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Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain calendula. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting.
Scientists have studied calendula for the following health problems: Radiation dermatitis | Early human studies show that calendula may help prevent pain, reddening, and inflammation of the skin (called dermatitis), after radiation therapy when it is applied to the skin. Additional high-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be reached. | Wound healing | A few studies suggest that applying calendula to the skin speeds the healing of wounds caused by burns, ulcers, cuts or skin irritation. These studies, however, have been small, low quality and not fully convincing. Better studies are needed to provide more definitive answers. | Skin inflammation | Animal studies suggest that calendula may have anti-inflammatory properties if applied to irritated areas, but no studies have been conducted in humans. | Ear infections | 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 ear drop preparations, but further studies are needed before a recommendation can be made. | Cancer | A cancer patient experienced reduced pain and increased quality of life after taking calendula supplements. Additional studies are needed to understand the role of calendula in cancer. |
Calendula has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before using calendula for any unproven use. Abscesses
Acne
Anemia
Anthelmintics
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant properties (free-radical scavenging)
Antiprotozoal
Anxiety
Appetite stimulant
Atherosclerosis (clogged arteries)
Athlete's foot
Bladder irritation
Blood clots
Blood purification
Bowel diseases
Bruises
Burns
Cholera
Circulation problems
Coccidiosis
Colitis
Constipation
Contact dermatitis
Cosmetic uses
Cough
Cramps
Diabetes
Diaper rash
Diaphoresis (increased sweating)
Diarrhea
Diuresis
Dizziness
Dystrophic nervous disturbances
Eczema
Epididymitis
Eye inflammation
Fatigue
Fever
Flu
Frostbite
Gastrointestinal tract disorders
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Gout
Gum disease prevention
Headache
Heart disease
Hemorrhoids
Herpes | High cholesterol
HIV
Iatrogenic disability
Immune stimulation
Immunomodulation
Indigestion
Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Insomnia
Jaundice
Lack of menstrual period
Leg edema (swelling)
Liver cancer
Liver-gallbladder disease
Menstrual disorders
Metabolic disorders
Migraine
Mosquito repellant
Mouth and throat infections/irritation
Muscle spasms
Muscular degeneration
Nausea
Nervous system disorders
Nosebleeds
Pain
Phlebitis
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis)
Proctitis
Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hypertrophy)
Prostatitis
Purging agent
Skin cancer
Sore throat
Spleen disorders
Stones
Syphilis
Thrombophlebitis (swollen vein with a blood clot)
Tinnitus
Toothache
Tuberculosis
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcers (peptic ulcer disease)
Urinary retention
Uterus problems
Varicose veins and ulcers
Vitamin deficiency (lutein or beta-carotene)
Warts
Wounds
Yeast infections |
Allergies People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae or Compositae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) may be more likely to have allergic reactions to calendula. Rash and a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock have been reported after gargling with calendula. Side Effects Other than allergic reactions, most side effects in humans have been minor. These include skin and eye irritation. However, in one small animal study, calendula caused a fatal reduction in blood glucose, lipids, proteins and triglycerides. Herbs, such as calendula, may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset, although these reactions have not been reported in humans. High doses of calendula may lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Calendula cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Results from animal studies suggest that calendula could induce spontaneous abortion and may be toxic to sperm.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Based on high doses of calendula used in animal studies, calendula may, in theory, increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan); barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; narcotics, such as codeine; and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating heavy machinery. It is also possible that calendula may lower blood pressure. If you are considering taking calendula and have low blood pressure or are taking drugs to control high blood pressure, please discuss this with your health care provider. Other possible interactions include hypoglycemic (diabetic) medications or insulin and medications that decrease lipids and triglycerides (cholesterol-lowering drugs). Calendula may increase the effects of anti-fungal medications. Calendula may also increase the effects of antispasmodics, which are drugs that help stop muscle spasms in the intestines. Use cautiously if you are taking drugs that can damage the liver or kidneys because calendula may increase the risk of organ damage. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements No serious interactions between calendula and any herbs or supplements have been reported in humans. However, some interactions are possible based on effects seen in animal studies. For example, calendula may, in theory, increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements, such as valerian. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. It is also possible that calendula may add to the effects of herbs or supplements that may lower blood pressure, such as hawthorn ( Crataegus oxyacantha). Because the stem and leaves of calendula contain lutein and beta-carotene, a possible supplement interaction exists with products that contain these ingredients. Calendula may increase the effects of anti-fungal herbs or supplements. Calendula may also increase the effects of herbs or supplements that help stop muscle spasms in the intestines (called antispasmodics). Use cautiously if you are taking herbs or supplements that can damage the liver or kidneys because calendula may increase the risk of organ damage.
