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:

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