What are the differences between safflower and saffron?
Sep 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Saffron is the standardized name specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, while "Crocus" is a historical common name derived from the early transmission of the herb through Tibet. Both names refer to the dried stigmas of the plant Crocus sativus L. from the Iridaceae family. They contain the same effective ingredients, such as crocin, and have identical medicinal effects, including promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and cooling blood to detoxify, with no essential difference between them.
Under normal circumstances, genuine "Zang Hong Hua" and "Xi Hong Hua" refer to the same traditional Chinese medicinal material, differing only in name. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a professional traditional Chinese pharmacist. Detailed analysis is as follows:
"Xi Hong Hua" is the standardized name specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, while "Zang Hong Hua" is a historical common name derived from the fact that the herb was introduced through Tibet in earlier times. Both come from the dried stigma of the iris plant Crocus sativus, contain the same active ingredients such as crocin, and have identical medicinal effects in promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and cooling blood to detoxify, with no essential difference.
Some vendors may sell Carthamus tinctorius of the Compositae family as "Zang Hong Hua." This so-called "Zang Hong Hua" differs from genuine "Xi Hong Hua" in both origin and appearance. Its efficacy is relatively milder and its price much lower than genuine Xi Hong Hua. Mistaking it for the genuine article may affect therapeutic outcomes or cause economic loss.
When purchasing, pay attention to appearance and name, choose products from reputable sources, and consult professionals before use to ensure safe medication use.
