Related Terms

• American saffron, Asteraceae (family), bastard saffron, Carthamus tinctorius, Carthamus tinctorius L., Compositae (family), dyer's saffron, EH0202, fake saffron, false saffron, high oleic acid safflower oil, hing hua, honghua, Intralipid®, kinobeon A, linoleate, linoleic acid, Liposyn®, Liposyn® II, Modified Liposyn®, Microlipid®, monounsaturated fatty acids, MUFA, n-6, n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-6 rich vegetable oils, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), notoginseny cream, N-(p-coumaroyl) serotonin, oleate, omega 6, polyunsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids, PSF, PUFA, SAF, safflower injection, safflower meal, safflower oil, safflower oil cake, safflower oil emulsion, safflower oil esters, safflower oil-based lipid emulsion, safflower petals, safflower seeds, safflower yellow, safloroil, Safola®, tocopherols, triglyceride, US, zaffer, zafran.

Background

• Two parts of the safflower are primarily used: the flower itself and safflower seeds. There are two types of safflower oil with corresponding types of safflower varieties: those high in monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic) and those high in polyunsaturated fatty acid (linoleic). Currently, the seed varieties that produce oil high in oleic acid and very low in saturated fatty acids predominate in the United States market. High oleic safflower oil is lower in saturates and higher in monounsaturates than olive oil.

• In the U.S. diet, safflower oil has been frequently substituted for oils with higher saturated fat content, as monounsaturated fat may have a beneficial effect on the risk of coronary heart disease.

• Some clinical studies have shown that safflower oil supplementation may be helpful in patients with cystic fibrosis, Friedreich's ataxia, and neurotoxicity from lithium. However, more study is needed in these areas before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

• In traditional Chinese medicine, safflower is used to invigorate the blood, dissipate stasis, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), pain, and traumatic injuries. It is also used to "calm" a live fetus and abort a dead fetus, and is therefore used cautiously during pregnancy.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Abortifacient (induces abortion), Alzheimer's disease prevention, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), anti-aging, anticoagulant (blood-thinning), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiperspirant, appetite suppressant, blood stagnation, bronchial irritation, cardiovascular, cathartic, circulatory/blood flow disorders (hyperemia in women), conditions, cognition, constipation, cosmetic coloring, cough, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), neuromuscular disorders (essential tremor), expectorant, fabric dyes, fever, food uses, hair growth, HIV, immunomodulation, inflammation after tooth extraction (dry socket), laxative, memory, pain, paint solvent, prostate cancer, stimulant, trauma, tumors, uterine stimulant, vaginal dryness (lubricant), venous disorders (phlebitis).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Safflower oil has been used in varying doses in numerous clinical trials, and there is no proven effective dose. However, Liposyn® is possibly safe when used for up to 10 days to prevent essential fatty acid deficiency. When administered to patients undergoing operations, 10-20% safflower oil emulsions as 30-50% of total caloric intake were found to be safe as a major component of adult parenteral nutrition for up to 42 days, including cardiopulmonary bypass patients, and in children for up to two weeks.

• For high blood pressure, 1-6 grams safflower oil daily for up to eight weeks has been used, as has 23 grams daily of linoleic acid or oleic acid (constituents of safflower seed oil) for four weeks. As an anti-coagulant (blood thinner), 60 milliliters daily of safflower oil for two weeks has been used. For atherosclerosis (lipid peroxidation), 15 grams of safflower oil daily has been used in postmenopausal women. Higher doses of safflower oil (102-132 milligrams per kilogram) daily have been studied for six weeks for cystic fibrosis.

• Ethyl ester of safflower oil and linoleic acid have also been taken by mouth. Continued topical application of safflower oil (60-70% linoleic acid) for at least 21 days has been used for fatty acid deficiency.

Children (younger than 18 years):

• Safflower oil has been used primarily in neonatal total parenteral nutrition. Brands studied include Liposyn® and Modified Liposyn®. 10 and 20% Liposyn® are equally safe and effective components of a parenteral nutrition program for children. Examples of other doses studied in clinical trials include: 1.0 grams per kilogram of safflower oil emulsion for four hours; 0.34-0.68 grams per kilogram of Liposyn® daily for five days in preterm infants; 0.68 grams per kilogram of Modified Liposyn® daily for five days in preterm infants; 23 grams of Liposyn® 20%, 25 grams of Modified Liposyn® 20%, or 50 grams of safflower oil-based lipid emulsion daily for up to seven days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to safflower. Safflower is a member the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae) and may cause allergic reactions in patients sensitive to daisies. Other members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and many other plants. A case of contact dermatitis from safflower has been reported.

Side Effects and Warnings

• In several clinical trials, 10-20% safflower oil emulsions were found to be safe and effective as a major component of adult parenteral nutrition. 10 and 20% Liposyn® are equally safe and effective components of a parenteral nutrition program for children. The most common adverse effects of safflower oil are cardiovascular, including increased serum lipids, and gastrointestinal, including diarrhea and loose stools.

