Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), Marigold
  
Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), Marigold
Background
Calendula, also known as marigold, has been widely used on the skin to treat minor wounds, skin infections, burns, bee stings, sunburn, warts, and cancer. Most scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness as a wound-healing agent is based on animal and laboratory study, while human research is virtually lacking.
Synonyms
Asteraceae (family) , Bride of the Sun, bull flower, butterwort, Caltha officinalis, Calendula arvensis L., calendulae flos, calendula flower, calendulae herba, calendula herb, claveton (Spanish) , Compositae (family), cowbloom, death-flower, drunkard gold, fior d'ogni (Italian), flaminquillo (Spanish) , fleurs de tous les mois (French) , gauche-fer (French), gold bloom, Goldblume (German) , golden flower of Mary, goulans, gouls, holligold, holygold, husband's dial, kingscup, maravilla, marybud, marigold, marygold, poet's marigold, pot marigold, Mejorana (Spanish), publican and sinner, Ringelblume (German), ruddles, Scotch marigold, shining herb, solsequia, souci (French) , souci des champs (French) , souci des jardins (French), Summer's Bride, sun's bride, water dragon, yolk of egg.
Note : Calendula or marigold should not be confused with the common garden or French marigold ( Tagetes ), African marigold ( T. erecta ), or Inca marigold ( T. minuta ).
Evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Uses based on scientific evidenceGrade*Wound and burn healing
Calendula is commonly used on the skin to treat minor skin wounds. A small number of animal studies and low-quality human studies report that calendula reduces healing time and increases the strength of healed areas. Reliable human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
C
Skin inflammation
Limited animal research suggests that calendula extracts may reduce inflammation when applied to the skin. Human studies are lacking in this area.
C
Ear infection
Calendula has been studied for reducing pain caused by ear infections. Some randomized controlled trials in humans suggest that calendula may possess mild anesthetic (pain-relieving) properties equal to those of similar non-herbal eardrop preparations. Further studies are needed before a recommendation can be made in this area.
C
* Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Abscesses, acne, anemia, antioxidant, antiviral, anxiety, appetite stimulant, atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), athlete's foot, bacterial infections, benign prostatic hypertrophy, bladder irritation, "blood purification," blood vessel clots, bowel irritation, bruises, cholera, circulation problems, conjunctivitis, constipation, cough, cramps, diaper rash, dizziness, diuretic, eczema, edema, eye inflammation, fatigue, fever, frostbite, fungal infections, gastrointestinal tract disorders, gingivitis, gout, headache, heart disease, hemorrhoids, herpes simplex virus infections, HIV, immune system stimulant, indigestion, influenza, insomnia, jaundice, liver cancer, liver dysfunction, menstrual period abnormalities, metabolic disorders, mouth and throat infections, muscle wasting, nausea, nervous system disorders, nosebleed, pain, prostatitis, ringing in the ears, skin cancer, sore throat, spasms, spleen disorders, stomach ulcers, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, urinary retention, uterus problems, varicose veins, warts, yeast infections.
Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Adults (over 18 years old)
Ointment applied to the skin : According to two European expert panels, the German Commission E and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), a 2% to 5% ointment has been used. Preparations have been applied 3 to 4 times daily as needed.
Tincture/compress applied to the skin : A 1:1 tincture in 40% alcohol or a 1:5 tincture in 90% alcohol, diluted at least 1:3 with freshly boiled water, has been applied to the skin as a compress 3 to 4 times daily.
Ear drops : For ear infections, the combination herbal product Otikon OticŪ (which includes calendula) has been used in a dose of 5 drops placed in the affected ear 3 times daily.
Children (under 18 years old)
There is currently not enough scientific evidence to recommend the use of calendula in children.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergies
People with allergies to plants in the Aster/Compositae family such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies are more likely to have an allergic reaction to calendula. There is one case of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) after gargling with a calendula preparation.
Side Effects and Warnings
Aside from allergic reactions, few severe reactions have been found in published reports. In one small animal study, calendula was associated with a fatal reduction in blood glucose, accompanied by decreased serum lipids and protein. Skin and eye irritation have been reported.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is not clear if calendula is safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. In animal studies, calendula has had effects on the uterus, and calendula has traditionally been thought to have harmful effects on sperm and to cause abortions. However, it is not clear if these effects occur with use of calendula on the skin.
References
1. Anonymous. Final report on the safety assessment of extract and . Int J Toxicol 2001;20 Suppl 2:13-20.
2. Cordova CA, Siqueira IR, Netto CA, et al.Protective properties of butanolic extract of the (marigold) against lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomes and action as free radical scavenger. Redox Rep. 2002;7(2):95-102.
3. Della Loggia R, et al. Topical anti-inflammatory activity of extracts. Planta Med 1990;56:658.
4. Hamburger M, Adler S, Baumann D, et al. Preparative purification of the major anti-inflammatory triterpenoid esters from Marigold (). Fitoterapia 2003;74(4):328-338.
5. Kartikeyan S, Chaturvedi RM, Narkar SV. Effect of calendula on trophic ulcers. Lepr Rev 1990;61(4):399.
6. Krazhan IA, Garazha NN [Treatment of chronic catarrhal gingivitis with polysorb-immobilized calendula] Stomatologiia (Mosk) 2001;80(5):11-13.
7. Lavagna SM, Secci D, Chimenti P, et al. Efficacy of and oils in the epithelial reconstruction of surgical wounds in childbirth with caesarean section. Farmaco 2001;56 (5-7) :451-453.
8. Lievre M, et al. Controlled study of three ointments for the local management of 2nd and 3rd degree burns. Clinical Trials and Meta-analysis 1992;28:9-12.
9. Sarrell EM, Mandelberg A, Cohen HA. Efficacy of naturopathic extracts in the management of ear pain associated with acute otitis media. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2001;155(7):796-799.
January 01, 2004 
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