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Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract

Also known as: Calendula officinalis L. flower extract, Marigold extract, Pot Marigold extract, Garden Marigold extract, Calendula officinalis flower extract

Overview

Calendula officinalis flower extract is derived from the flowers of the Calendula officinalis plant, a botanical widely used in traditional medicine and homeopathy. The extract contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds including terpenoids (ψ-taraxasteol, lupeol), flavonoids (isoquercitrin, rutin, isorhamnetin, quercetin), coumarins (scopoletin, umbelliferone), and volatile oils (oplopanone, cubenol). It is primarily applied topically for wound healing and skin conditions, and is also being investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Research maturity is moderate, with systematic reviews and RCTs supporting wound healing effects, while anticancer and other systemic effects remain under early-stage investigation. The quality of evidence varies, with stronger data for topical wound healing and more preliminary data for other applications. The extract is available in various forms, including creams, ointments, gels, and tinctures.

Benefits

Calendula officinalis flower extract primarily benefits wound healing. Systematic reviews of in vivo studies and RCTs indicate that it significantly promotes wound healing compared to controls, accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. Effect sizes show improved healing rates and reduced healing time, though exact quantitative metrics vary by study. The extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, likely due to flavonoids and terpenoids, contributing to reduced local inflammation in wounds and skin irritations. In vitro and animal studies reveal selective cytotoxicity of certain extracts against various cancer cell lines, though clinical evidence is lacking. Most clinical data focus on adults with acute or chronic wounds; safety and efficacy in children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised patients are not well established. Wound healing benefits are observed within days to weeks of topical application.

How it works

The wound healing effect of Calendula officinalis flower extract is mediated by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of its phytochemicals. Flavonoids and terpenoids modulate inflammatory cytokines and promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Key compounds interact with inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), oxidative stress pathways, and microbial cell walls. Topical application leads to localized bioavailability; systemic absorption is minimal, limiting systemic effects but enhancing safety for topical use.

Side effects

Calendula officinalis flower extract is generally well tolerated when used topically. Rarely, it may cause mild skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include hypersensitivity reactions in individuals allergic to Asteraceae family plants. No serious adverse events have been reported in clinical trials. There are no significant drug interactions documented. It should be avoided in patients with known allergy to marigold or related plants. Limited data exists for special populations, so caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Patch testing is recommended before widespread use, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or known allergies.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose varies by formulation; topical creams or ointments typically contain 1-10% Calendula officinalis extract. Clinical studies often use 2-5% extract concentrations applied 2-3 times daily for wound healing. The maximum safe dose is not well defined, but topical use is generally safe within tested concentrations. It should be applied directly to wounds or skin lesions and continued until healing is complete. Creams, ointments, gels, and tinctures are common; creams are preferred for moist wounds. Absorption is enhanced by the formulation base; avoid occlusive dressings that may cause maceration. No required cofactors have been identified.

FAQs

Is Calendula officinalis extract safe for all skin types?

Generally yes, but patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin to check for potential allergic reactions or irritation before widespread use.

Can it be used for deep or infected wounds?

It is primarily indicated for superficial wounds. Infected wounds require medical evaluation and appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics.

How soon will I see results?

Improvements in wound healing typically appear within 1-2 weeks of consistent and appropriate topical application.

Does it replace antibiotics?

No, it may complement wound care but is not a substitute for systemic antibiotics when needed for infected wounds.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31145533/ – This systematic review of RCTs and in vivo studies found that Calendula extract significantly improved wound healing rates compared to controls. The extract reduced inflammation and promoted tissue repair, suggesting its efficacy in wound management. However, the review noted heterogeneity in study designs and extract formulations, and some studies had small sample sizes.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10142266/ – This narrative review identified key bioactive compounds in Calendula officinalis and confirmed its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. It also noted potential anticancer effects in vitro, highlighting the plant's therapeutic potential. However, the review primarily focused on preclinical data for non-wound applications, emphasizing the need for clinical trials.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/wrr.12737 – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of topical Calendula officinalis for wound healing. The analysis of multiple studies indicated that Calendula extract significantly improved wound healing outcomes compared to control treatments. The review highlighted the potential of Calendula as a complementary therapy for wound management.
https://synapse.mskcc.org/synapse/works/26945 – This resource from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provides information on Calendula, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It notes that Calendula has been traditionally used for wound healing and skin conditions, and that some studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The resource also cautions about potential allergic reactions and interactions with certain medications.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1534735418803766 – This review of in vitro and animal studies examined the anticancer potential of Calendula officinalis extracts. The extracts showed selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines with variable IC50 values, with methanolic extracts being less selective than ethyl acetate extracts. The review highlighted the need for further clinical trials to validate these findings.