carthamine
Carthamine is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in the petals of the safflower plant, Carthamus tinctorius. It is the primary red pigment responsible for the vibrant color of the dried safflower petals, which have been historically used as a dye and a food coloring agent. Carthamine is a glycoside, meaning it is a sugar molecule attached to another functional group. Specifically, it is a derivative of flavone, a type of flavonoid. The chemical structure of carthamine is complex and contributes to its unique color properties.
Historically, safflower has been cultivated for thousands of years, not only for its oil but also for
In recent times, research has explored potential applications of carthamine beyond its traditional uses. Some studies