Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry Characterization, Anti-Inflammatory Effect, Wound-Healing Potential, and Hair Growth-Promoting Activity of Algerian Carthamus Caeruleus L (Asteraceae)

In 2018, a study was conducted on the Algerian Carthamus caeruleus L (Asteraceae) plant, which was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The plant was found to contain compounds such as palmitic acid (12.88%), mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (12.75%), and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarboxaldehyde (9.19%). These compounds exhibited multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiretroviral, antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The plant extract significantly inhibited paw edema formation in mice, indicating anti-inflammatory activity. It also demonstrated wound-healing properties, with C. caeruleus ointments showing better wound-healing activity compared to Madecasol® and control groups. Furthermore, in vivo hair growth tests suggested that C. caeruleus promoted the induction of the anagen phase in the dorsal skin of rats, potentially offering a new treatment for hair loss. The study did not specify the number of subjects involved.