Analgesic properties of “CF” extracted from safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds and potential for its use in medicine

The analgesic properties of the “CF” oil preparation extracted from safflower ( Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds were studied. The local anesthetic lidocaine and the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline, which induce complete block of the sciatic nerve, were used as positive controls. The actions of CF were associated with significant decreases in the nociceptive and proprioceptive functions of the sciatic nerve in mice. At a dose of 0.1 ml, this agent was sufficient to produce partial local anesthesia of the hindlimb, innervated by the sciatic nerve, without producing any toxic side effects. Thus, CF is a natural local anesthetic with moderate analgesic activity mediated by influences on the serotoninergic and monoaminergic pathways. CF may occupy a leading place among local anesthetics used in traditional medicine, particularly in pharmacotherapy and acupuncture, as well as medical massage.