Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L. - Bioversity International

30 Safflower. Carthamus tinctorius L.
preparations including safflower (Chen Shendong 1990; Zhao Zhangguang 1988).
Mixed 1:2 with root bark of Chinese wolfberry (Lycium chinense) in sesame oil, safflower
is an effective poultice for foot callouses (Wang Guimiao and Li Yili 1985).
Spraying the throat with a preparation of safflower and Japanese honeysuckle
(Lonicera japonica) in water had no side effects and was highly effective in about half
of 100 cases of acute laryngitis and pharyngitis and other throat diseases (Wang
Shengyun 1985). Safflower treatments, either as topical dust or injections, have been
recommended for ear infections (Pan Huanhe 1986; Wang Guimiao and Li Yili 1985).
Safflower eye drops reduce myopia, especially in children (Tao Genyu 1990;
Wang Guimiao and Li Yili 1985). Trachoma has been successfully treated with safflower
combined with other herbs (Yin Jialou 1986). Invigoration of the blood circulation
by safflower has also reduced senile cataracts (Tan Qiuyuan 1992).
Clinical improvements due to safflower treatment have been reported for leukemia
(Deng Youan 1988), leucocytopenia (Deng You’an et al. 1984), erythrocytosis
(Lu Kuijie 1985), allergic purpura, lupus erythematosus (Wang Zhongying 1989;
Wang Guimiao and Li Yili 1985), goitre (Liu Shulin 1992), anal fissure (Li Yunshan
1986), jaundice and viral hepatitis (Wang Guimiao and Li Yili 1985) and migraine
headaches (Wang Guimiao and Li Yili 1985). Climacteric syrup for reduction of
menopausal flushing includes safflower (Chu Qiuping 1989).
Knowles (1965) reported that flowers were soaked overnight and applied wet to
reduce allergy rashes in Egypt.
3.1.3.4 Safflower pollen
The pollen is esteemed in China because it is easily collected and contains many
nutrients.
3.1.4 Seeds
3.1.4.1 Birdseed
Safflower seeds are commonly used as birdseed, especially for members of the parrot
family and pigeons (Canada, USA, France, Egypt, Japan). The birdseed market,
which requires bright white seeds, has tripled in the last 5 years to around 25 000 t
in 1995 and may double in the next 5-10 years (Gyulai 1996). The seed is mainly
purchased for wild birds, although some is used for caged birds and other small
pets (Peterson 1996).
3.1.4.2 Foods
In Iran, a paste of seeds is used to hasten cheese curd formation (Knowles 1965).
Smith (1996) reported that an experimental substitution of a safflower seed enzyme
for rennin produced a pleasant-smelling, soft, white cheese.
In Ethiopia, finely pounded safflower kernels are mixed with water to prepare a
drink called ‘fitfit’, which is used on fast-days or mixed with ‘teff’ bread and spices
to form a porridge (Belayneh and Wolde-Mariam 1991). Crushed dried seeds are