Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials of Seed Oil from Carthamus tinctorius L. in the Management of Skin Injuries

Abstract

Infection of skin injuries by pathogenic microbial strains is generally associated if not treated with a lasting wound bed oxidative stress status, a delay in healing process, and even wound chronicity with several human health complications. The aim of the current study was to explore the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentialities of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) extracted oil from seeds by cold pressing which would be beneficial in the management of skin wounds. Antioxidant capacity of the oil was evaluated (scavenging ability against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2 ′ -azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)). Total phenolic, total flavonoid, total carotenoid, and total chlorophyll contents were determined. Antimicrobial activities of safflower oil were tested against 10 skin pathogenic microorganisms: 4 bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae), 3 yeast species strains (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida sake), and 3 fungi species (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum, and Fusarium oxysporum). A notable antioxidant capacity was demonstrated for the tested oil that exhibited moreover high antibacterial effects by both bacteriostatic and bactericidal pathways including lysozyme activity. An antifungal effect was further observed on the spore’s germination. Safflower oil could be considered as a good natural alternative remedy in the management of skin wounds and their possible microbial infections.

Applications of Lysozyme, an Innate Immune Defense Factor, as an Alternative Antibiotic

“…The seed oil from Carthamus tinctorius safflower [ 69 ] and the milky juice of papaya fruits [ 70 ] are rich sources of proteolytic enzymes, including lysozyme. For this reason, they are applied in the treatment of various skin injuries.…”

“…High antibacterial effects produced by both bacteriostatic and bactericidal pathways, including lysozyme activity, was demonstrated for the seed oil from Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) [ 69 ], in the management of skin injuries.…”

Efficacy of synergistic activity of seed oils from Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) and Nasturtium officinale (Watercress) on lethality of the cattle tick Hyalomma scupense (Acari: Ixodidae)

“…Several pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant ( Zemour et al ., 2019 ), antidiabetic ( Asgary et al ., 2012 ), antibacterial ( Ozkan et al ., 2021 ), analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects ( Alaiye et al ., 2020 ), are exhibited by safflower. Notably, safflower oil is excellent in nutritional value, including 70% polyunsaturated fatty acid (linoleic acid), 10% monounsaturated oleic acid, and trace levels of stearic acid ( Zhou et al ., 2014 ; Khémiri et al ., 2020 ). Safflower oil also contains other chemicals.…”

Comparative Studies on the Hepatoprotective Effect of White and Coloured Rice Bran Oil against Acetaminophen‐Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice through Antioxidant‐ and Xenobiotic‐Metabolizing Systems

“…Sesame oil and its components showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which alleviate cardiovascular diseases [ 10 ]. Safflower oil, extracted from seeds by screw pressing, demonstrated potent antioxidant effects and antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens [ 11 ].…”