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Calendula

{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae}}

{{About|a genus of plants|a genus of larks formerly named Calendula|Galerida}}{{For|other plants also known as marigolds|Marigold (disambiguation)#Plants}}

{{Automatic taxobox

|image=Calendula January 2008-1 filtered.jpg

|image_caption=field marigold (Calendula arvensis)

|display_parents=2

|taxon=Calendula

|authority=L.

|subdivision_ranks=Species

|subdivision=See text

|synonyms =

  • Calendella {{small|Kuntze (1898), nom. superfl.}}
  • Caltha {{small|Mill. (1754), nom. illeg.}}

|synonyms_ref = [https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30120329-2 Calendula L.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303212838/https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30120329-2 |date=2024-03-03 }} Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 29 September 2023.

}}

Calendula ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|l|ɛ|n|dj|uː|l|ə}})Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607 is a genus of about 15–20 species[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=105062 Calendula.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104017/http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=105062 |date=2015-04-02 }} Flora of China. of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae that are often known as marigolds.{{cite book |last=Stace |first=C. A.|author-link=Stace, C. A. |year=2010 |title=New Flora of the British Isles |edition=Third |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=9780521707725}}{{rp|771}} They are native to Europe, North Africa, Macaronesia and West Asia, and have their center of diversity in the Mediterranean Region.{{cite web |title=Calendula L. {{!}} Plants of the World Online {{!}} Kew Science |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30120329-2 |website=Plants of the World Online |access-date=10 November 2024 |language=en}} Other plants known as marigolds include corn marigold, desert marigold, marsh marigold, 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".{{cite book |title=Shorter Oxford English Dictionary |edition=6th |year=2007 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=United Kingdom |isbn=978-0199206872 |pages=3804}} The common name "marigold", a contraction of "Mary's gold" refers to the Virgin Mary. The most commonly cultivated and used member of the genus is Calendula officinalis, the pot marigold. Popular herbal and cosmetic products named "Calendula" invariably derive from C.{{nbsp}}officinalis.

Uses

=History=

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 century Nicholas Culpeper claimed Calendula benefited the heart, but it was not considered an especially efficacious medicine.[https://books.google.com/books/about/Rodale_s_Illustrated_Encyclopedia_of_Her.html?id=htGD3Y7WNxwC Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs]

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 Romans and Greeks 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.{{cite web |last1=Doctor |first1=Vikram |title=Marigold: The Mexican flower that has become a part of Indian festivals |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/onmyplate/marigold-the-mexican-flower-that-has-become-a-part-of-indian-festivals/ |website=Economic Times Blog |access-date=2 April 2020 |date=20 October 2017 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501025623/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/onmyplate/marigold-the-mexican-flower-that-has-become-a-part-of-indian-festivals/ |url-status=live }}

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.

=Culinary=

Also known as "poor man's saffron,"{{Cite web |date=2020-11-03 |title=Calendula Uses (Poor Man's Saffron) - Soothing Spices |url=https://soothingspices.com/calendula-uses-poor-mans-saffron/|access-date=2022-04-26 |language=en-US}} the petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a substitute for saffron.[http://www.complete-herbal.com/details/marigold.html Spotlight on Marigold.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518212908/http://www.complete-herbal.com/details/marigold.html |date=2011-05-18 }} 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. {{Cite web |title=Calendula Flowers |url=https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Calendula_Flowers_1511.php |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=specialtyproduce.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019221536/https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Calendula_Flowers_1511.php |url-status=live }} It can be used to add color to soups, stews, poultry dishes, custards and liquors.

