| Abstract: | In this research we present that Carthamus Tinctorius L. (gen.
Asteraceae, otherwise known as Safflower) (Fig. 1) may contain agents active in
Cryptococcal infections, malaria and Leishmaniasis, as treatment options are
becoming scarce due to drug resistance development. Phytochemistry and
pharmacological activities (antimicrobial, antimalarial, antileishmanial) of C. tinctorius L. were analyzed. The composition of volatile oil of safflower dried
flowers was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry with
flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and in vitro sensitivity assays were
performed to assess biological activity. 8 known and 3 unknown compounds
were detected in the extract (Fig. 1). Then the Safflower ointment was
manufactured and its acute toxicity study on rats was tested. The volatile oil of C.
tinctorius L exhibited activity against Cryptococcus neoformans, Plasmodium
falciparum and Leishmania donovani. Safflower volatile oil has anticryptococcal,
antimalarial and antileishmanial effects. The prepared ointment had an excellent
acute toxicity safety profile. |
