Calendula

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Calendula

field marigold (Calendula arvensis)

Scientific classification

Kingdom:

Plantae

(unranked):

Angiosperms

(unranked):

Eudicots

(unranked):

Asterids

Order:

Asterales

Family:

Asteraceae

Subfamily:

Asteroideae

Tribe:

Calenduleae

Genus:

Calendula
L.

Species

See text
Calendula (/klndjul/),[1] marigold, is a genus of about 1520 species[2] of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae. They are native to southwestern Asia, western Europe, Macaronesia, and the Mediterranean. Other plants are also known as marigolds, such as corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, and plants of the genus Tagetes. The name calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of calendae, meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass".[3] The common name "marigold" [3] refers to the Virgin Mary. The most commonly cultivated and used member of the genus is the pot marigold (Calendula officinalis). Popular herbal and cosmetic products named 'calendula' invariably derive from C. officinalis.

Contents
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1 Ancient Ceremonies 2 Traditional uses 3 Chemistry 4 Pharmacological effects 5 Culinary Use 6 Dye Use 7 Medicinal Use 8 Diversity 9 Gallery

10 References 11 External links

Ancient Ceremonies[edit]

Romans and Greeks used the golden calendula in many rituals and ceremonies, sometimes wearing crowns or garlands made from the flowers. One of calendula's nicknames is "Mary's Gold," referring to the flower's use in early Catholic events in some countries. Calendula flowers are sacred flowers in India and have been used to decorate the statues of Hindu deities since early times. Aztecs and Mayans used the flowers in their ancient ceremonies, and the flowers are still used on home altars on the Day of the Dead in Mexico and Central America. [4]

Traditional uses[edit]
Calendula species have been used traditionally as culinary and medicinal herbs. The petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a replacement for saffron. A yellow dye has been extracted from the flowers.[5]

Chemistry[edit]
The flowers of C. officinalis contain flavonol glycosides, triterpene oligoglycosides, oleanane-type triterpene glycosides, saponins, and asesquiterpene glucoside.[6][7]

Pharmacological effects[edit]
Calendula oil is still used medicinally. The oil of C. officinalis is used as an anti-inflammatory, an anti-tumor agent, and a remedy for healing wounds.[8]

Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts have anti-viral, anti-genotoxic, and antiinflammatory properties in vitro.[9] In herbalism, Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically for treating acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and soothing irritated tissue. [10][11] There is limited evidence that Calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.[12][13] Topical application of C. officinalisointment has helped to prevent dermatitis, pain, and missed radiation treatments in randomized trials.[11] Calendula has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.[14] In experiments with rabbit jejunum the aqueous-ethanol extract of Calendula officinalis flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use. [14] An aqueous extract of Calendula officinalis obtained by a novel extraction method has demonstrated anti-tumor (cytotoxic) activity and immunomodulatory properties (lymphocyte activation) in vitro, as well as anti-tumor activity in mice.[9] Calendula is known to cause allergic reactions.[15][16] It should be avoided during pregnancy.[15]

Culinary Use[edit]
Calendula has been used in cooking for centuries. The flowers were a common ingredient in German soups and stews, which explains the nickname "pot marigold." The lovely golden petals were also used to add color to butter and cheese. The flowers are traditional ingredients in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Calendula tea provides health benefits as well as being delicious.[17]

Dye Use[edit]
The beautiful flowers were once used as a source of dye for fabrics. By using different mordants, a variety of yellows, oranges and browns could be obtained.[18]

Medicinal Use[edit]
Calendula contains many effective compounds. Ancient cultures recognized and used the healing properties of calendula. In some of the earliest medical writings, calendula was recommended for treating ailments of the digestive tract. It was used to detoxify the liver and gall bladder. The flowers were applied to cuts and wounds to stop bleeding, prevent infection and speed healing. Calendula was also used for various women's ailments, and to treat a number of skin conditions. During the American Civil War, calendula flowers were used on the battlefields in open wounds as antihemorrhagic and antiseptic, and they were used in dressing wounds to promote healing. Calendula also was used in this way during World War I. Calendula has been historically significant in medicine in many cultures, and it is still important in alternative medicine today.
[19]