safflower oil

Safflower oil is a non-volatile edible vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the *Carthamus tinctorius* (safflower) plant. It is primarily composed of unsaturated fatty acids—mainly linoleic acid (polyunsaturated) and oleic acid (monounsaturated)—and contains vitamins E and K as well as phytosterols[1][8]. There are two main types of safflower oil: high-linoleic and high-oleic. High-linoleic varieties are rich in polyunsaturated fats and used mainly in salad dressings or for topical applications; high-oleic varieties contain more monounsaturated fats and are suitable for cooking at higher temperatures[1][4]. Mechanistically, the linoleic acid content may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels by replacing saturated fats in the diet[2][4], while other compounds in the oil may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that could benefit cardiovascular health[5]. Safflower oil has also been studied for its potential to improve blood sugar control and promote better blood flow due to vasodilatory properties[4]. Topically applied safflower oil can soothe dry or inflamed skin due to its emollient properties and vitamin E content[1][9]. Despite these potential benefits—and use as a dietary supplement or functional food ingredient—robust clinical evidence supporting most therapeutic claims remains limited. Safflower seed oil is widely used in foods (as a cooking or salad oil), cosmetics (as an emollient), pharmaceuticals (as an excipient), paints/solvents manufacturing industries.

Brand names

Safola

Other names

Carthamus tinctorius seed oilAmerican saffronBastard saffronDyer's saffronFalse saffronGami-HonghwainHong huaZafranSafflower Nut OilSafloroelthistleoilSAFFLOWER OIL USPHYBRIDSAFFLOWEROILOil Of SafflowerSAFFLOWER SEED OIL