Safflower petals have been shown to have a lot of medicinal and therapeutic
values. Indian safflower petal samples were analyzed for the red pigment c
arthamin, protein and oil contents. The petal oil (4.0-5.8%) was further an
alyzed for its fatty acids followed by alpha linolenic acid (15-19%) and pa
lmitic acids (14-16%). Gamma linolenic acid, which has a lot of therapeutic
value was present to an extent of 2-3%; decanoic and dodecanoic acids (2-5
%) were also present.