Anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) present in human or animal foods generally reduce nutrient utilization thereby contributing impaired metabolic performance. Several ANFs have been reported for their negative effect on the performance and survival of monogastric animals. However, some ANFs and their break down products present in small amount may possess beneficial health effects. In oilseed crops, small concentrations of ANFs like glycosides, tannins present in the seed/seed coat are responsible for the characteristic astringent or bitter taste and individually not preferred as fodder. Appropriate processing techniques help to reduce the adverse effects of these ANFs and thereby improve their nutritive value. ANFs in safflower seeds and their well-organized extraction techniques may add a positive approach in medical science for their further applications in pharmaceutical industries. This review summaries related concern of this important oilseed crop
