calendula
Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, commonly known as marigold, is a traditional plant used in various herbal remedies. Its use spans across different cultures, particularly in European and Indian traditions where it has been employed for its purported healing properties on the skin. Scientific evidence suggests that Calendula extract can improve skin hydration and accelerate barrier recovery after irritant exposure when added to emollient creams. Additionally, CO2 extracts of both Acorus calamus and Calendula officinalis demonstrated low toxicity and good tolerability with pronounced antitussive activity. While the microencapsulation of marigold lutein showed favorable solubility and encapsulation efficiency, flowability was limited. Copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Calendula officinalis exhibited low cytotoxicity and hemolysis, indicating potential biomedical applications. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Calendula officinalis to date.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The addition of 1% Calendula officinalis extract to an emollient cream significantly improved skin hydration and accelerated barrier recovery after irritant exposure.
- The CO2 extracts of Acorus calamus and Calendula officinalis showed low toxicity and good tolerability with pronounced antitussive activity.
- The study found that microencapsulation of marigold lutein using an oil-based approach resulted in favorable solubility and encapsulation efficiency, though flowability was restricted.
- The study found that copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Calendula officinalis showed low cytotoxicity and hemolysis, indicating potential biomedical applications.
Frequently asked questions
What is calendula?
calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about calendula?
4 sourced findings are recorded for calendula; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The addition of 1% Calendula officinalis extract to an emollient cream significantly improved skin hydration and accelerated barrier recovery after irritant exposure.
How strong is the evidence for calendula?
The strongest finding for calendula carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is calendula safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for calendula in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does calendula interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for calendula in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of calendula?
calendula is also known as: календула, Souci officinal.
Is calendula a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Double-blind randomised controlled trial of an emollient cream with and without 1 % supercritical CO2 extract of Calendula officinalis in contact dermatitis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles with Calendula officinalis plant extract and investigation of its toxicity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Solvent-Free Oil-Based Extraction and Microencapsulation of Lutein from Marigold (Calendula officinalis). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Assessing the Safety of Carbon Dioxide Extracts of Acorus calamus Rhizomes and Calendula officinalis Flowers and the Antitussive Activity of the Tablet Dosage Form 'Exkair' and Granules 'Zerp-Ak-Broncho' Developed on Their Basis. literature abstract metadata