Generic Name: Calendula officinalis

Category

Synonyms

Allo-ocimene, Asteraceae (family), bride of the sun, bull flower, butterwort, Calendula arvensis L., Calendula micrantha, Calendula officinalis, calendula flower, calendula herb, calendulae flos, calendulae herba, Caltha officinalis, calypso orange florensis, cis-tagetone, claveton (Spanish), Compositae (family), cowbloom, death-flower, dihydro tagetone, drunkard gold, Fiesta Gitana Gelb, 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, Laser Activated Calendula Extract (LACE), limonene, lutein, maravilla, marybud, marigold, marigold dye, marigold flowers, may orange florensis, marygold, mejorana (Spanish), methyl chavicol, patuletin, patulitrin, piperitenone, piperitone, poet's marigold, pot marigold, 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, T. florida Sweet, Tagetes lucida (Asteraceae), Tagetes maxima, Tagetes patula (Asteraceae), T. schiedeana, 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).

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.

One study in breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy suggests that calendula ointment may be helpful in preventing skin dermatitis (irritation, redness, and pain).

Evidence

Radiation skin protection: A study in women receiving radiation therapy to the breast for breast cancer reports that calendula ointment applied to the skin at least twice daily during treatment reduces severe dermatitis (skin irritation, redness, pain). However, this study cannot be considered conclusive due to limitations of its design. Based on this evidence, this approach may be considered in patients who experience radiation dermatitis that cannot be controlled with other therapies.
Grade: B

Ear infection: Calendula has been studied for reducing pain caused by ear infections. Some human studies 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.
Grade: 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.
Grade: C

Venous leg ulcers: Calendula has been suggested as a possible treatment for venous leg ulcers. Further study is warranted.
Grade: C

Wound and burn healing: Calendula is commonly used on the skin to treat minor skin wounds. Reliable human research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.
Grade: C