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

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.