The common name for Calendula officinalis in Britain is 'pot-marigold,' named so because of its use in broths and soups.{{Cite journal |last=MACHT |first=DAVID I. |title=Calendula or Marigold in Medical History and in Shakespeare |date=1955 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44446726 |journal=Bulletin of the History of Medicine |volume=29 |issue=6 |pages=491–502 |jstor=44446726 |pmid=13276712 |issn=0007-5140}}

=Dyes=

Dye can be extracted from the flower and produce shades of honey, gold, orange, light brown, and vibrant yellow.{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Chris |title=Homemade Calendula Dye |url=https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/crafting/homemade-calendula-dye-ze0z1801zmos|access-date=2021-03-03 |website=Mother Earth News |date=July 2020 |language=en}}

Chemistry

The flowers of C. officinalis contain flavonol glycosides, triterpene oligoglycosides, 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). [http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/viewFile/58699/47025 The effects of drying on the chemical components of essential oils of Calendula officinalis L.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185816/http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/viewFile/58699/47025 |date=2013-10-29 }} African Journal of Biotechnology 7(10) 1500-02. Calendula ointments are skin products available for use on minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation;[http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=446562 Calendula ointment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419000907/http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=446562 |date=2015-04-19 }} entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms though evidence of their effectiveness is weak.{{cite journal |title=Calendula officinalis and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review |author=Matthew J. Leach |date=2008 |volume=20 |issue=8 |journal=Wounds |url=https://www.woundsresearch.com/article/9064 |access-date=2019-03-19 |archive-date=2019-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404195546/https://www.woundsresearch.com/article/9064 |url-status=live }}

Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that Calendula extracts have antiviral, antigenotoxic, 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, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and soothing irritated tissue.{{cite journal |title=Results of the clinical examination of an ointment with marigold (Calendula officinalis) extract in the treatment of venous leg ulcers |journal=Int J Tissue React |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=101–6 |year=2005 |pmid=16372475 |last1=Duran |first1=V |last2=Matic |first2=M |last3=Jovanovć |first3=M |last4=Mimica |first4=N |last5=Gajinov |first5=Z |last6=Poljacki |first6=M |last7=Boza |first7=P}}Pommier, P., et al. (2004). [http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/22/8/1447.full.pdf Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726045530/http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/22/8/1447.full.pdf |date=2015-07-26 }} 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 randomized trials.

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,{{cite web |url=http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/calendula |title=About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products: Calendula |date=19 June 2023 |publisher=Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center |access-date=25 February 2012 |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404010733/http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/calendula |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |pmid=11722485 |year=2001 |last1=Reider |first1=N |last2=Komericki |first2=P |last3=Hausen |first3=BM |last4=Fritsch |first4=P |last5=Aberer |first5=W |title=The seamy side of natural medicines: Contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalisL.) |volume=45 |issue=5 |pages=269–72 |journal=Contact Dermatitis |doi=10.1034/j.1600-0536.2001.450503.x |s2cid=38613828}} and should be avoided during pregnancy.

Diversity

File:Calendula officinalis 01.jpg

File:Calendula-arvensis-by-Zachi-Evenor-IZE11717.jpg.]]

Species include:{{cite web |editor=Flann, Christina |title=Search Calendula |url=https://www.compositae.org/aphia.php?p=search |work=Global Compositae Database (GCD) |access-date=31 March 2011 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924081936/https://compositae.org/aphia.php?p=search |url-status=dead }}

Gallery

Image:Calendula arvensis blossom.jpg|Calendula arvensis

File:Calendula suffruticosa 0037.jpg|Calendula suffruticosa subsp. fulgida

Image:Illustration Calendula officinalis0.jpg|Calendula officinalis from Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz, by Thomé, 1885

Image:Calendula officinalis and sky.jpg|Calendula officinalis

File:Calendula maritima 0030.jpg|The endangered Calendula maritima

File:Calendulaarvensis.jpg|Calendula arvensis seeds

Calendula Field Marigold Calendula arvensis.jpg|Calendula arvensis in full bloom

References

{{Reflist|2}}

External links

  • [http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Calendula&SPECIES_XREF=&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK=species Flora Europaea: Calendula]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/19990501235849/http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genform.pl Germplasm Resources Information Network: Calendula]
  • [http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/marigo16.html Botanical.com: Calendula]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q147281}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Asteraceae genera

Category:Garden plants

Category:Medicinal plants

Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus