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Calendula () Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607 is a genus of about 15–20 species Calendula. Flora of China. of Annual plant and perennial plant herbaceous plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae that are often known as marigolds. They are native to Europe, North Africa, Macaronesia and West Asia, and have their center of diversity in the Mediterranean Region. Other plants known as marigolds include corn marigold, desert marigold, Caltha palustris, and plants of the genus Tagetes.
The genus name Calendula is a modern Latin diminutive of calendae, meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass". (2025). 9780199206872, Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199206872 The common name "marigold", a contraction of "Mary's gold" used especially for Calendula officinalis, refers to the Virgin Mary. C.officinalis is the most commonly cultivated and used species, popular herbal and cosmetic products named "Calendula" invariably derive from it.
In historic times Calendula was more often used for magical purposes than medicinal ones. One 16th-century potion containing Calendula claimed to reveal fairies. An unmarried woman with two suitors would take a blend of powdered Calendula, marjoram, wormwood and thyme simmered in honey and white wine used as an ointment in a ritual to reveal her true match.
Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece used the golden Calendula 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 of Hindu deities since early times.
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 for dumplings, wine, oatmeal and puddings. In English cuisine Calendula were often cooked in the same pot with spinach, or used to flavor stewed birds. According to sixteenth-century Englishman John Gerard, every proper soup of Dutch cuisine in his era would include Calendula petals.
The common name for Calendula officinalis in United Kingdom is 'pot-marigold,' named so because of its use in Broth and Soup.
Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts have antiviral, genotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties in vitro.Jimenez-Medina, E., et al. (2006). A new extract of the plant Calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation. BMC Cancer. 6:6. In herbalism, Calendula in suspension or in tincture is used topically for treating Acne vulgaris, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and soothing irritated tissue.Pommier, P., et al. (2004). Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 22(8) 1447-53.
Limited evidence indicates Calendula cream or ointment is effective in treating radiation dermatitis.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 Topical application of C. officinalis ointment has helped to prevent dermatitis and pain; thus reducing the incidence rate of skipped radiation treatments in .
Calendula has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.Bashir S, Janbaz KH, Jabeen Q et al. (2006). Studies on spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of Calendula officinalis flowers. Phytother Res. 20:906-910. In experiments with rabbit jejunum, the aqueous-ethanol extract of C. officinalis flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use. An aqueous extract of C. 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.
Calendula plants are known to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, and should be avoided during pregnancy.
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Culinary
Also known as "poor man's saffron," the petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a substitute for saffron. Spotlight on Marigold. The Complete Herbal - Herbs and Herbal Remedies. Calendulas have a mildly sweet taste that is slightly bitter, and as it dries these flavors become more intense. It can be used to add color to soups, stews, poultry dishes, and liquors.
Dyes
Dye can be extracted from the flower and produce shades of honey, gold, orange, light brown, and vibrant yellow.
Chemistry
The flowers of C. officinalis contain flavonol , terpene , oleanane-type triterpene glycosides, saponins, and a sesquiterpene glucoside.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 Egyptian Calendula officinalis. Chem Pharm Bull. 49 863-70.
Pharmacological effects
Calendula officinalis oil is still used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and a remedy for healing wounds.Okoh, O. O., et al. (2008). The effects of drying on the chemical components of essential oils of Calendula officinalis L. African Journal of Biotechnology 7(10) 1500-02. Calendula ointments are skin products available for use on minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation; Calendula ointment entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms though evidence of their effectiveness is weak.
Diversity
Species include:
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