Carthamus tinctorius vs Mao Dong Qing

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Carthamus tinctorius

Cardiovascular

Ilex pubescens

Cardiovascular

Carthamus tinctorius

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Mao Dong Qing

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Brilliant orange flowers used in TCM to move blood and relieve pain; widely grown for safflower oil.

TCM herb used for cardiovascular conditions, particularly angina, thrombotic stroke, and blood stasis in the heart and vessels.

Active Compounds

carthamin, safflower yellow, linoleic acid, oleic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A, serotonin

ilexsaponin, pedunculoside, ursolic acid, flavonoids, phenolic acids

Traditional Uses

menstrual pain, blood stasis, cardiovascular, stroke, skin pigmentation

Angina, Thrombotic stroke, Blood stasis, Cardiovascular conditions

Modern Uses

antiplatelet, cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory

Anticoagulant activity, Vasodilatory effects, Anti-inflammatory properties, Cardioprotective action

Adult Dosage

3-9g dried flowers or 300mg extract daily

15-60g dried root in decoction; 1g extract twice daily

Contraindications

pregnancy, bleeding disorders, blood thinners

Pregnancy, Anticoagulant medications, Bleeding disorders

Side Effects

GI upset, may exacerbate bleeding

Anticoagulant potentiation, Mild GI effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E