Phytochemical Variations in Spiny and Spineless Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Phenotypes

Currently, documentation in the scientific literature regarding the specific phytochemical variations among regionally adapted spiny and spineless safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) germplasm remains limited. This study evaluated the biochemical profiles of petals from four Romanian local populations representing spiny (var. typicus) and spineless (var. inermis) phenotypes. Screening via spectrophotometric methods and HPLC-DAD targeted total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), individual phenolic compounds, fat-soluble vitamins, total dye yield, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP). The spineless population R4-CL recorded the highest levels of TPC (25.26 ± 0.29 mg GAE g−1 d.w.), natural dye yield (5.56%), and vitamin E (8.45 ± 0.19 mg 100 g−1 d.w.) using 100% ethanol extraction. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids emerged as the primary phenolic acids, whereas vitamin K1 was not detected. Spiny genotypes exhibited superior DPPH scavenging efficiency, whereas FRAP values remained statistically homogeneous. These findings demonstrate that the evaluated spineless local lines possess promising phytochemical profiles while offering agronomic benefits for handling. Although limited to a single growing season and a single location, this study provides useful preliminary baseline data on the localized chemical traits of these Romanian landraces.