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Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis is a flowering plant used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. Historically, it has been applied for a wide range of purposes, including treating bruises, sprains, bacterial infections, fever, and toothaches, as well as serving as an astringent, diuretic, and carminative. Scientific evidence suggests potential benefits for skin health, as 1% extract in emollient creams may improve hydration and barrier recovery. Some studies indicate low toxicity and potential antitussive activity in specific extracts, while nanoparticle synthesis using the plant shows low cytotoxicity. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
eye drops · fever
Traditions
Western phytotherapy · traditional · Unani
Best evidence
B
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • eye drops Western phytotherapy T3 WIKIPEDIA
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • stimulant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • analgesic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bruises Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • corns traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • depurative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • flu traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sprain Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • toothache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bacterial infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • carminative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cholagogue traditional T3 DRDUKE

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. B PMID
  • The CO2 extracts of Acorus calamus and Calendula officinalis showed low toxicity and good tolerability with pronounced antitussive activity. D PMID
  • The study found that microencapsulation of marigold lutein using an oil-based approach resulted in favorable solubility and encapsulation efficiency, though flowability was restricted. D PMID
  • The study found that copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Calendula officinalis showed low cytotoxicity and hemolysis, indicating potential biomedical applications. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis (Calendula officinalis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Calendula officinalis traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Calendula officinalis for: eye drops, fever, stimulant, analgesic, bruises, corns. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional, Unani.

What does the scientific evidence say about Calendula officinalis?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Calendula officinalis; 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 officinalis?

The strongest finding for Calendula officinalis carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Calendula officinalis safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Calendula officinalis in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Calendula officinalis interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Calendula officinalis in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Calendula officinalis?

Calendula officinalis is also known as: Календула лекарственная, Souci officinal.

Is Calendula officinalis 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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. 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
  3. T2 Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles with Calendula officinalis plant extract and investigation of its toxicity. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Solvent-Free Oil-Based Extraction and Microencapsulation of Lutein from Marigold (Calendula officinalis). literature abstract metadata
  5. 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
  6. T3 Calendula officinalis CC BY-SA 4.0

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