Calendula

Common names: Calendula also is known as garden marigold,gold bloom,holligold,marygold,pot marigold,marybud

Efficacy-safety rating:

ÒÒ...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Calendula?

Believed to have originated in Egypt, this plant has almost world wide distribution. There are numerous varieties of this species. The bright yellow-orange flowers vary in shape and color. It is the florets, mistakenly called the flower petals, that have been used medicinally. Calendula is a member of the Asteraceae, or daisy, family. This plant should not be confused with several other members of the family that also carry the "marigold" name.

What is Calendula used for?

The plant has been grown in European gardens since the 12th century and its folkloric uses are almost as old. Tinctures and extracts of the florets had been used topically to promote wound healing and to reduce inflammation. Taken orally, they have been used to reduce fever, to control dysmenorrhea and to treat cancer. The dried petals have been used like saffron as a seasoning and have been used to dilute (adulterate) saffron. The pungent odor of the marigold has been used as an effective pesticide. Marigolds often are interspersed among vegetable plants to repel insects.

Extracts of calendula have proved antibacterial, antiviral and immunostimulating in laboratory tests. Calendula extracts also have been found to have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties in animal tests. Despite the history of use of calendula, there are almost no studies regarding its efficacy in the treatment of human disorders.

What is the dosage of Calendula?

One to 4 g of herb has been used to make a tea for sore throat and peptic ulcer; however, clinical trials have not validated this dose. An ointment containing 2 to 5 flower extract is used topically for wound healing.

Is Calendula safe?

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Documented adverse effects. Emmenagogue (to increase menstrual flow) and abortive effects. Avoid use.

None well documented.

Allergic reactions and one case of anaphylaxis have been reported.

The plant appears to have a low potential for toxicity.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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