Tagetes erecta
What's the taxonomical classification of Tagetes erecta?
Tagetes erecta belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. At the class level, it is categorized as Equisetopsida, which falls under the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant is further organized into the order Asterales and is a member of the family Asteraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Tagetes and the species erecta.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tagetes |
| Species | erecta |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Tagetes erecta has a stout, erect, herbaceous stem that typically reaches heights of 30 to 100 centimeters and features highly dissected, pinnate leaves with serrated margins. The foliage is characterized by a deep green color and a strong, pungent aroma released when crushed. Large, globular flower heads are produced atop long peduncles, showcasing dense ray and disc florets in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or copper. These terminal inflorescences are often surrounded by green, leaf-like involucral bracts that protect the developing buds. The root system consists of a branched taproot that provides structural stability for the upright growth habit.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, ranging from the southern United States through Mexico and deep into much of the South American continent. While its natural habitat is concentrated in these warmer latitudes, it has become widely naturalized in many other parts of the world due to human cultivation. It is frequently found in temperate zones across Europe and Asia where gardeners have introduced it for its ornamental value. Because it thrives in various climates, it is now a common sight in urban landscapes and cultivated gardens globally. This widespread distribution is largely attributed to its ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as the African marigold, requires full sun exposure and well-draining soil to thrive in garden beds or containers.
You should sow seeds directly into the soil once the danger of frost has passed and the ground has warmed significantly. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Providing adequate space between plants ensures proper air circulation, which helps minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Frequent deadheading of spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce a continuous supply of vibrant flowers throughout the growing season.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Tagetes erecta utilizes its flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems to provide various medicinal benefits. The bright flowers are often processed into extracts used to soothe skin irritations and reduce inflammation. Medicinal preparations frequently incorporate the leaves to treat digestive issues or as a topical wash for wounds. The roots are sometimes prepared in decoctions to address internal ailments, while the seeds can be utilized for their potential antioxidant properties. Even the stem can be used in traditional remedies to support overall wellness and systemic health.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", healers and merchants from ten local regions of Morelos State recommend T. erecta flowers as an infusion or a tincture to treat several culture-bound syndromes associated with the central nervous system. The study investigated specific anxiolytic and sedative-like responses of different doses of T. erecta, specifically 10, 30 and 100 or 300mg/kg, i.p., using experimental models in mice. To assess the possible anxiolytic mechanism of action, researchers used the antagonist WAY100635 at 0.32mg/kg, i.p. and flumazenil at 10mg/kg, i.p. These activities were corroborated in aqueous and organic polar extracts involving constituents such as rutin, kaempferol, quercetin, kaempferitrin, and the terpenoid β-sitosterol. The data suggest that 5-HT1A receptors, rather than BDZs receptors, are involved in the anxiolytic mechanism of action.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- leaf
- root
- seed
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Tagetes erecta, has been utilized for centuries in Ayurveda to treat skin disorders and digestive issues through its antimicrobial properties. In the tradition of Mayan medicine, various parts of the flower are often employed to manage inflammation and support respiratory health. Indigenous practitioners have historically integrated these bright blooms into ritualistic practices and herbal decoctions. The plant's pungent aroma and bioactive compounds make it a cornerstone in several ancient ethnobotanical traditions. These diverse cultural applications reflect a long history of medicinal reliance on the species.
According to a study published by "Toxicology and industrial health", Tagetes erecta was one of 8 different plant species selected to determine heavy and trace metals content to assure safer therapeutic application. The herbal drugs are traditionally well established for their therapeutic benefits. The plant materials were collected from local cultivated regions of West Bengal, India. Trace metals such as copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) were detected in the plant. Heavy metals including arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) were also found within the permissible limit. These results suggest that the plant materials may not produce any harmful effect of metal toxicity during their therapeutic application.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Traditional Mayan Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Tagetes erecta?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant pharmacological activities. Its bioactive compounds work to reduce pain and swelling by inhibiting specific inflammatory pathways in the body. The extract also demonstrates the ability to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, its high concentration of phytochemicals helps neutralize free radicals to provide significant antioxidant protection. These diverse medicinal properties make Tagetes erecta a valuable subject for natural drug development.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", commercially available Tagetes erecta flower extract (Af.Cr) was evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo analgesic effect. The results revealed a pronounced antioxidant potential in the Tagetes erecta flowers. Additionally, the plant demonstrated a dose-dependent analgesic effect at 100 and 300 mg/kg during testing on acetic-acid-induced abdominal writhing. These antioxidant and analgesic activities appear to align with the medicinal uses of Tagetes erecta as an anti-inflammaotor and analgesic.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antifungal
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive medicinal compounds including quercetagetin, kaempferol, lutein, pyrethrin, and rutin. These chemical constituents contribute to the plant's wide range of biological activities and potential therapeutic uses. For instance, the presence of flavonoids like kaempferol and rutin provides significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The carotenoid lutein is also a vital component known for supporting ocular health and fighting oxidative stress. Additionally, the natural insecticide pyrethrin found in the species offers unique biochemical characteristics for pest control applications.
