African Marigold

Tagetes erecta

Tagetes erecta, commonly known as African marigold, is a traditional plant used in various ornamental and horticultural practices. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it has shown promise in agricultural applications. Scientific studies have demonstrated that optimizing LED light with a 5 red:1 blue wavelength ratio can significantly enhance the shoot and essential oil yields of Tagetes erecta compared to other treatments. Additionally, microencapsulation techniques using gum arabic/maltodextrin and gum arabic have been found to improve the solubility of carotenoids derived from this plant. The gene TeCYC2c has been identified as a key regulator in ray floret development through interactions with other CYC2 genes. Furthermore, research has sequenced and analyzed the multi-chromosomal mitochondrial genome of Tagetes erecta, revealing specific characteristics and identifying important genetic elements. To date, no major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

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

What the science says

  • The study found that optimizing LED light with a 5 red:1 blue wavelength ratio significantly increased shoot and essential oil yields of Tagetes erecta compared to other treatments. D PMID
  • TeCYC2c functions as a hub protein regulating ray floret development by interacting with other CYC2 genes in marigold. D PMID
  • The study found that microencapsulating Tagetes erecta carotenoids with gum arabic/maltodextrin blends enhanced water solubility up to 5.25 ± 0.40 mg/mL. D PMID
  • The study sequenced and analyzed the multi-chromosomal mitochondrial genome of Tagetes erecta, revealing five circular chromosomes with specific characteristics. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is African Marigold?

African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) 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 African Marigold?

4 sourced findings are recorded for African Marigold; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that optimizing LED light with a 5 red:1 blue wavelength ratio significantly increased shoot and essential oil yields of Tagetes erecta compared to other treatments.

How strong is the evidence for African Marigold?

The strongest finding for African Marigold carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is African Marigold safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does African Marigold interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of African Marigold?

African Marigold is also known as: Бархатцы прямостоячие, Rose d'Inde.

Is African Marigold 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. T2 LED Light-Quality Optimization to Enhance Shoot and Essential Oil Yield of Tagetes erecta L. in Controlled Environment. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Organization and comparative analysis of the multi-chromosomal mitochondrial genome in Tagetes erecta (Asteraceae). literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Effect of biopolymers and proteins-based microencapsulation on stability and water solubility of temple waste (Tagetes erecta) derived carotenoids. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 TeCYC2c functions as a hub protein in the CYC2 gene cluster to regulate ray floret development in marigold (Tagetes erecta). literature abstract metadata