1. What conditions has Calendula been studied for?

• Wound healing (acute wounds): Evaluated in animal studies and at least one randomized clinical trial in a systematic review (up to April 2018).

• Chronic wounds: Studied in venous leg ulcers and diabetic leg/foot ulcers (clinical studies reported in the systematic review; diabetic ulcers also discussed in the broader diabetic foot ulcer review as an area where traditional/natural agents are used, though not necessarily calendula-specific in that study).

• Burns: Studied in animal models (including prophylactic/pre-treatment approaches) and in a randomized clinical trial in partial-to-full thickness burns (systematic review).

• Radiation-induced dermatitis (prevention of acute post-radiation skin reactions): Two randomized clinical trials assessed calendula extract (systematic review).

• Skin/cosmeceutical applications: Discussed in a cosmeceutical/anti-aging context (antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory and related skin benefits), with Calendula listed among notable aromatic plants used in skincare formulations (review abstract).

• Broad traditional/claimed therapeutic areas: A review abstract lists anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antihelminthic, antidiabetes, wound healing, hepatoprotective, antioxidant activities, and use in burns and gastrointestinal, gynecological, ocular, and skin conditions (these are described as traditional uses/biological activities rather than all being supported by clinical trials in the studies reviewed here).

• Wound dressings/hydrogels: Calendula incorporated into hydrogel biomaterials for topical use (Brazilian context; described as anti-inflammatory/antiseptic rationale in the study). Another abstract discusses plant-extract–containing hydrogels generally (not calendula-specific in the excerpt shown).

2. Does it work in treating those conditions? Summarize the evidence.

• Acute wound healing: some supportive evidence, mostly preclinical. The systematic review (14 studies: 7 animal, 7 clinical) reported that acute wound healing findings showed faster resolution of the inflammation phase and increased granulation tissue in calendula-treated groups, consistent across five animal studies and one randomized clinical trial.

• Chronic wounds: mixed/uncertain. In the systematic review, two clinical control studies in venous ulcers reported decreased ulcer surface area versus controls, but a randomized clinical trial in diabetic leg ulcers found no improvement in healing for calendula versus control.

• Burns: mixed/uncertain. The systematic review found two animal studies suggesting a prophylactic effect when calendula extract was administered prior to burn injury, but a randomized clinical trial in partial-to-full thickness burns showed no benefit for topical calendula extract compared with controls.

• Radiation dermatitis prevention: mixed. Two randomized clinical trials were summarized: one showed improvements compared with trolamine, while the other found no improvement compared with aqua gel cream.

• Cosmeceutical/anti-aging and general skin benefits: plausible mechanisms, but clinical efficacy not established in these studies. The cosmeceutical review frames Calendula among plants rich in antioxidant phytochemicals that may counter ROS-related skin aging and support effects like photoprotection and anti-inflammatory activity; however, the study does not present calendula-specific clinical outcomes.

Overall, the strongest evidence in the studies reviewed here is for biological plausibility and preclinical support in wound healing, with limited and inconsistent human trial results depending on the wound type and comparator. The systematic review explicitly calls for larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials to clarify benefits and complications.

3. What health benefits does it have?

• Anti-inflammatory and wound-repair support: The systematic review reports faster progression through the inflammation phase and increased granulation tissue in several studies, aligning with the broader review describing anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity.

• Potential antimicrobial/antiseptic role in topical preparations: The hydrogel abstract notes calendula was selected for incorporation due to anti-inflammatory and “antiseptic” properties (as stated in the excerpt), consistent with its traditional topical use in wound care contexts.

• Antioxidant activity: A review abstract lists antioxidant activity and notes phytochemicals (e.g., flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids). The cosmeceutical review links antioxidant-rich plant extracts to counteracting ROS-driven skin aging processes.

• Skin-focused benefits (cosmeceutical context): The cosmeceutical review includes Calendula among plants used for skincare formulations associated broadly with photoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities and tissue regeneration-related aims, though calendula-specific clinical endpoints are not provided in the study.

• Broader proposed activities (mostly not clinically confirmed here): The general review abstract lists anti-cancer, antihelminthic, antidiabetes, and hepatoprotective activities and use in gastrointestinal, gynecological, ocular, and skin conditions; these are best interpreted as reported activities/uses rather than proven clinical benefits based on the studies reviewed here.

4. Does it have any downsides or side effects?

The studies reviewed here do not report specific adverse effects, contraindications, or side-effect rates for calendula in clinical trials or observational use.

• Evidence limitation: Because adverse events are not described in these studies, safety conclusions cannot be made from this set of sources alone.

• Practical implication: The systematic review emphasizes the need for larger, well-designed trials; such trials typically improve detection and reporting of adverse effects as well as benefits.

5. Is it beneficial or harmful for any genetic variations (pharmacogenomics)?

The studies reviewed here do not discuss pharmacogenomic interactions (e.g., effects modified by genetic variants in drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, inflammatory pathways, or skin barrier genes).

• No direct evidence in these studies: There are no reported gene–Calendula interactions, genotype-stratified outcomes, or variant-specific safety signals.

• Related but not pharmacogenomics: One abstract discusses the plant microbiome influencing flavonoid production in Calendula (e.g., Bacillus strains elevating flavonoid production). This is relevant to product composition variability but does not provide human genetic guidance.

