The genus nameCalendula is a modern Latin diminutive ofcalendae, meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass".[6] The common name "marigold", a contraction of "Mary's gold"[6] used especially forCalendula officinalis, refers to theVirgin Mary.[7]C.officinalis is the most commonly cultivated and used species, popular herbal and cosmetic products named "Calendula" invariably derive from it.
Calendula was not a major medicinal herb but it was used in historic times for headaches, red eye, fever and toothaches. As late as the 17th centuryNicholas Culpeper claimedCalendula benefited the heart, but it was not considered an especially efficacious medicine.[8]
In historic timesCalendula was more often used for magical purposes than medicinal ones. One 16th-century potion containingCalendula claimed to revealfairies. An unmarried woman with two suitors would take a blend of powderedCalendula,marjoram,wormwood andthyme simmered in honey and white wine used as an ointment in a ritual to reveal her true match.[8]
Ancient Romans andGreeks used the goldenCalendula in many rituals and ceremonies, sometimes wearing crowns or garlands made from the flowers. One of its nicknames is "Mary's Gold", referring to the flowers' use in early Christian events in some countries.Calendula flowers are sacred flowers in India and have been used to decorate the statues ofHindu deities since early times.[9]
The most common use in historic times was culinary, however, and the plant was used for both its color and its flavor. They were used fordumplings,wine,oatmeal andpuddings. InEnglish cuisineCalendula were often cooked in the same pot with spinach, or used to flavor stewed birds. According to sixteenth-century EnglishmanJohn Gerard, every proper soup ofDutch cuisine in his era would includeCalendula petals.[8]
Also known as "poor man's saffron,"[10] the petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a substitute forsaffron.[11] Calendulas have a mildly sweet taste that is slightly bitter, and as it dries these flavors become more intense.[12] It can be used to add color to soups, stews, poultry dishes,custards and liquors.[8]
The common name forCalendula officinalis inBritain is 'pot-marigold,' named so because of its use inbroths andsoups.[13]
Calendula officinalis oil is still used medicinally as ananti-inflammatory and a remedy for healing wounds.[17]Calendula ointments are skin products available for use on minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation;[18] though evidence of their effectiveness is weak.[18][19]
Plant pharmacological studies have suggested thatCalendula extracts have antiviral,antigenotoxic, and anti-inflammatory propertiesin vitro.[20] Inherbalism,Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically for treatingacne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and soothing irritated tissue.[21][22]Limited evidence indicatesCalendula cream or ointment is effective in treatingradiation dermatitis.[23][24] Topical application ofC. officinalis ointment has helped to prevent dermatitis and pain; thus reducing the incidence rate of skipped radiation treatments inrandomized trials.[22]
Calendula has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.[25] In experiments with rabbitjejunum, the aqueous-ethanol extract ofC. officinalis flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use.[25] An aqueous extract ofC. officinalis obtained by a novel extraction method has demonstrated antitumor (cytotoxic) activity and immunomodulatory properties (lymphocyte activation)in vitro, as well as antitumor activity in mice.[20]
Calendula plants are known to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals,[26][27] and should be avoided during pregnancy.[26]
^Ukiya, M., et al. (2006). Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor-promoting, and cytotoxic activities of constituents of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers.J Nat Prod. 69 1692-96.
^Yoshikawa, M., et al. (2001). Medicinal flowers. III. Marigold.(1): hypoglycemic, gastric emptying inhibitory, and gastroprotective principles and new oleanane-type triterpene oligolycosides, calendasaponins A, B, C, and D, from EgyptianCalendula officinalis.Chem Pharm Bull. 49 863-70.
^abJimenez-Medina, E., et al. (2006). A new extract of the plantCalendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation.BMC Cancer. 6:6.
^Duran, V; Matic, M; Jovanovć, M; Mimica, N; Gajinov, Z; Poljacki, M; Boza, P (2005). "Results of the clinical examination of an ointment with marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in the treatment of venous leg ulcers".Int J Tissue React.27 (3):101–6.PMID16372475.
^McQuestion, M. (2006). Evidence-based skin care management in radiation therapy.Semin Oncol Nurs. 22 163-73.
^Bolderston, A., et al. (2006). The prevention and management of acute skin reactions related to radiation therapy: a systematic review and practice guideline.Support Care Cancer. 14 802-17
^abBashir S, Janbaz KH, Jabeen Q et al. (2006). Studies on spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities ofCalendula officinalis flowers.Phytother Res.20:906-910.
^Reider, N; Komericki, P; Hausen, BM; Fritsch, P; Aberer, W (2001). "The seamy side of natural medicines: Contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalisL.)".Contact Dermatitis.45 (5):269–72.doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2001.450503.x.PMID11722485.S2CID38613828.
^Flann, Christina (ed.)."SearchCalendula".Global Compositae Database (GCD). Archived fromthe original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved31 March 2011.
