Calendula

Related Terms

Allo-ocimene, arnidiol-3-O-laurate, arnidiol-3-O-myristate, arnidiol-3-O-palmitate, amino acids, Asteraceae (family), bride of the sun, bull flower, butterwort, calendasaponin A, calendasaponin B, calendasaponin C, calendasaponin D, Calendula arvensis L., calendula flower, calendula herb, Calendula micrantha, Calendula officinalis extract, Calendula officinalis flower, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Calendula officinalis flower oil, Calendula officinalis seed oil, Calendulae flos, Calendulae herba, calenduladiol-3-O-myristate, calenduladiol-3-O-palmitate, calendasaponins, calypso orange florensis, Caltha officinalis, carbohydrates, cis-tagetone, clavet?n Spanish), Compositae (family), coumarins, cowbloom, death-flower, dihydro tagetone, drunkard gold, Egyptian Calendula officinalis, faradiol-3-O-laurate, faradiol-3-O-myristate, faradiol-3-O-palmitate, Fiesta Gitana Gelb, fior d'ogni (Italian), flaminquillo (Spanish), flavonoids, fleurs de tous les mois (French), gauche-fer (French), gold bloom, Goldblume (German), golden flower of Mary, goulans, gouls, herb of the sun, holligold, holygold, husband's dial, ionone glucosides, kingscup, laser-activated calendula extract (LACE), limonene, lipids, lutein, maravilla, marigold, marigold dye, marigold flowers, marybud, marygold, may orange florensis, methyl chavicol, minerals, monoterpenes, officinosides, oleanolic acid, patulitrin, poet's marigold, pot marigold, mejorana (Spanish), publican and sinner, Ringelblume (German), patuletin, patulitrin, payt? wamal, phenolic acids, piperitenone, piperitone, quinines, resins, ruddles, saponins, Scotch marigold, sesquiterpene oligoglycosides, sesquiterpenes, shining herb, solsequia, souci (French), souci des champs (French), souci des jardins (French), steroids, sterols, summer's bride, sun's bride, tannins, terpinolene, tocopherols, triterpendiol monoesters, triterpenes, triterpenoids, ursolic acid, water dragon, yolk of egg.
Combination product examples: Estromineral? Gel (isoflavones, Lactobacillus sporogenes, Calendula officinalis extract, and lactic acid); Herbadermal? (calendula, garlic, and St. John's wort); NHED? solution (Calendula flores, garlic (Allium sativum), Verbascum thapsus, St. John's wort (Hypericum perfoliatum), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and vitamin E); Otikon Otic? solution (herbal extract of calendula (Calendula flores), garlic (Allium sativum), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) in olive oil); Traumeel?; and IND 61,164 mouthwash.
Note: Not to be confused with the common garden or French marigold (Tagetes spp.), African marigold (T. erecta), or Inca marigold (T. minuta).

Background

Calendula is commonly known as marigold. It is an annual flower belonging to the Aster or Compositae family. The flower is native to Asia and southern Europe.
Calendula has been used as medicine since the 12th century in central Europe and the Mediterranean. It has been applied to the skin as a possible treatment for minor wounds, infections, burns, bee stings, sunburn, and warts.
Early evidence suggests that applying calendula ointment to the skin may prevent allergic reactions caused by radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Further research is needed before firm conclusions can be made on any medical use of calendula.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Calendula extract has been studied for the treatment of anal fissures. However, further details are lacking and more study is needed.

 C


Calendula extract has been studied for the treatment of anal fissures. However, further details are lacking and more study is needed.

 C


A gel containing calendula and other plant extracts may help prevent skin cancer formation, according to an early study. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


A gel containing calendula and other plant extracts may help prevent skin cancer formation, according to an early study. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Early study suggests that a calendula ointment may be more effective at reducing diaper rash, compared to an aloe cream. Further study is needed.

 C


Early study suggests that a calendula ointment may be more effective at reducing diaper rash, compared to an aloe cream. Further study is needed.

 C


There is a lack of evidence in support of calendula for the treatment of ear infection. Combination products containing calendula have been studied for this condition. However, more research is needed in this area.

 C


There is a lack of evidence in support of calendula for the treatment of ear infection. Combination products containing calendula have been studied for this condition. However, more research is needed in this area.

 C


Early evidence suggests that calendula applied to the skin may help prevent allergic reactions, pain, and redness during radiation therapy. However, more high-quality research is needed in this area before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


Early evidence suggests that calendula applied to the skin may help prevent allergic reactions, pain, and redness during radiation therapy. However, more high-quality research is needed in this area before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


Calendula has been studied in the treatment of lichen planus, a type of rash that can occur on the skin or inside the mouth. Although early results are promising, more research is needed in this area.

 C


Calendula has been studied in the treatment of lichen planus, a type of rash that can occur on the skin or inside the mouth. Although early results are promising, more research is needed in this area.

 C


Calendula has been studied as a possible therapy after skin surgery. A cream containing calendula was found to have benefits when applied to the skin. Calendula is believed to have anti-inflammatory activity. However, human evidence is lacking and further study is needed.

 C


Calendula has been studied as a possible therapy after skin surgery. A cream containing calendula was found to have benefits when applied to the skin. Calendula is believed to have anti-inflammatory activity. However, human evidence is lacking and further study is needed.

 C


A calendula-containing product has been found to improve vaginal dryness in women with menopause when applied to the skin. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the effects of calendula alone.

 C


A calendula-containing product has been found to improve vaginal dryness in women with menopause when applied to the skin. More research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the effects of calendula alone.

 C


Calendula has been studied for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Early results suggest that marigold extract may promote the healing of lower leg venous ulcers. However, further study is needed in this area.

 C


Calendula has been studied for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Early results suggest that marigold extract may promote the healing of lower leg venous ulcers. However, further study is needed in this area.

 C


Calendula has been suggested as a treatment for minor skin wounds and early studies suggest that calendula may promote wound healing. However, more research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


Calendula has been suggested as a treatment for minor skin wounds and early studies suggest that calendula may promote wound healing. However, more research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Ointments or tincture compresses have been applied to affected areas as needed. The expert panels German Commission E and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy report that a 2-5 percent ointment is often used. Calendula products may be applied 3-4 times daily as needed. A 1:1 tincture in 40 percent alcohol or 1:5 in 90 percent alcohol may be diluted at least 1:3 with freshly boiled water for compresses.
To protect skin during radiation therapy, an ointment containing calendula in a petroleum jelly base has been applied to the skin at least twice daily, for the duration of radiation treatment. Calendula ointment has been applied at the start of radiation therapy, continuing until the end of treatment.
For skin care, calendula facial creams have been applied to the face once daily for eight weeks before bed.
To treat venous leg ulcers, an ointment containing marigold extract in a neutral base has been applied to the skin twice daily for three weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Calendula may increase kidney and liver problems caused by some other drugs. High doses of calendula (up to 5 grams per kilogram) may lead to liver toxicity.
Calendula may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Calendula may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Calendula may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Calendula may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, agents that affect the nervous system, agents that prevent muscle spasms, agents that treat protozoan infections, agents that treat stomach disorders, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-gout agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral agents, and cholesterol-lowering agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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