Aztec Marigold
Also known as: Aztec Marigold, African Marigold, Mexican Marigold, Tagetes erecta
Overview
Aztec Marigold (*Tagetes erecta*) is a vibrant flowering plant indigenous to Mexico and Central America, traditionally valued for both its ornamental beauty and medicinal properties. It is a rich source of various bioactive compounds, including carotenoids (primarily lutein), flavonoids (such as quercetagetin and quercetin), and other phenolic compounds. These constituents contribute to its recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. The plant is also utilized as a natural food colorant due to its high carotenoid content. While preclinical research, including numerous in vitro and animal studies, strongly supports its potential in areas such as hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, anxiolysis, and wound healing, human clinical trials are currently limited. The existing evidence base, though promising, largely consists of preclinical data and small-scale studies, indicating a need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials to definitively establish its efficacy and safety in human populations.
Benefits
Aztec Marigold exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily attributed to its rich phytochemical profile. Its strong antioxidant activity is well-supported by in vitro assays, demonstrating significant radical scavenging capacity, mainly due to flavonoids and carotenoids like lutein. For instance, marigold tea extract has shown statistically significant antioxidant effects (p < 0.001). Anti-inflammatory effects have also been observed in vitro, with extracts inhibiting inflammatory processes (p = 0.002). Preclinical studies suggest neuroprotective effects, particularly from lutein, in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, and hepatoprotective properties against drug-induced liver damage. Anxiolytic effects have been noted in mice, potentially through GABAergic pathways. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies indicate potential for wound healing and antimicrobial activity. While these findings are promising, the strength of evidence for human benefits is moderate, as most studies are preclinical or small-scale. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to establish clinical significance and efficacy in humans.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Aztec Marigold are primarily mediated by its diverse array of bioactive compounds. Its potent antioxidant effects stem from flavonoids (quercetagetin, quercetin) and carotenoids (lutein), which effectively neutralize free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress within the body. The anti-inflammatory activity is thought to involve the inhibition of protein denaturation and protease activity, thereby reducing the release of inflammatory mediators. Neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects may arise from the modulation of neurotransmitter systems, such as GABA, and the reduction of oxidative damage to neuronal cells. The bioavailability of these key compounds varies; lutein, being fat-soluble, is better absorbed when consumed with dietary fats, while flavonoids exhibit variable absorption and metabolic pathways. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the observed health-promoting properties of Aztec Marigold.
Side effects
Aztec Marigold is generally considered safe based on its traditional use and findings from animal studies. However, comprehensive human safety data are currently lacking, meaning that the full spectrum of potential side effects, their severity, and frequency in humans has not been thoroughly established. No significant adverse effects have been consistently reported in the limited reviewed studies. There are no major drug interactions or contraindications explicitly documented, but caution is advised, especially for individuals taking other medications, due to the scarcity of clinical interaction studies. Specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, have not been adequately studied, and therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution and under medical supervision. Allergic reactions, though not widely reported, are a possibility with any botanical product. Users should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any adverse reactions occur.
Dosage
Currently, there is no standardized or clinically established dosing regimen for Aztec Marigold due to the limited number of human clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized various extract concentrations; for instance, in vitro studies on tea formulations used extracts equivalent to 2 grams of dried petals per 100 ml of water. While lutein, a key carotenoid found in Aztec Marigold, is commonly supplemented in other contexts at doses ranging from 6 to 20 mg per day, this specific dosage is not directly transferable or standardized for whole Aztec Marigold extracts. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and considerations for different forms (e.g., tea, extract, capsules) or specific health purposes require further rigorous clinical investigation. Without more human data, it is difficult to specify upper limits or safety thresholds for general consumption.
FAQs
Is Aztec Marigold effective as an antioxidant supplement?
Yes, in vitro and animal studies strongly support its antioxidant effects, primarily due to its flavonoid and carotenoid content. However, human clinical evidence is still insufficient to definitively confirm its efficacy as a supplement.
Is it safe to consume marigold extracts?
Generally, it is considered safe based on traditional use and preclinical data. However, comprehensive human safety data are limited, so caution is advised, especially if you are on medications or are pregnant/lactating. Consult a healthcare provider.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Preclinical studies show rapid biochemical effects in vitro. However, the timeline for observing clinical benefits in humans is currently unknown due to the lack of sufficient human trials.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10492899/ – This in vitro study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of marigold tea extract. It found that the extract exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting its potential therapeutic applications, though further human studies are needed.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2025.1474848/full – This phytochemical profiling study explored the impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction on *Tagetes erecta* extracts. It concluded that this method enhanced the yield of bioactive compounds and improved the antioxidant activity of the extracts, highlighting a method for optimizing its beneficial properties.
- https://ijhmp.com/Uploads/c862fd23-3e3c-4a0a-b62c-ba4d8db4bf0a.pdf – This literature review summarized various preclinical findings on *Tagetes erecta*, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and hepatoprotective effects. It emphasized the need for more clinical trials to validate these promising preclinical observations in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9105600/ – This quantitative analysis identified quercetagetin and quercetin as major antioxidant compounds in *Tagetes erecta*. The study demonstrated their ability to inhibit lipid oxidation in a model system, providing insight into the plant's antioxidant mechanism at a molecular level.
Supplements Containing Aztec Marigold
VitaComplete
Vitabase
Biotin-6000
Irwin Naturals
Complete Multiple Natural Berry Flavor
Liquid Health
Max for Women Iron Free
Country Life
I Comp
Priority One Nutritional Supplements
BB Skin
Applied Nutrition
Stress Relief
Vimerson Health
Ultimate Femme
BergaMet NA
Ultimate Memory
BergaMet N.A.
Ultimate Sport
BergaMet N.A.
Age Defying Formula
California Academy of Health