Calendula Officinalis Research Summary

Effectiveness in Treating Vaginal Candidiasis

A study comparing Calendula officinalis vaginal cream with clotrimazole cream for treating vaginal Candidiasis found that Calendula had a slower onset but better long-term results in married women aged 18-45. Clinical and laboratory assessments indicated an initial lower rate of negative test results for Candidiasis in the Calendula group compared to the clotrimazole group, but at the second follow-up, the Calendula group had a higher rate of negative test results. Additionally, sexual function was not significantly different between the two groups.

Comparison with Metronidazole for Bacterial Vaginosis

Calendula officinalis was found to be as effective as metronidazole in treating bacterial vaginosis (BV) without side effects, suggesting it could be a natural alternative to synthetic drugs.

Wound Healing Properties

A systematic review of 14 studies indicated that Calendula officinalis extract may accelerate the initial inflammation phase of acute wound healing and promote granulation tissue formation. However, evidence for chronic wound healing and burn wound treatment was inconsistent, and the efficacy in radiation-induced skin damage was mixed. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness in wound management.

Use in Diaper Dermatitis

A study on the effectiveness of olive and calendula ointments in treating diaper dermatitis (DD) in children under 2 showed no significant statistical difference in DD severity between the two treatments after days 3, 5, and 7, with no adverse effects reported.

Angiogenic Properties

Calendula officinalis has been shown to enhance angiogenesis in both rat and chicken egg models, contributing to its healing properties, though not directly linked to VEGF.

Treatment of Perineal Episiotomy Wounds

A study concluded that Aloe vera and Calendula ointment significantly enhance the healing process of episiotomy wounds in first-time mothers.

Prevention and Treatment of Radiodermatitis

Calendula officinalis is being investigated for preventing and treating radiodermatitis. While there is some lab evidence for its efficacy, clinical studies have shown varying results, indicating a need for further research.

Allergenic Potential

Research has identified allergies to Calendula officinalis as a significant factor in contact dermatitis, indicating the necessity for more comprehensive patch testing to detect sensitization.

Comparison with Bentonite for Diaper Dermatitis

A study found that Bentonite cream works faster and is more effective than Calendula cream in treating infantile diaper dermatitis, with significant improvement observed within the first six hours and days of treatment.

References:

1. Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial
2. The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
3. A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing
4. Calendula officinalis and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review
5. Comparison the effects of topical application of olive and calendula ointments on Children's diaper dermatitis: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial
6. Traditional wound-healing plants used in the Balkan region (Southeast Europe)
7. Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor-promoting, and cytotoxic activities of constituents of marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers
8. Angiogenic activity of Calendula officinalis flowers L. in rats
9. Role of Calendula extract in treatment of anal fissures
10. The Impact of Aloe vera and Calendula on Perineal Healing after Episiotomy in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
11. A Review of the Use of Topical Calendula in the Prevention and Treatment of Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions
12. The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)
13. Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial
14. An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential ofCalendula officinalisL
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15. The Therapeutic Wound Healing Bioactivities of Various Medicinal Plants.
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    Jesus Olivero-Verbel, Patricia Quintero-Rincón, Karina Caballero-Gallardo (2024) - Planta
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21. Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Containing Calendula Extract as a Wound Healing Bandage: In Vivo Test.
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22. Integration of In Vitro and In Silico Results From Chemical and Biological Assays of
    Serdar Korpayev, Gokhan Zengin, Gunes Ak, Jasmina Glamočlija, Marina Soković, Neda Aničić, Uroš Gašić, Dejan Stojković, Mirap Agamyradov, Mehmet Veysi Cetiz, Guljan Agamyradova (2025) - Food science & nutrition
23. Traditional plants from Asteraceae family as potential candidates for functional food industry.
    Paula Garcia-Oliveira, Marta Barral, María Carpena, Patricia Gullón, María Fraga-Corral, Paz Otero, Miguel A Prieto, Jesús Simal-Gandara (2021) - Food & function
24. Sustainable-Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous
    Aiste Balciunaitiene, Viktorija Puzeryte, Vitalijs Radenkovs, Inta Krasnova, Patrick B Memvanga, Pranas Viskelis, Paulina Streimikyte, Jonas Viskelis (2022) - Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
25. Plant cell culture as emerging technology for production of active cosmetic ingredients.
    Vasil Georgiev, Anton Slavov, Ivelina Vasileva, Atanas Pavlov (2018) - Engineering in life sciences
26. Natural products as safeguards against monosodium glutamate-induced toxicity.
    Mohammad Mahdi Hajihasani, Vahid Soheili, Mohammad Reza Zirak, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Abolfazl Shakeri (2020) - Iranian journal of basic medical sciences
27. Current advances on the therapeutic potential of scutellarin: an updated review.
    Yifei Xie, Guotong Sun, Yue Tao, Wen Zhang, Shiying Yang, Li Zhang, Yang Lu, Guanhua Du (2024) - Natural products and bioprospecting
28. Natural and miscellaneous agents for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Jolien Robijns, Carlotta Becherini, Saverio Caini, Julie Ryan Wolf, Corina van den Hurk, Mara Beveridge, Henry Lam, Pierluigi Bonomo, Edward Chow, Tara Behroozian (2023) - Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
29. Medicinal plants as therapeutic options for topical treatment in canine dermatology? A systematic review.
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