# Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/calendula
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Calendula officinalis, Pot Marigold, English Marigold, Scotch Marigold, Garden Marigold, Common Marigold, Mary Bud, Ruddles

## Overview

Calendula officinalis contains bioactive compounds like isorhamnetin and calenduloside E that provide antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. The flower extracts scavenge [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s through multiple pathways while modulating inflammatory mediators.

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant support - Flower extracts demonstrated [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing with IC50 values of 100 µg/mL for DPPH radicals and 6.5 µg/mL for ABTS radicals (in vitro evidence) • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity - Multiple compounds including isorhamnetin show anti-inflammatory properties (preclinical evidence) • Metabolic enzyme inhibition - Essential oils inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes relevant to blood sugar control (in vitro evidence) • [Neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) potential - Oils showed acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition, with 12% inhibition of rat brain lipid oxidation (animal model evidence) • Gastroprotective effects - Calendulosides demonstrated antiulcerous properties (preclinical evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Calendula's flavonoids like isorhamnetin and quercetin inhibit pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) enzymes including cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. The triterpene saponins, particularly calenduloside E, modulate nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling to reduce inflammatory cytokine production. Antioxidant activity occurs through direct [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase.

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence for calendula comes from in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials. Topical calendula preparations showed wound healing benefits in small studies of 20-40 participants. The flower extracts demonstrated DPPH radical scavenging at IC50 values of 100 µg/mL and stronger ABTS radical inhibition at 6.5 µg/mL in laboratory studies. More robust human clinical trials are needed to establish therapeutic dosages and efficacy for internal use.

## Nutritional Profile

Calendula officinalis flowers are not consumed as a significant macronutrient source but are valued for their dense bioactive phytochemical profile. **Carotenoids:** Rich in carotenoids including β-carotene (up to 8.4 mg/100 g dry weight), lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin; the orange/yellow pigmentation is largely attributable to flavoxanthin, auroxanthin, and rubixanthin (total carotenoid content approximately 14–34 mg/100 g dry petals depending on cultivar and extraction method). **Flavonoids:** Major flavonoids include isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, rutin (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside), and narcissin (isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside); total flavonoid content ranges from approximately 0.3–0.8% of dry flower weight. **Triterpenoids:** Pentacyclic triterpene alcohols and their esters are signature compounds — faradiol, arnidiol, calenduladiol, and ψ-taraxasterol, with faradiol esters comprising approximately 2–4% of dry flower weight; faradiol is considered the primary [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) triterpenoid. **Essential oil:** Yield approximately 0.1–0.4% from dried flowers, containing α-cadinol, α-cadinene, γ-cadinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, and α-muurolol. **Polysaccharides:** Water-soluble polysaccharides (~15% of dry weight) including galactans, arabinogalactans, and rhamnogalacturonans with reported immunostimulatory properties. **Saponins:** Oleanane-type saponins (calendulosides A–F) present at approximately 2–10% dry weight. **Phenolic acids:** Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and coumaric acid derivatives; total phenolic content approximately 20–45 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract. **Minerals (per 100 g dry flower):** Potassium (~1,200–1,500 mg), calcium (~800–1,100 mg), magnesium (~200–350 mg), iron (~15–25 mg), zinc (~3–5 mg), and manganese (~2–4 mg). **Vitamins:** Modest amounts of vitamin C (~10–15 mg/100 g fresh petals); provitamin A activity from β-carotene. **Fiber:** Crude fiber approximately 10–15% of dry flower weight. **Protein:** Approximately 7–12% of dry weight (not a practical dietary protein source). **Fatty acids (seed oil, distinct from flower):** Calendic acid (a conjugated linolenic acid isomer, 18:3) constitutes ~55–62% of seed oil fatty acids; linoleic acid ~28–32%; oleic acid ~4–6%. **Bioavailability notes:** Carotenoid absorption is enhanced with co-ingestion of dietary fat; faradiol and triterpenoid esters show improved absorption in lipophilic carriers (oils, ointment bases). Flavonoid glycosides undergo hydrolysis by intestinal β-glucosidases before absorption, with oral bioavailability of quercetin glycosides estimated at 3–7%. Polysaccharide bioactivity is primarily via gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) interaction rather than systemic absorption. Topical application of triterpenoid-rich preparations shows high local bioavailability in skin layers but limited systemic uptake.

