Common names | calendula, common marigold, pot marigold

Scientific name | Calendula officinalis

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | rutin, quercetin 3-O-glucoside

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, wound healing

Product name | Calendula Flower-APD, Calendula Flower-ANB

Plant Story

Calendula officinalis, commonly called common marigold, pot marigold, ruddles, Mary's gold, or Scotch marigold, is a popular annual flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae. It is thought to be native to southern Europe and has naturalized in other areas, especially warm temperate regions of the world. C. officinalis is edible and the petals can be used as a garnish, seasoning, or colorant, while the leaves can be used in salads. The ancient Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, and Indian people used C. officinalis as a medicinal plant, in fabrics and cosmetics as well. The petals can be used in tinctures, ointments, or washes for treatment of burns, bruises, and cuts. C. officinalis is also well-known for its soothing properties.

C. officinalis has been extensively investigated for its bioactivities. Calendula flower extract showed anti-oxidant activity by scavenging DPPH radical and protecting HaCaT cells from oxidative stress. C. officinalis is also known for its wound healing properties. Hydroethanolic extract and water fraction of calendula flower significantly increased proliferation of human dermal fibroblast cells. Additionally, these extracts up-regulated the expression of connective tissue growth factor and alpha-smooth muscle actin, suggesting its wound healing properties. In water fraction, rutin and quercetin 3-O-glucoside were identified.