Calendula Officinalis - NutraPedia
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Calendula Officinalis Overview
1) Conditions Studied
Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold, has been studied for a variety of conditions including:
- Skin inflammation and wounds
- Diaper rash in infants
- Radiation-induced dermatitis in cancer patients
- Varicose veins
- Gingivitis and oral health
2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions
Research indicates that Calendula officinalis may be effective in:
- Reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing
- Alleviating diaper rashes when applied as a topical cream
- Preventing and treating radiation-induced dermatitis
- Improving symptoms of varicose veins
- Enhancing oral health when used as a mouthwash
3) Health Benefits
The health benefits of Calendula officinalis include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antimicrobial effects that can prevent infection
- Antioxidant components that may aid in protecting cells
- Healing properties that can assist in skin regeneration
- Potential immune system support
4) Downsides
While generally considered safe, there are some potential downsides to Calendula officinalis:
- Allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family
- Possible interactions with other medications, such as sedatives
- Limited availability of clinical trials to fully understand the scope of its effects
5) Impact on Genetic Variations
There is limited research on the effects of Calendula officinalis on specific genetic variations. However:
- Individuals with a history of allergies to related plants may have a genetic predisposition to react negatively.
- More research is needed to determine if there are genetic variations that could either benefit more or be at a higher risk when using Calendula officinalis.
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:
- Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial
- The effect of Calendula officinalis versus metronidazole on bacterial vaginosis in women: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
- A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing
- Calendula officinalis and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review
- Comparison the effects of topical application of olive and calendula ointments on Children's diaper dermatitis: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial
- Traditional wound-healing plants used in the Balkan region (Southeast Europe)
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor-promoting, and cytotoxic activities of constituents of marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers
- Angiogenic activity of Calendula officinalis flowers L. in rats
- Role of Calendula extract in treatment of anal fissures
- The Impact of Aloe vera and Calendula on Perineal Healing after Episiotomy in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- A Review of the Use of Topical Calendula in the Prevention and Treatment of Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions
- The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)
- Comparing the effects of Bentonite & Calendula on the improvement of infantile diaper dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial
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