Metabolite Profiling of Methanol Extract of Kasumba Turate (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Flowers Using LC-HRMS and Network Pharmacology Analysis

Kasumba turate (KT), or Carthamus tinctorius L., is a Sulawesi plant internationally known as false saffron or safflower and traditionally used as a natural colorant. KT contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and quinochalcones. However, the metabolite profile of the Sulawesi variant has not yet been comprehensively characterized. Fresh KT flowers were extracted with methanol and analyzed using LC-HRMS. The identified metabolites were subjected to Swiss Target Prediction (STP) to predict potential target genes. Protein–protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING, followed by GO biological process and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, and hub gene identification using CytoHubba. LC-HRMS analysis identified ۳۴ metabolites. STP predicted ۷۸۵ potential target genes, with hub genes including MTOR, EGFR, AKT۱, IL۶, TNF, STAT۳, CASP۳, SRC, and JUN. Enrichment analyses indicated involvement in biological processes related to cell proliferation, oxidative stress response, and intracellular signaling. KEGG pathway analysis revealed associations with MAPK, PI۳K–Akt, HIF-۱, and neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction pathways. Overall, the integrated analysis suggests potential roles in metabolic regulation, chronic inflammation, neuronal function, and cell growth. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to validate these predicted bioactivities.

کلیدواژه ها:

Kasumba turate ، Safflower ، Carthamus tinctorious L ، LC-HRMS ، network pharmacology