Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a member of the Asteraceae family, is widely used in traditional herbal medicine. This review summarizes agronomic conditions, genetic diversity, clinical applications, and phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of safflower. The plant has rich genetic diversity and is abundant in secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and polyacetylene, which make it effective for treating cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and respiratory diseases. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) has various pharmacological effects. Safflower could be a potential therapeutic agent for some space sicknesses. Further studies are needed to support the development of safflower in medicine. Safflower is an important medicinal plant with broad research prospects. Safflower is a long-day plant, and most "spring" cultivars can be sown in late winter or early spring and flower rapidly in the absence of overwintering, dominating global safflower production. It has high tolerance to cold, drought, and soil salinity, making it suitable for arid regions. Safflower has a deep root system, which allows it to take up moisture and nutrients, especially nitrogen. However, it is sensitive to many soil and plant pathogens associated with wet conditions. Safflower is a promising oilseed crop with appreciable seed and oil yields. It is used for oil extraction and as a medicinal plant for treating various diseases. Safflower has a long history of cultivation and is widely distributed worldwide. It is used for commercial oil and natural pigments in the food industry. Safflower contains various bioactive components, including flavonoids, quinochalcones, alkaloids, polyacetylenes, fatty acids, proteins, lignans, steroids, and polysaccharides. These compounds have various pharmacological effects. Safflower is used in traditional medicine for treating various diseases, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, dysmenorrhoea, and amenorrhoea. Safflower has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating amenorrhea, gastric tumors, and wounds. Safflower preparations, including safflower injection, safflower yellow injection, and safflower soothing and revitalizing compresses, have been used clinically. Safflower has effects on relieving pain, dispersing blood stasis, and activating blood circulation. Safflower yellow, a natural pigment from safflower petals, has been extensively applied in the medical field. Safflower contains various bioactive components, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic components. These components have significant anticoagulant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects. Safflower polysaccharides (SPSs) are the main bioactive components in safflower and have antitumorSafflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), a member of the Asteraceae family, is widely used in traditional herbal medicine. This review summarizes agronomic conditions, genetic diversity, clinical applications, and phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of safflower. The plant has rich genetic diversity and is abundant in secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and polyacetylene, which make it effective for treating cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and respiratory diseases. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) has various pharmacological effects. Safflower could be a potential therapeutic agent for some space sicknesses. Further studies are needed to support the development of safflower in medicine. Safflower is an important medicinal plant with broad research prospects. Safflower is a long-day plant, and most "spring" cultivars can be sown in late winter or early spring and flower rapidly in the absence of overwintering, dominating global safflower production. It has high tolerance to cold, drought, and soil salinity, making it suitable for arid regions. Safflower has a deep root system, which allows it to take up moisture and nutrients, especially nitrogen. However, it is sensitive to many soil and plant pathogens associated with wet conditions. Safflower is a promising oilseed crop with appreciable seed and oil yields. It is used for oil extraction and as a medicinal plant for treating various diseases. Safflower has a long history of cultivation and is widely distributed worldwide. It is used for commercial oil and natural pigments in the food industry. Safflower contains various bioactive components, including flavonoids, quinochalcones, alkaloids, polyacetylenes, fatty acids, proteins, lignans, steroids, and polysaccharides. These compounds have various pharmacological effects. Safflower is used in traditional medicine for treating various diseases, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, dysmenorrhoea, and amenorrhoea. Safflower has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating amenorrhea, gastric tumors, and wounds. Safflower preparations, including safflower injection, safflower yellow injection, and safflower soothing and revitalizing compresses, have been used clinically. Safflower has effects on relieving pain, dispersing blood stasis, and activating blood circulation. Safflower yellow, a natural pigment from safflower petals, has been extensively applied in the medical field. Safflower contains various bioactive components, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic components. These components have significant anticoagulant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects. Safflower polysaccharides (SPSs) are the main bioactive components in safflower and have antitumor