| Definition | Safflower (_Carthamus tinctorius_ L) is a herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family. Extracted from the seeds of safflowers, safflower oil is a rich source of various saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid) or essential n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) linoleic acid [A32677, A32679], depending on the flower type. Safflower oil with a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids is more commonly used as an edible oil. The constituents of safflower oil also include alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and mixed [DB11251] [A32692]. Safflower oil is approved for use as an indirect additive in food contact substances and is readily available as a food ingredient. Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) safflower oil is marketed as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. |
|---|
