The enzymatic mobilization of bound precarthamine from the flower florets ofCarthamus tinctorius L.

Floret pieces prepared from the methanol-treated and air-dried flowers of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) were subjected to an enzymatic hydrolysis in a buffered solution and the rate of precarthamine solubilization was assessed spectrophotometrically. The amount of precarthamine was risen by treating the floral pieces with a β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21), supporting a previous assumption that precarthamine is in the floral tissues associated with cellular components. The enzyme activity was reduced by various inhibitors. On the basis of the experimental data, it is proposed that the precarthamine may be bound through 0-β-glucosyl linkage(s).