Calendula officinalis
What's the taxonomical classification of Calendula officinalis?
Calendula officinalis belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is classified in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. As a member of the order Asterales, it falls under the family Asteraceae, a group known for its composite flower heads. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Calendula and the species officinalis.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Calendula |
| Species | officinalis |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Calendula officinalis has an annual or biennial growth habit characterized by branched, hairy stems that reach heights of 30 to 60 centimeters and bear composite flower heads in shades of orange or yellow. The leaves are lanceolate to oblong in shape, featuring a somewhat succulent texture and a slightly sticky, pubescent surface. Each flower head consists of ray florets around the perimeter and disc florets at the center, which are surrounded by an involucral bract. The plant produces small, angular seeds that are typically dark in color and can be dispersed by wind or gravity. These morphological traits collectively enable the plant to thrive in diverse temperate environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has naturalized in many temperate zones across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It thrives in various climates where it can access well-drained soil and ample sunlight. In many parts of North America, it is frequently found growing wild in gardens and disturbed sites due to its ability to adapt to local conditions. Its widespread distribution is further aided by its ability to grow in both cultivated landscapes and unmanaged natural habitats. This adaptability allows it to establish itself in diverse geographical locations across the globe.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Calendula officinalis is cultivated by sowing seeds directly into well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade during the spring or autumn seasons.
It thrives in a variety of soil types provided they are rich in organic matter and maintain consistent moisture levels. Regular deadheading of the spent blooms encourages the plant to produce a continuous supply of vibrant flowers throughout the growing period. Gardeners often plant them as annuals or short-lived perennials to provide color and medicinal resources to the landscape.
Because they are relatively hardy, they can tolerate light frost and minimal pest interference.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant utilizes the vibrant flower heads, green leaves, seeds, stems, and roots for various medicinal purposes. The flower petals are the most common part used to create soothing salves and oils for skin irritation. Medicinal extracts can also be derived from the leaves to support anti-inflammatory treatments. While less frequent, the seeds and stems may be processed into topical preparations to aid healing. Additionally, the roots are occasionally employed in specialized herbal formulations to address internal wellness.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", extracts from dried flowers of Calendula officinalis were examined for their ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication. The organic extract at 500 micrograms/mL completely protected uninfected Molt-4 cells for up to 24 h from death caused by cocultivation with infected U-937/HIV-1 cells. This organic extract from the flowers caused a dose- and time-dependent reduction of HIV-1 reverse transcription activity. An 85% RT inhibition was achieved after a 30 min treatment of partially purified enzyme in a cell-free system. These results suggest that the organic extract of flowers from Calendula officinalis possesses anti-HIV properties of therapeutic interest.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- leaf
- seed
- stem
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Calendula officinalis, has been integrated into diverse medical traditions including Austrian folk medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and traditional Mongolian prescription for centuries. In Austrian folk medicine, practitioners historically utilized the petals to soothe skin irritations and promote wound healing through topical applications. Ayurvedic practitioners have traditionally used the herb to balance bodily energies and address digestive or inflammatory concerns. Homeopathy employs highly diluted preparations of the plant to stimulate the body's natural healing responses to various ailments. Furthermore, traditional Mongolian prescriptions have historically utilized the plant's properties to treat specific internal and external conditions.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", Calendula officiinalis is one of the most commonly used plants concerning wound healing. This plant is included in the VOLKSMED database, which contains materials used in Austrian folk medicine as either monographs or mixtures. The database focuses on monographs of plants used for wound healing in this traditional system. Although the study highlights several other plants, Calendula officiinalis remains a primary example of a commonly used plant in these traditional practices.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Austrian folk medicine
- Ayurveda
- Homeopathy
- traditional Mongolian prescription
What are the pharmacological activities of Calendula officinalis?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound healing, and healing activities that make it a versatile therapeutic agent. Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage. The antimicrobial activity allows it to combat various bacterial and fungal pathogens effectively. Furthermore, its potent anti-inflammatory effects reduce swelling and redness in affected tissues. These combined properties significantly accelerate the wound healing process by promoting tissue regeneration and skin repair.
According to a study published by "Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry", Calendula officinalis is addressed for its protective effects against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on the skin. The plant is utilized for its potential pharmacological activities including free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and skin protective effects. These beneficial effects are investigated in the context of mitigating acute radiation dermatitis in humans undergoing curative radiotherapy. The review involved data mined from Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for publications from 1901 up to July 2020.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- wound healing
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive medicinal compounds including flavonoids, triterpenoids, rutin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and calendic acid. The presence of flavonoids provides the plant with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Within this group, rutin and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside serve as specific glycosides that support vascular health and cellular protection. The triterpenoids found in the tissues contribute to the plant's ability to soothe skin irritation and promote healing. Additionally, the unique fatty acid known as calendic acid plays a vital role in the overall chemical profile of the species.