According to a study published by "Pakistan journal of pharmaceuatical sciences", the ethyl acetate extract of Tagetes erecta flowers showed the highest phenolic content and activities. Bioassay-guided fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of the flavonoid quercetagetin. This compound exhibited potent DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 of 3.70 μg/ml, which is about 2-3 times higher than quercetin (IC50 5.07 μg/ml) and trolox (IC50 9.93 μg/ml). Quercetagetin also showed tyrosinase inhibitory activity on L-tyrosine with an IC50 of 89.31 μg/ml. When using L-DOPA as a substrate, its inhibitory activity was slightly higher than ellagic acid (IC50 151.1 μg/ml) with an IC50 of 128.41 μg/ml.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- quercetagetin
- kaempferol
- rutin
- lutein
- pyrethrin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating gastric ulcers, gastric inflammation, gastric healing, intestinal diseases, and various gastrointestinal diseases. Its medicinal properties focus primarily on soothing the digestive lining and reducing irritation within the stomach. By promoting gastric healing, it helps repair tissue damaged by acid or infection. It also serves as an effective remedy for managing chronic intestinal diseases through its calming effects. These therapeutic actions make it a valuable resource for addressing a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Tagetes erecta L. is used in South America to treat several ailments, specifically gastrointestinal diseases. The dry extract of Tagetes erecta L. (DETe) was evaluated for its antiulcer potential using doses of 3, 30 or 300 mg/kg administered twice a day for 7 days. At a dosage of 300 mg/kg, DETe accelerated the healing of gastric ulcers by reducing the ulcerated area by 66%. In the recurrence model induced by 1 μg/kg of interleukin (IL)-1β, DETe reduced the lesion area by 94%. Ultimately, the plant favors the antioxidant system and reduces gastric inflammation to promote gastric healing and reduce ulcer recurrence.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- gastric ulcers
- gastric inflammation
- gastric healing
- wound
- inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create various medicinal preparations including hydroalcoholic extract, essential oil, infusion, raw powder, and tincture. The essential oil provides a highly concentrated aromatic essence often used in topical applications. Practitioners frequently prepare an infusion by steeping the flowers in hot water to extract soluble compounds for drinking. For more potent therapeutic uses, a tincture or a hydroalcoholic extract is produced by soaking the plant material in alcohol. Additionally, the dried plant can be processed into a raw powder for use in traditional topical poultices or dietary supplements.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained from the fresh flowers and leaves of Tagetes erecta. Both extracts did not exert toxicity on Artemia salina. The floral extract induced cytotoxic effects in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and the breast tumor cell line (MCF7), whereas the leaf extract did not. In a xenograft lung carcinoma model using C57BL/6 mice, the floral extract reduced tumor growth and improved the effect of etoposide. The main phytochemical compounds identified in the plant include 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, octadecanoic acid, benzenaacetic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and acetic acid.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Hydroalcoholic extract
- essential oil
- infusion
- raw powder
- tincture
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause a depressant effect on the central nervous system, intestinal diseases, otitis, stomachache, and complications with a wound. Consuming the plant may lead to significant digestive distress and localized pain in the abdomen. Exposure to its components can also trigger inflammatory responses in the ear canal. Furthermore, its chemical properties might interfere with the healing process of a wound. These diverse reactions highlight the potential toxicity of the species when handled or ingested improperly.
According to a study published by "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", T. erecta L. exhibits depressant effects on the central nervous system. Research investigated specific anxiolytic and sedative-like responses using doses of 10, 30 and 100 or 300mg/kg, i.p. in mice models. The study assessed these mechanisms in the presence of WAY100635 at 0.32mg/kg, i.p. and flumazenil at 10mg/kg, i.p. Findings from healers and merchants in ten local regions of Morelos State suggest using T. erecta flowers as an infusion or tincture for syndromes associated with the CNS. The anxiolytic activities involve 5-HT1A receptors through the presence of flavonoids and the terpenoid β-sitosterol.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- depressant effect on the central nervous system
- intestinal diseases
- otitis
- stomachache
- wound
What herbs are paired with Tagetes erecta?
This plant, commonly known as the African marigold, pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint to create a functional companion planting arrangement.
These specific herbs benefit from the marigold's ability to repel various garden pests through its strong scent. Planting basil alongside marigolds can also improve the flavor of nearby vegetable crops while providing visual contrast. Rosemary serves as a sturdy structural partner that thrives in similar sunny conditions. Including mint helps to further deter harmful insects, though it should be managed carefully to prevent spreading.
Together, these combinations foster a more resilient and diverse garden ecosystem.