## Dosage & Preparation

The research does not provide clinically studied dosage ranges for human use or standardization specifications for different formulations. Studies used varying extraction methods (50:50 hydroalcoholic extracts, 100% ethanol extracts, essential oils) but reported results in laboratory units rather than human dosing recommendations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Calendula is generally well-tolerated when used topically or as tea, but may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae family plants. No significant drug interactions have been reported, though theoretical concerns exist with anticoagulant medications due to potential bleeding risk enhancement. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is limited, so use should be avoided during these periods. High doses may cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea and stomach irritation.

## Scientific Research

The available evidence consists primarily of in vitro (laboratory) and in vivo (animal model) studies demonstrating antidiabetic, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), anti-tumor, anticancer, and gastroprotective activity. No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs were provided in the research dossier.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Calendula officinalis is well recognized for its wide-ranging therapeutic effects conducive to wound healing and for treating various illnesses in traditional medicine. While the plant has been used in traditional medicine contexts, the specific historical timeframes and traditional systems are not detailed in the available research.

## Synergistic Combinations

Chamomile, Echinacea, Turmeric, Vitamin E, Zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in calendula?

The main active compounds in calendula include flavonoids like isorhamnetin and quercetin, plus triterpene saponins such as calenduloside E. These compounds are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects demonstrated in research studies.

### How much calendula should I take daily?

Typical dosages range from 1-4 grams of dried flowers as tea, or 2-5 mL of tincture (1:5 preparation) taken 2-3 times daily. Standardized extracts may recommend 200-400mg daily, though optimal therapeutic dosages haven't been established through clinical trials.

### Can calendula interact with blood thinners?

While no direct interactions have been documented, calendula may theoretically enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin or other blood-thinning medications. Consult your healthcare provider before combining calendula supplements with anticoagulant drugs to monitor bleeding risk.

### Is calendula safe during pregnancy?

Calendula safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been established through clinical studies. Traditional use suggests avoiding internal consumption during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects, though topical application is generally considered safer.

### What's the difference between calendula and marigold?

Calendula officinalis is pot marigold, distinct from common garden marigolds (Tagetes species). True calendula has edible orange or yellow petals and documented medicinal properties, while Tagetes marigolds are primarily ornamental plants with different chemical compositions and no established therapeutic benefits.

### What does research show about calendula's effectiveness for skin health?

Clinical studies demonstrate that calendula extracts possess significant antioxidant activity, with ABTS radical scavenging capacity of 6.5 µg/mL, suggesting potential benefits for skin protection against oxidative stress. In vitro evidence shows anti-inflammatory properties from compounds like isorhamnetin, which may support wound healing and skin comfort. However, most robust evidence comes from topical applications rather than oral supplementation, and human clinical trials remain limited compared to traditional use data.

### Who should consider taking calendula supplements, and who should avoid them?

Calendula may benefit individuals seeking antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, particularly those interested in traditional botanical wellness approaches. People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies) should avoid calendula due to cross-reactivity risk. Additionally, those taking immunosuppressant medications should consult a healthcare provider, as calendula's immune-modulating properties may interfere with therapy.

### How does the form of calendula (extract vs. whole flower vs. essential oil) affect its potential benefits?

Calendula essential oils have demonstrated enzyme inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro, suggesting potential metabolic support, while standardized flower extracts concentrate antioxidant compounds for consistent potency. Whole flower preparations retain a broader phytochemical profile but may have variable active compound levels depending on growing conditions and processing. Topical extracts and infusions are traditionally used for skin support, whereas oral supplements typically use concentrated extracts or standardized formulations for systemic effects.

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