According to a study published by "Open life sciences", the phytochemical analysis of Calendula officiinalis showed that specific compounds constitute the main active substances within this plant. These medicinal compounds include quercetin, anthocyanins, curcumin, phenolics, isoflavones glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins. The review, which focused on gathering relevant papers published between 2013 and August 2023, identifies this plant as a notable example for potential in preventing or treating digestive diseases and cancers. These natural remedies have the potential to enhance the digestive system and alleviate pain and discomfort in patients.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Calendulozide B--trioside of oleanolic acid
- beta-amyrin
- calendic acid
- faradiol monoester
- faradiol myristate
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating skin inflammation, cutaneous wounds, minor wounds, and the management of chronic and non-healing wounds. Its natural properties are highly effective at promoting rapid wound healing through various biological mechanisms. When applied topically, it helps soothe irritated skin and reduces the redness associated with various inflammatory conditions. The botanical compounds within the petals work to protect damaged tissue while encouraging the body's repair processes. This makes it a versatile remedy for a wide range of dermatological issues.
According to a study published by "International wound journal", Calendula officiinali is used for wound healing in African traditional medicine. Although this plant is native to Southern Europe, it is included among the 39 plant species analyzed in the review. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is identified as playing a key role during the proliferative phase of healing. This species specifically helps in enhancing collagen production, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialisation. The study overall analyzed 93 studies to identify 37 relevant to these processes.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- 1. chronic and non-healing wounds
- 2. cutaneous wounds
- 3. skin conditions
- 4. wound healing
- 5. inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations including Calendula officinalis ointment, cream, ethanolic tincture, gel, and herbal decoction for various therapeutic purposes. The ointment and cream formulations provide a fatty base for topical application to soothe skin irritations and promote healing. An ethanolic tincture serves as a concentrated extract often used for its antimicrobial properties or diluted for specific uses. The gel offers a lightweight, non-greasy option for cooling inflamed areas, while an herbal decoction involves boiling the plant material to extract water-soluble compounds for internal or external use. These diverse preparations allow the plant's bioactive constituents to be utilized in multiple delivery formats depending on the patient's needs.
According to a study published by "Professional care of mother and child", Calendula cream is a remedy suitable for the family medicine chest. This specific preparation is used for treating grazes and scalds. The study notes that homeopathy is a useful tool for all the family, including its use in 3 everyday uses.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Calendula officiinalis ointment
- Cream
- Ethanolic tincture
- Gel
- Herbal decoction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause allergic plant contact dermatitis, digestive system ailments, various skin afflictions, toxicity, and pterygium in sensitive individuals. Direct contact with the flower can trigger inflammatory skin reactions such as redness or itching. Ingesting the plant may lead to gastrointestinal issues or systemic toxicity if consumed in improper amounts. Some studies also suggest a potential link between certain compounds in the plant and the development of pterygium. These adverse effects vary depending on the method of exposure and the user's specific sensitivities.
According to a study published by "Contact dermatitis", Calendula officiinalis is one of at least 15 species suspected of sensitization or elicitation of Compositae dermatitis. While epidemiological data are currently available for only 2 species, Calendula officiinalis remains a suspected source of allergic plant contact dermatitis. The study notes that sesquiterpene lactones are the most important allergens, though sensitization can also occur from a coumarin, a sesquiterpene alcohol, and a thiope. The specific risk of elicitation of dermatitis for sensitive individuals using products containing this plant remains by-and-large unknown.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- allergic plant contact dermatitis
- digestive system ailments
- skin afflictions
- toxicity
- pterygium
What herbs are paired with Calendula officinalis?
This plant pairs most effectively with chamomile, calendula, and lavender for soothing topical salves, or with lemon balm and peppermint for digestive teas.
Combining calendula with chamomile enhances its gentle anti-inflammatory properties when used in skin care formulations. When used in herbal infusions, pairing it with mint provides a bright, uplifting flavor profile that balances its mild bitterness. These combinations are often selected to synergize the plant's healing effects on the skin or to improve the sensory experience of herbal remedies.
Each pairing serves to either amplify the medicinal benefits or create a more harmonious aromatic blend.