A multipurpose unexploited biodiversity in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) an oilseed plant member of Asteraceae (former Compositae) family, is cultivated since ancient times having many components of beneficial properties in oil and flowers. Traditionally it was grown for its flowers, which are used as a dye, for food coloring, flavoring, and for medicinal purposes. Seeds are now prevalently used to produce bird feed and a high quality edible and industrial oil. Potential safflower biodiversity expanded uses including the production of pharmaceuticals, biofuel, and specially oil types to improve human diet. Researches with particular reference to agronomy, genetic and animal feeding aspects have been carried out in Italy over the last forty years.