Carthamu stinctorius L. serves as a viable raw material for health supplements but is not classified as a general food item. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and organic acids. Carthamu stinctorius L. exhibits significant benefits including enhancing immunity, providing antioxidant properties, maintaining healthy blood lipid and glucose levels, improving chloasma, alleviating physical fatigue, delaying aging, aiding memory improvement, and offering auxiliary protection against chemical-induced liver injury. Consequently, it has garnered considerable attention from researchers and consumers both domestically and internationally. Currently, Carthamu stinctorius L. is extensively utilized in health supplements within our country; however, there is a lack of systematic analysis regarding its application. This paper aims to examine the current status of Carthamu stinctorius L. is application in health supplements, the regulatory framework for its compliant use, and the factors influencing the efficacy of its primary active components. Additionally, it delves into the principal health functions and mechanisms of Carthamu stinctorius L., with the objective of providing insights for compliant utilization and future research and development of Carthamu stinctorius L. in the health supplement industry within our country.