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| Calendula officinalis or Marigold |
What is Calendula?
Calendula is also commonly called the Marigold flower. Calendula features bright orange or yellow flowers with daisy-like petals and a central disc. The plant grows up to two feet tall and has a bushy appearance with lance-shaped green leaves.
Primary Compounds of Calendula
The primary compounds found in calendula include flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, carotenoids (such as lutein, flavoxanthin and zeaxanthin), and volatile oils. It also contains glycosides, amino acids, steroids, sterols, and quinines according to other research. The marigold flower is particularly high in carotenoids.
Calendula Traditional Uses
European Traditional Medicine
Calendula has a long history of use in European traditional medicine for various skin conditions, digestive issues, and menstrual problems. It was used in Greece in the third century BC.
Ayurveda
In Ayurvedic medicine, calendula is used for wound healing, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, calendula is utilized for its cooling and detoxifying properties, often included in herbal formulations for skin conditions and digestive complaints.
Health Benefits of Calendula
Skin Healing
Calendula is prized for its ability to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and soothe skin irritations like rashes, burns, and cuts.
Antimicrobial
It exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it effective against various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. This property is useful in treating minor infections.
Anti-inflammatory
Calendula contains compounds that help reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and insect bites.
Antioxidant
Its antioxidant content helps protect cells from oxidative stress, contributing to overall health and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Menstrual Relief
Calendula has been traditionally used to alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycles.
Scientific Research on Calendula
Research from the School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University investigated the clinical evidence for calendula. They found that seven clinical studies concluded that calendula increases wound healing when patients were treated with a topical extract. They found that calendula reduced venous ulcers. They also found significantly reduced inflammation as a result of topical application of calendula extract.
They also analyzed two clinical studies that found in one, the potential to prevent post-radiation dermatitis.
Researchers from Romania’s University of Medicine and Pharmacy tested calendula on different cancer cell lines and found that it is significantly anticancer and antitumor.
Researchers from Brazil’s University Federal Rio de Janeiro analyzed five human clinical studies of calendula on the skin. They found that calendula significantly protected the skin agains radioermatitis.
A 2023 study of 60 patients with second-degree burns with oral calendula. They found that those patients given 2,000 milligrams of calendula in a capsule per day showed faster healing times compared to the control group, which received typical burn unit treatment. The calendula group also received that treatment in addition to the calendula supplement.
Scientific References
Arora D, Rani A, Sharma A. A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula. Pharmacogn Rev. 2013 Jul;7(14):179-87. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.120520.
Shahane K, Kshirsagar M, Tambe S, Jain D, Rout S, Ferreira MKM, Mali S, Amin P, Srivastav PP, Cruz J, Lima RR. An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023 Apr 18;16(4):611. doi: 10.3390/ph16040611.
Givol O, Kornhaber R, Visentin D, Cleary M, Haik J, Harats M. A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair Regen. 2019 Sep;27(5):548-561. doi: 10.1111/wrr.12737.
Cruceriu D, Balacescu O, Rakosy E. Calendula officinalis: Potential Roles in Cancer Treatment and Palliative Care. Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Dec;17(4):1068-1078. doi: 10.1177/1534735418803766. Epub 2018 Oct 5.
Simões FV, Santos VO, Silva RND, Silva RCD. Effectiveness of skin protectors and calendula officinalis for prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis: an integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm. 2020 Oct 19;73(suppl 5):e20190815. English, Portuguese. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0815. Erratum in: Rev Bras Enferm. 2021 Jul 28;74(3):e2021n3e06. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167.20217403e06.
Akhtar N, Zaman SU, Khan BA, Amir MN, Ebrahimzadeh MA. Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin. Acta Pol Pharm. 2011 Sep-Oct;68(5):693-701.
Rezai S, Rahzani K, Hekmatpou D, Rostami A. Effect of oral Calendula officinalis on second-degree burn wound healing. Scars Burn Heal. 2023 Jan 4;9:20595131221134053. doi: 10.1177/20595131221134053.