Compared with arbutin (IC50=0.223 mM), the IC50 values of these compounds were 0.023, 0.074, and 0.779 mM for N-feruloylserotonin, N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin, and acacetin, respectively. It was also found that N-feruloylserotonin and N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin strongly inhibited the melanin production of Streptomyces bikiniensis and B16 melanoma cells in comparison with a known melanogenesis inhibitor, arbutin.
The inhibitory effect of a herbal formula comprising ginseng and carthamus tinctorius on breast cancer.:
A compound (Zhu-xiang) from herbal extracts containing ginseng and carthamus tinctorius was used to treat the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell and normal human mammary gland cell lines. The inhibition of cell proliferation by Zhu-xiang, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide was determined by WST-1 assays. The apoptotic effect was studied by flow cytometry analysis of DNA strand breaks and ApopTag Peroxidase In Situ Apoptosis kit by the TUNEL assay. The proliferation index as well as cell cycle progression were also evaluated by flow cytometry using Ki-67 and propidium iodide respectively as markers. The Zhu-xiang showed significantly inhibition in cell proliferation and the inhibition was dose dependent. The inhibitory effect of Zhu-xiang was significantly greater than commonly used cytotoxic drugs. The inhibitory effect is a result of the induction of apoptosis, which is concentration- and time-dependent. DNA histograms indicate that the compound causes accumulation of cells mainly in the S phase. The viability of cells in breast solid tumours was measured by ATP bioluminescence assay to determine the drug-induced cytotoxicity of Zhu-xiang. The three different concentrations of Zhu-xiang all exhibited the ability to inhibit proliferation in solid tumour. Zhu-xiang could be a useful anti-cancer compound against breast cancer.
Effects of defatted safflower seed extract and phenolic compounds in diet on plasma and liver lipid in ovariectomized rats fed high-cholesterol diets.:
Six polyphenolic compounds were isolated from ethylacetate extract secondary to 80% ethanol extraction of defatted safflower seeds. They were categorized into three types: lignans, flavones and serotonin derivatives. Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 163.4 +/- 6.3 g were ovariectomized (Ovx) and fed either ethylacetate extract at a level of 1% (w/w) or three types of safflower polyphenolic compounds at a level of 200 mg/kg in a diet containing 0.5% (w/w) cholesterol for four wk. The sham and Ovx control groups were fed the same diet without safflower components. Plasma GOT and GPT levels did not differ among the six experimental groups. The plasma levels of total cholesterol were reduced in the four safflower groups by 20-30% as compared to the Ovx control. The plasma level of HDL-cholesterol was higher in the Ovx+ethylacetate extract group or appeared to be in the three Ovx+safflower polyphenolic groups than in the Ovx control. The level of plasma triglyceride was also significantly lower in the Ovx+lignan group than in the Ovx control. The liver level of cholesterol was significantly reduced in the Ovx+ethylacetate extract group. Fecal excretion of cholesterol increased by the safflower lignans and flavones, whereas that of bile acid was not significantly changed by the safflower polyphenols. Matairesinol and acacetin isolated from safflower seeds reduced the cholesterol content in cultured HepG2 cells at a concentration of 0.01-0.1 microM and all three safflower polyphenolics decreased triglyceride content at the concentration of 0.1 microM. These results suggest that safflower polyphenols have the effect of improving blood lipid status via increasing HDL-cholesterol formation and cholesterol excretion without significant uterotropic action in estrogen-deficient animals.
Determination of adenosine, rutin and quercetin in Carthamus tinctorius by HPCE:
AIM: To develop a method for determination of adenosine, rutin and quercetin in Carthamus tinctorius L. by high performance capillary electrophoresis(HPCE). METHODS: A fused silica capillary (66.5 cm x 50 microns ID, an effective length of 58 cm) was used. The running buffer composed of 50 mmol.L-1 borax (pH 9.7) containing 18% methanol. The applied voltage was 24 kV and the capillary temperature was 20 degrees C. The detection wavelength was 210 nm. Rifampicin was used as internal standard. RESULTS: A good linearity between peak area ratio of the common peak to the internal standard and the concentration was found in the range of 10-160 mg.L-1 for adenosine, 100-2,000 mg.L-1 for rutin and 100-1,600 mg.L-1 for quercetin (r > 0.998). The average recoveries were 98.5%-100.5%, 96.9%-99.5% and 99.1%-99.5% for adenosine, rutin and quercetin, respectively. The relative standard deviation was less than 6.5% (n = 5). CONCLUSION: The method is simple, rapid and with satisfactory recoveries and good reproducibilities. It can be used to control the quality of Carthamus tinctorius.
Antioxidative flavonoids from leaves of Carthamus tinctorius.:
A total of eight flavonoids (1-8), including a novel quercetin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6) and seven known flavonoids, luteolin (1), quercetin (2), luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin-7-O-(6''-O-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4) quercetin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (5), acacetin 7-O-beta-D-glucuronide (7) and apigenin-6-C-beta-D-glucopyrano syl-8-C-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), have been isolated from the leaves of the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) and identified on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical studies. The antioxidative activity of these flavonoids was evaluated against 2-deoxyribose degradation and rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by hydroxyl radicals generated via a Fenton-type reaction. Among these flavonoids, luteolin-acetyl-glucoside (4) and quercetin-acetyl-glucoside (6) showed potent antioxidative activities against 2-deoxyribose degradation and lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Luteolin (1), quercetin (2), and their corresponding glycosides (3 & 5) also exhibited strong antioxidative activity, while acacetin glucuronide (7) and apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside (8) were relatively less active.
