Calendula arvensis
Calendula arvensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Calendula arvensis is a botanical species valued for its diverse medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antiviral, antiangiogenic, and antibacterial activities. The plant's therapeutic potential is driven by key chemical constituents such as saponins and flavonoids, most notably rutin. Research focuses on various preparations, including aerial parts and specific dichloromethane and hexane extracts derived from the fruit and flower. These extracts have demonstrated significant antioxidant activity and effectiveness against conditions involving Phytophthora parasitica. Consequently, studying these fruit and flower extracts offers promising insights into the plant's complex pharmacological profile.
- Synonyms
- Calendula Persica Var. Gracilis · Calendula Arvensis Var. Bicolor · 29 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Calendula arvensis is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of common names across different languages and regions. In German-speaking areas, it is frequently referred to as Acker-Ringelblume or Akkergoudsbloem. English speakers commonly know this species as the Field Marigold, while it is called Maravilla africana in Spanish. The plant also carries the name Fiorrancio selvatico in Italian, highlighting its widespread botanical presence. Furthermore, it is sometimes identified by the descriptive moniker ayn al-baqar.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Calendula arvensis is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. This species is frequently identified in older or alternative literature as Calendula aegyptiaca. Further classifications include the specific variety known as Calendula aegyptiaca var. microcephala. Researchers may also encounter this plant under the names Calendula alata or Calendula amplexifolia depending on the historical context. Additionally, certain botanical records refer to its specific forms as Calendula arvensis proles sublanata.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Calendula arvensis is a notable member of the kingdom Plantae. This plant belongs to the class Equisetopsida and falls under the taxonomic order Asterales. Within this order, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. It is further categorized into the specific genus Calendula. Together, these biological relationships define the unique botanical identity of the species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Calendula |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Calendula arvensis is a resilient species with a broad geographic reach across several key regions. It maintains a significant presence throughout Africa, including specific populations found in Northeast Tropical Africa and Chad. The plant also flourishes within the Macaronesia archipelago, spanning the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Furthermore, its distribution extends to the unique environments of Cape Verde. This wide-ranging habitat allows the species to thrive across diverse Atlantic and African landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Calendula arvensis is a charming herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of 0.5 meters. Depending on its environment, individual specimens may grow as small as 0.05 meters. Most healthy plants settle into a more standard height range starting from 0.15 meters. Together, these physical traits define the compact and resilient nature of this species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Calendula arvensis is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse array of potent biological activities. Research has demonstrated that its extracts possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making them valuable in traditional medicine. Furthermore, the plant has shown promising antiviral effects by interfering with the replication of viruses such as rhinovirus and vesicular stomatitis virus. Studies also highlight its cytotoxic potential, particularly regarding its ability to inhibit the growth of myeloid cancer cells. Additionally, recent findings have identified its antiangiogenic activity, suggesting it may play a role in targeting the mechanisms essential for tumor progression.
Compounds
Calendula arvensis is a plant of significant medicinal interest due to its rich and diverse chemical composition. Scientific analysis reveals that this species contains a substantial amount of flavonoids, which contribute to its notable antioxidant properties. Specifically, the plant is characterized by the presence of key bioactive molecules such as rutin. Furthermore, researchers have identified the presence of caffeic acid-hexoside within its chemical profile. These specialized phytochemicals support the plant's potential applications in various therapeutic contexts.
Conditions
Calendula arvensis demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat various physiological conditions and pathogens. The plant possesses notable antioxidant properties that are supported by its rich phenolic and flavonoid content. It also serves as an effective agent against fungal threats, specifically exhibiting antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis 1 and Candida famata 1. Furthermore, the plant's microbiome contains bacterial endophytes that can be utilized to treat Phytophthora parasitica. Finally, Calendula arvensis is widely recognized for its ability to treat inflammation due to its diverse anti-inflammatory bioactivities.
Preparations
Calendula arvensis is prepared as aerial parts to facilitate the reinvestigation and isolation of specific triterpenoid saponins. This plant is also processed as an extract of the aerial parts to afford new sesquiterpene glycosides. Furthermore, the species is prepared as an extract to allow for the identification of various chemical structures through spectroscopy. Research also utilizes Calendula arvensis prepared as dichloromethane and hexane extracts to compare antioxidant activities against polar solvents. Ultimately, the plant is prepared as various types of extract to support the discovery of its diverse bioactive compounds.
Parts used
Calendula arvensis is a medicinal plant of significant interest due to its diverse chemical composition and therapeutic potential. Research focusing on the flowers of this species has revealed that they are rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These specific floral extracts demonstrate promising antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities against various bacterial and fungal strains. Furthermore, the plant's reproductive structures, including the fruit, serve as vital reservoirs for physiologically active ingredients. By studying these distinct parts, scientists can better harness the natural medicinal properties inherent in the Calendula genus.