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. For Wound Healing Or Skin Inflammation Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Ointment: A strength of 2 to 5 percent applied to the affected area of skin three to four times daily has been used. Tincture: A strength that has been used is 1:1 in 40 percent alcohol or 1:5 in 90 percent alcohol, diluted at least 1:3 with freshly boiled water, applied to the skin as a compress, three to four times daily. Otic: A dose of five drops of a combination product called NHED solution instilled into affected ear three times a day has been studied. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of calendula have not been studied thoroughly in children, and calendula cannot be recommended. For Ear Infections Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Calendula is one of several herbs in a commercially available product called Otikon Otic Solution. A dose of five drops into the affected ear three times daily has been used. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of calendula have not been studied thoroughly in children, and calendula cannot be recommended.
Although calendula has been suggested for many conditions, it has been most studied as a treatment for wound healing, skin inflammation and ear infections. Calendula is thought to be safe when used externally (on the skin), but it should not be taken by mouth. Calendula is not recommended in pregnant or breast-feeding women or in children. When used on the skin, calendula appears to be well tolerated; the only side effects reported have been in people with allergies. Consult your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Calendula Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - Anonymous. Final report on the safety assessment of Calendula officinalis extract and Calendula officinalis. Int J Toxicol 2001;20(Suppl 2):13-20.
- Bako E, Deli J, Toth G. HPLC study on the carotenoid composition of calendula products. J Biochem Biophys Methods 2002;Oct-Nov, 53(1-3):241-250.
- Basch E, Bent S, Foppa I, et al. Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(3-4):135-59.
- Cordova CA, Siqueira IR, Netto CA, et al. Protective properties of butanolic extract of the Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) against lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomes and action as free radical scavenger. Redox Rep 2002;7(2):95-102.
- Duran V, Matic M, Jovanovć M, ET AL. Results of the clinical examination of an ointment with marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Int J Tissue React. 2005;27(3):101-6.
- 6. Hamburger M, Adler S, Baumann D, et al. Preparative purification of the major anti-inflammatory triterpenoid esters from marigold (Calendula officinalis). Fitoterapia 2003;Jun, 74(4):328-338.
- Kartikeyan S, Chaturvedi RM, Narkar SV. Effect of calendula on trophic ulcers. Lepr Rev 1990;61(4):399.
- Krazhan IA, Garazha NN. Treatment of chronic catarrhal gingivitis with polysorb-immobilized calendula [Article in Russian]. Stomatologiia (Mosk) 2001;80(5):11-3.
- Lavagna SM, Secci D, Chimenti P, et al. Efficacy of hypericum and calendula oils in the epithelial reconstruction of surgical wounds in childbirth with caesarean section. Farmaco 2001;56(5-7):451-453.
- Lin LT, Liu LT, Chiang LC, Lin CC.In vitro anti-hepatoma activity of fifteen natural medicines from Canada. Phytother Res 2002;Aug, 16(5):440-444.
- Marchenko MM, Kopyl'chuk HP, Hrygor'ieva OV. Activity of cytoplasmic proteinases from rat liver in Heren's carcinoma during tumor growth and treatment with medicinal herbs [Article in Ukranian]. Ukr Biokhim Zh 2000;May-Jun, 72(3):91-94.
- 14.McQuestion M. Evidence-based skin care management in radiation therapy. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2006 Aug;22(3):163-73.
- Mollinger H, Schneider R, Loffel M, Walach H. A double-blind, randomized, homeopathic pathogenetic trial with healthy persons: comparing two high potencies. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 2004;Oct, 11(5):274-280.
- Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference - Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA: Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.
- Perez-Carreon JI, Cruz-Jimenez G, Licea-Vega JA, et al. Genotoxic and anti-genotoxic properties of Calendula officinalis extracts in rat liver cell cultures treated with diethylnitrosamine. Toxicol In Vitro 2002;Jun, 16(3):253-258.
- Pommier P, Gomez F, Sunyach MP, et al, Phase III Randomized Trial of Calendula officinalis Compared With Trolamine for the Prevention of Acute Dermatitis During Irradiation for Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2004, 22(8):1447-53.
- 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.
- Yoshikawa M, Murakami T, Kishi A, et al. Medicinal flowers: III. Marigold: (1) hypoglycemic, gastric emptying inhibitory, and gastroprotective principles and new oleanane-type triterpene oligoglycosides, calendasaponins A, B, C, and D, from Egyptian Calendula officinalis. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2001;Jul, 49(7):863-870.
Last updated September 03, 2008
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