Studies on chemical components of Carthamus tinctorius petals:
The flower petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae) provide one of the most important drugs in traditional Chinese medicine[1] used for the treatment of gynecological diseases, heart diseases and inflammation[2]. Carthamin, safflor yellows A and B, safflomin A, and C, isocarthamin, isocarthamidin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, and tinctormine have been reported from these petals, as well as several new flavonoids and phenolic compounds[3]. A continuation of these studies has led to the isolation of four compounds including a new flavonoid glucoside. The dried petals of C. tinctorius, cultivated in Sichuan, China, were extracted with 95% ethanol, and the extract was partitioned between H2O and organic solvents (petroleum ether and EtOAc). The water fraction was subjected to Diaion D101 and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography with elution by a gradient of EtOH in water to yield compounds 1-4. Compound I is 6-hydroxykaempferol 3-O-glucoside, compound II is a new compound named 6-hydroxykaempferol 7-O-glucoside, compound 3 is kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside and compound 4 is quercetin 3-O-glucoside.
A new flavone diglycoside from Carthamus tinctorius seeds.:
From the aqueous ethanol extract (AE) of Carthamus tinctorius seeds, a new acacetin diglycoside has been isolated and identified as acacetin 7-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1"'-->6" instead of 6')-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside together with previously isolated kaempferol 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, acacetin 7-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside and acacetin. The structures of these metabolites have been established on the basis of chemical, chromatographic and spectral methods.
Separation and determination of flavonols in the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius by RP-HPLC:
Carthamus tinctorius L. is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of uterine congestion, cardio-vascular disease, thrombosis and so on. Eight flavonoids have been isolated from its flowers. A reversed phase HPLC method for the separation and determination of the three flavonols: rutin (I), quercetin(II) and kaempferol(III) in the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. is described. The column was 25 cm x 4.6 mm ID, packed with YWG-C18(10 microns). The mobile phase was a mixture of MeOH-H2O-H3PO4(48.5:51.5:0.25, pH 3.5). The flow rate was 1.0 ml.min-1. Daidzein was used as an internal standard. UV detection was performed at 360 nm. The relative standard deviation of the method was 1.1-2.6%. The calibration curves showed good linearity over the range of 0.11-0.80 microgram, gamma = 0.9995-0.9998 and detection limits were 2.0-20.0 ng. The recoveries were 97.8%-98.9% for the three flavonols. The method is simple, fast, sensitive and accurate and has been applied to the analysis of Carthamus tinctorius L. of different sources. It can also be used for the quality control of safflower preparations for clinical uses.
Stimulating action of Carthamus tinctorius L., Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and Leonurus sibiricus L. on the uterus:
The experimental results indicate that the decoction of Chinese drugs Carthamus tinctorius, Angelica sinensis and Leonurus sibiricus has stimulating action on the uterus of mouse in vitro. The stimulating action of Carthamus tinctorius and Leomurus sibiricus has been found related to stimulating H1-receptor and alpha-adrenergic receptor of uterus, but the action of Angelica sinensis to stimulating H1-receptor of uterus only.
Establishment of chromatographic fingerprint and quality assessment of Carthamus tinctorius L. by high performance liquid chromatography:
AIM: To establish chromatographic fingerprint of Carthamus tinctorius L. by RP-HPLC in order to control the quality of Carthamus tinctorius L. METHODS: The gradient elution mode was applied in chromatographic separation, and data were analysed by "Computer Aided Similarity Evaluation" software to compare the quality of Carthamus tinctorius L. samples from different habitats. RESULTS: Samples from different habitats were of high similarity, though a few samples showed evident difference in fingerprint graphics. CONCLUSION: The RP-HPLC fingerprint method is repeatable, feasible in analysis of Carthamus tinctorius L. and can be used in quality assessment of Carthamus tinctorius L. Chemical components in Carthamus tinctorius L. samples from various habitats are similar, and their ratios between each other are stable.
More recently, safflower has been identified as the source of several flavonoids with strong antioxidative activity.
Flavonoids are water-soluble plant pigments that help to lower inflammation as well as counteract the damaging effects of oxidation on body tissues. Quercetin, which is one of the flavonoids found in safflower, is a well-known antioxidant.
As of 2002, several groups of Asian researchers are studying the effectiveness of traditional herbal medicines containing safflower extract in treating bone disease. Although these studies are still in their early stages, preliminary findings indicate that safflower extract inhibits bone resorption and thus may be useful in treating diseases involving bone loss.
Many other medicinal claims have been made for safflower that are less well documented by modern scientists. These include claims that it reduces pain; has antibacterial action; reduces fever; reduces enlarged breasts; and can be used to purge the body of parasitic worms.
Reference:
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- 1.Safflower.Carthamus tinctorius L.,Flos Carthami.Safflower Extract.
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