Organic Calendula Supercritical Extract
Also known as: Marigold, Pot Marigold, Calendula officinalis
Overview
Calendula officinalis, commonly known as marigold, is a flowering plant valued for its various bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, phenolic acids, sterols, saponins, flavonoids, and essential oils. The supercritical CO2 extraction method is often employed due to its effectiveness in yielding lipophilic compounds without toxic solvents. Marigold extracts are applied in cosmetic formulations, pharmaceutical products, and nutraceuticals, exhibiting properties like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic effects. While in vitro and preclinical evidence supports these claims, further clinical trials are essential to fully understand their therapeutic potential and efficacy in humans.
Benefits
Marigold supercritical extract demonstrates several evidence-based benefits, particularly notable for its antitumoral properties. It has been shown to induce autophagy-induced cell death in pancreatic cancer cells, offering a potential avenue for cancer therapy, especially where current treatments are less effective. Additionally, the extract exhibits significant antioxidant activity, attributed to its rich content of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. Secondary benefits include its anti-inflammatory effects, which may support various health conditions. However, the strength of the evidence is primarily derived from preclinical studies, necessitating further investigation to validate these effects in human populations.
How it works
The mechanism of action of marigold supercritical extract involves targeting cellular bioenergetics, impacting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis, which leads to energetic failure and subsequent autophagy-induced cell death specifically in cancer cells. The extract also induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which plays a critical role in its antitumoral properties. These interactions are vital for its effectiveness against certain cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer.
Side effects
Marigold extracts are generally regarded as safe, with minimal adverse effects reported in both animal studies and limited human applications. Common side effects are absent, with rare occurrences of skin and ocular irritation noted in some formulations. No significant rare side effects are documented, and overall, the extract is considered nontoxic. There is a lack of substantial evidence regarding drug interactions; however, caution is advised when combining with other cancer therapies. No specific contraindications are established, but pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare professionals before using marigold extracts due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
Current literature does not provide definitive dosage recommendations for marigold supercritical extract, as the minimum effective doses and optimal ranges remain undefined in human studies. There are no established maximum safe doses, and information on timing considerations is also lacking due to the preclinical nature of existing research. It is recommended to utilize supercritical CO2 extracts to maximize bioactive content. Formulation techniques, like the use of ethanol and water as modifiers, may enhance the extraction and bioavailability of marigold's polar compounds.
FAQs
Are marigold extracts safe for consumption?
Yes, marigold extracts are generally considered safe, but more extensive clinical safety data are required.
How should I take marigold extracts?
There are no clear guidelines for timing and administration, as clinical trials exploring these aspects are lacking.
What benefits can I expect from marigold extracts?
Potential benefits include antitumoral and antioxidant effects, but these require validation in human studies.
Can marigold extracts interact with medications?
Currently, there is no substantial evidence of drug interactions, but use with caution in cancer therapy is advised.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2019.00455/full – This preclinical study investigates the antitumoral effects of marigold supercritical extract on pancreatic cancer cell lines. It highlights how the extract induces autophagy and cell death by targeting cellular energy processes.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/20/7060 – This methodological study focuses on optimizing the extraction of polar compounds from marigold flowers using supercritical CO2. It presents strong statistical analysis and outlines effective extraction techniques.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11558637/ – This safety assessment review analyzes the toxicity and irritation potential of calendula extracts, concluding its relative safety for use and emphasizing the need for further long-term safety studies.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/1/96 – An analysis showcasing the antioxidant properties of marigold extracts, focusing on the bioactive compounds present and their implications for health benefits.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/13/11/1944 – This study investigates various techniques for extracting beneficial compounds from marigold, assessing the efficacy of methods like supercritical CO2 extraction.
