Paper Details

PJB-2026-1508

Ecology, biology and importance of wild safflower (Carthamus oxyacantha (M. Bieb.)

Muhammad Azim Khan, Renata Gamrat, Muhammad Tariq Khan and Muhammad Fawad
Abstract

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Weeds are problematic or a resource; it depends on how they are recognized by mankind. Some weeds are medicinally important and also play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, which needs to be explored for their services in the ecosystem. The basic needs of humans are food, fuel, medicine, fiber etc. all of these are ever provided by the plants since the birth and evolution. Pakistan is rich in medicinal flora, having traditional systems of medicine, a large proportion of the area is dependent on these medicinal plants. About 10% of the global plant diversity exists in Pakistan. The present review describes the biology, ecology, medicinal properties and potential utilization of wild safflower (Carthamus oxyacantha M. Bieb). Wild safflower belongs to the family Asteraceae, grow as wild with the ability to survive in dry and stress conditions. It is an annual bushy and thorny plant mainly found in Southern regions of Pakistan. The plant bears yellow flowers which attract pollinators and plays a significant role in biodiversity. At younger stages, people often use this plant as animal fodder, while its seeds are favorite food of birds particularly doves. This plant makes harvesting wheat difficult due to presence of thorns. Seeds are rich sources of vitamin A, phosphorus, iron, protein, sugars, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It can be used as manure, seed-oil in cooking and a nutritious feed for livestock. The plant decreases the risk of degenerative diseases having a protective effect against oxidative stress. It contains numerous organic compounds that are pharmacologically active such as glycosides, flavonoids, and essential oils, and has potential, hepatoprotective, anticancer, neuroprotective, antihyperlipidemic antimicrobial properties. The oil content of C. oxycantha has potential application for biodiesel production. Considering its unique ecological adaptation, medicinal properties and potential for biodiesel production, proper domestication and conservation measures are needed for its commercialization.

 

To Cite this article: Khan, M.A., R. Gamrat, M.T. Khan and M. Fawad. 2026. Ecology, biology and importance of wild safflower (Carthamus oxyacantha (M. Bieb.). Pak. J. Bot., 58(2): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2026-2(7)  
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