Production of Pigments and <TEX>$alpha$</TEX>-Tocopherol by Cell Cultures in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Safflower is an important medicinal plant that has been used in China, Korea and Japan for thousands of years. The red and yellow pigments obtained from the petals of safflower can invigorate blood, release stagnation and promote menstruation. In addition, these pigments are used safely in processed foods and soft drinks as naturally harmless rotor additives. On the other hand, the seed of safflower contains 30-40% oil with higher level of mono- and poly-unsaturated fatfy acid profiles and elevated levels of <TEX>$alpha$</TEX>-tocopherol. In this paper, we describe advances in the production of pigments and <TEX>$alpha$</TEX>-tocopherol by cell culture in safflower.