• Intravenous fat emulsion in newborns may cause hyperlipemia (high cholesterol) if serum triglycerides and free fatty acids are not monitored.

• Belching, loose stools, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea have been reported in patients taking safflower oil daily. Ingestion of high doses of safflower oil per day may decrease blood pressure. Use cautiously in patients with hypotension (low blood pressure), as safflower oil may cause a modest fall in blood pressure.

• Adverse effects reported in neonates taking Modified Liposyn® include tachycardia (increased heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid breathing). Patients taking Microlipid®, a safflower oil emulsion taken by mouth, have reported a feeling of fullness, nausea, loss of appetite, bad aftertaste, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

• Other possible side effects of safflower supplementation that have been noted in clinical trials include cardiac arrhythmia (altered heart rate), diarrhea, angina (chest pain), death, increase in acne, development of diabetes, and development of necrotizing enterocolitis (intestinal illness in babies). These adverse effects are rare and it is unclear whether they can be solely attributed to safflower or whether another study drug caused these side effects. Use cautiously in patients with diabetes, as safflower oil may adversely affect glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients.

• Eosinophilia (increased number of white blood cells) developed in three newborn infants administered parenteral safflower oil emulsion for two weeks. Hypertriglyceridemia (elevated level of triglycerides, fatty acid compounds) has been reported during the intravenous infusion (injection) of a safflower oil-based fat emulsion. Elevation of serum triglyceride and liver enzyme concentrations occurred in some patients administered Liposyn®. Use safflower oil and parenteral safflower oil emulsions cautiously in patients with inadequate liver function, as they have been associated with elevation of liver enzyme concentrations.

• Use parenteral safflower oil emulsions cautiously in newborns, as serum triglycerides and free fatty acids must be monitored to avoid the complications of iatrogenic hyperlipemia (high cholesterol) and intolerance. Use cautiously in patients with hypercoagulability, as safflower oil infusion may increase this condition.

• Use cautiously in patients with skin pigmentation conditions, as kinobeon A, a rose-colored pigment found in safflower tissue, has demonstrated potent tyrosinase activity.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Safflower flower is possibly unsafe in pregnant women, as Carthamus tinctorius may have stimulating action on the uterus. However, safflower oil is likely safe when used in food amounts in healthy patients. Soybean/safflower lipid-based emulsions are likely safe when administered to pregnant patients. Safflower oil is likely safe when used in breastfeeding women, although there is rapid transfer of dietary fatty acids into human milk.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• In children with cystic fibrosis, ingestion of safflower oil, antacids, cimetidine and pancreatic capsules had greater increases in plasma linoleic acid levels.

• Safflower may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include, aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®). Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Safflower may prohibit platelet aggregation and anticoagulation, and may promote microcirculation. Caution is advised when taking safflower with calcium channel blockers (verapamil). However, results are conflicting since safflower oil has also been documented to cause hypercoagulation. Check with a qualified healthcare professional before combining therapies.

• Ingestion of safflower oil may decrease serum total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, apolipoprotein B, and malondialdehyde-LDL. Results are conflicting, although caution is advised nonetheless in patients taking cholesterol-lowering agents in combination with safflower oil.

• Safflower oil may alter blood sugar levels; however, clinical relevance is unclear. Caution is advised when using medications that may lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Safflower oil may cause a modest fall in blood pressure and interact additively with hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) agents. However, several other clinical studies have shown no effect on blood pressure.

• Safflower oil may have immunostimulation properties. Although clinical relevance is unknown, caution is advised when combining immunostimulating agents and safflower oil.

• Although not well studied in humans, safflower oil may remit the symptoms of low-dose lithium neurotoxicity. This appears to be a positive interaction, although more study is needed to clarify this finding.

• Safflower oil may increase pentobarbital-associated mortalities.

• Kinobeon A, a rose-colored pigment found in safflower tissue, demonstrated potent tyrosinase activity. Caution is advised when taking safflower oil with tyrosinase inhibitors.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• In children with cystic fibrosis, ingestion of safflower oil, antacids, cimetidine and pancreatic capsules had greater increases in plasma linoleic acid levels. In theory, safflower oil may interact with herbs or supplements with antacid effects.

• Safflower may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking herbs or supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding.

• Safflower oil may interact additively with fish oil to reduce C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. However, results are unclear. Caution is advised when combining fish oil with safflower oil.

• Ingestion of safflower oil may decrease serum total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, apolipoprotein B, and malondialdehyde-LDL. Results are conflicting, although caution is advised nonetheless in patients taking cholesterol-lowering agents, such as red yeast rice, in combination with safflower oil.

• Safflower oil may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Safflower oil may cause a modest fall in blood pressure and interact additively with hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) agents. However, several other clinical studies have shown no effect on blood pressure.

• Safflower may interact when taken with safflower-containing products, such as Renal Disease Basic-prescription (RDBP) and EH0202 (pumpkin seed extract, safflower seed extract, Asian plantain seed extract, and Japanese honeysuckle flower extract). Safflower oil may also interact with calcium.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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