Produce of India: Maharashtra and Karnataka are major safflower growing States, which contribute more than 90% of India’s production. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana also produces safflower oil.

History: The safflower plant probably originated in the Euphrates basin. It was being grown as a crop in Egypt as early as 2000 BC. Arab traders introduced the seed into Ethiopia, North Africa, east Africa, and Spain. From the Middle East, it spread into Afghanistan, and then from there into India and China by about 100 BC. It reached Japan in the third century AD. By the 1500s, it was being grown in Europe. Until the 1920s, safflower was mostly used as a colorant (as a food coloring or to make dye stuff from), cosmetic uses, industrial oil, or some limited medical uses. 

Active Ingredient: Safflower oil is composed mainly of oleic and linoleic acids. These are saturated fat.