Pharmacological Activities of Safflower Yellow and Its Clinical Applications

Abstract

Background. Safflower is an annual herb used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It consists of the dried flowers of the Compositae plant safflower. It is found in the central inland areas of Asia and is widely cultivated throughout the country. Its resistance to cold weather and droughts and its tolerance and adaptability to salts and alkalis are strong. Safflower has the effect of activating blood circulation, dispersing blood stasis, and relieving pain. A natural pigment named safflower yellow (SY) can be extracted from safflower petals. Chemically, SY is a water-soluble flavonoid and the main active ingredient of safflower. The main chemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and clinical applications of SY are reviewed in this paper, thereby providing a reference for the use of safflower in preventing and treating human diseases. Methods. The literature published in recent years was reviewed, and the main chemical components of SY were identified based on chemical formula and structure. The pharmacological properties of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), SYA, SYB, and anhydrosafflor yellow B (AHSYB) were reviewed. Results. The main chemical constituents of SY included HSYA, SYA, SYB, and AHSYB. These ingredients have a wide range of pharmacological activities. SY has protective effects on the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, lungs, and brain. Moreover, its effects include, but are not limited to, improving cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, abirritation, regulating lipids, and treating cancer and diabetic complications. HSYA is widely recognised as an effective ingredient to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Conclusion. SY has a wide range of pharmacological activities, among which improving cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the most significant.

Clinical study of Tongdu Shujin decoction in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with cold-dampness obstruction type: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…[ 28 , 29 ] The active ingredient of Safflower, safflower yellow, has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune regulation functions. [ 30 ] Both clematis chinensis and angelicae pubescentis radix extract exert anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. [ 31 , 32 ] Corydecumine G (Cor G), the active ingredient of corydilis yanhusuo, has the effect of inhibiting neuronal excitation, thereby relieving pain symptoms.…”

Mechanism Repositioning Based on Integrative Pharmacology: Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Safflower in Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

“…The commonly used safflower preparations include safflower yellow injection, safflower injection, and safflower oil (p.o.). Safflower preparations show excellent protection and safety in treating coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, obesity, and blood pressure [ 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 ]. Safflower, as the gentleman medicine of Xuebijing injection, has apparent clinical effects on sepsis [ 107 ].…”

Genetic diversity, clinical uses, and phytochemical and pharmacological properties of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): an important medicinal plant

“…are connected with safflower (Tong et al, 2021). Safflower has effects on relieving pain, dispersing blood stasis, and activating blood circulation, and a natural pigment named safflower yellow (SY) from safflower petals has been extensively applied in the medical field (Chen et al, 2022).…”