What Is Calendula? Other Names: Calendula officinalis, Calendule, Pot Marigold

What is Calendula?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing effects. This article explores the diverse applications and benefits of Calendula, supported by recent research findings. Other names include: Caléndula, Calendula officinalis, Calendule, Common Marigold, English Garden Marigold, English Marigold, Fleur de Calendule, Fleur de Tous les Jours, Fleur de Tous les Mois, Garden Marigold, Gold-Bloom, Holligold, Marigold, Marybud, Pot Marigold, Souci des Champs, Souci des Jardins, Souci des Vignes, Souci Officinal, Zergul.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Calendula

Wound Healing

Calendula is renowned for its wound-healing properties. Studies have shown that Calendula ointment significantly accelerates the healing process of cesarean wounds, reducing redness, edema, and discharge7. Additionally, Calendula has been found effective in promoting the healing of partial-thickness burn wounds, showing better control of wound discharge and reduced infection rates compared to standard treatments like povidone-iodine10.

Radiation-Induced Dermatitis

Calendula has also been studied for its effectiveness in preventing and treating radiation-induced dermatitis. A Phase III randomized trial demonstrated that Calendula was significantly more effective than trolamine in reducing the occurrence of acute dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy1. Another study confirmed these findings, showing that Calendula reduced the prevalence of radiation-induced dermatitis compared to standard care5.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Calendula have been highlighted in various studies. For instance, an ethanol extract of Calendula flowers was found to ameliorate l-arginine-induced acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats, attributed to its antioxidant, antinitrosative, and antifibrotic actions2. These properties make Calendula a valuable agent in managing inflammation and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Agricultural and Horticultural Aspects

Plant Growth and Nutrient Requirements

Calendula’s growth and flower yield can be significantly influenced by micronutrient levels. Research conducted under the Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions in India found that the application of manganese, zinc, and copper improved plant growth and flower yield, with the best results observed with 0.2% manganese combined with recommended doses of fertilizers3. Another study in Colombia evaluated the content and distribution of essential micronutrients in Calendula, identifying the stages and organs with the highest nutrient accumulation, which can help optimize fertilization programs4.

Growth Regulation

The initial growth of Calendula can be managed using growth regulators like paclobutrazol (PBZ). An experiment showed that PBZ effectively reduced plant height, leaf area, and stem length, making Calendula more suitable for cultivation as a potted plant8.

Oral Health Applications

Calendula has also been explored for its potential in oral health. A study evaluating its efficacy as an anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agent found that Calendula mouthwash significantly reduced dental plaque and gingival inflammation compared to a placebo, highlighting its potential as an adjunctive treatment in oral hygiene9.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Adverse Effects of Calendula

Lack of Reported Adverse Effects in Clinical Trials: In a clinical trial comparing the effects of olive and calendula ointments on children’s diaper dermatitis, no adverse effects were reported from the use of calendula ointment4. This suggests that calendula is generally safe for topical use in children.

Potential for Allergic Reactions: Although not explicitly mentioned in the provided abstracts, it is important to note that, like many herbal remedies, calendula can potentially cause allergic reactions, especially in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

How has Calendula Improved Patient Outcomes?

Wound Healing

Burn Wounds: Calendula has been effective in promoting early epithelization and reducing wound discharge and infections in partial-thickness burn wounds compared to standard treatments like povidone-iodine2. Oral administration of Calendula also accelerated the healing of second-degree burn wounds, showing significant improvement in wound status over a 15-day period4.

Venous Leg Ulcers: Calendula extract significantly improved the healing of venous leg ulcers, with a higher percentage of complete epithelialization and faster healing velocity compared to control treatments6 10.

Cesarean and Episiotomy Wounds: Calendula ointment significantly accelerated the healing of cesarean wounds and reduced pain and improved healing in episiotomy wounds7 8.

Dermatitis and Radiodermatitis

Radiation-Induced Dermatitis: Calendula was more effective than trolamine in preventing acute dermatitis during radiotherapy for breast cancer, reducing the occurrence of grade 2 or higher dermatitis and associated pain1. It also showed better therapeutic response compared to Essential Fatty Acids in preventing and treating radiodermatitis in head and neck cancer patients9.

Other Conditions

Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS): Calendula, combined with Curcumin, significantly improved symptoms of CP/CPPS, including pain reduction and improved urinary flow, compared to placebo3.

Vaginal Candidiasis: Calendula vaginal cream was effective in treating vaginal Candidiasis, showing a delayed but greater long-term effect compared to clotrimazole5.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Calendula Mechanisms of Action

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Actions

Calendula officinalis exhibits significant antioxidant properties, which help in reducing oxidative stress. This is evidenced by its ability to lower lipid peroxidation and increase levels of reduced glutathione in the pancreas, thereby mitigating oxidative and nitrosative stress1. These antioxidant effects contribute to its anti-inflammatory actions, which are beneficial in conditions like acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Antifibrotic Actions

The antifibrotic properties of Calendula officinalis are demonstrated by its ability to reduce collagen content and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) levels in the pancreas. This suggests that Calendula can help in preventing fibrosis and promoting tissue repair and regeneration1.

Neurotransmitter Regulation

Calendula officinalis also shows potential antidepressant effects. It is suggested that the ethanolic extract of Calendula officinalis acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor), which increases the levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain. This action is likely responsible for its antidepressant effects, as observed in rodent models of depression2.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Common Complaints Associated with Calendula Use

Application Difficulty: One of the primary complaints about calendula is that it is more difficult to apply compared to other topical agents like trolamine. This can be a significant drawback for patients who need to apply it frequently1.

Texture and Consistency: The texture and consistency of calendula ointments can make them less user-friendly. Patients may find it harder to spread evenly over the skin, which can be inconvenient during regular use1.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.