Calendula

Latin name: Calendula officinalis (Linn.) (Asteraceae) (Combretaceae), Terminalia belerica.

General information about Calendula

Calendula is considered beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing. Historically, Calendula was used by soldiers in the American Civil War to stop bleeding and to quicken the healing of wounds. According to a study conducted at Universitatea de Medicina Farmacie, Romania, skin healed within three days of topical application of the herb. It is an effective remedy for a variety of skin diseases, skin ulcerations, eczema, juvenile acne and dry phthiriasis. The flower extracts also help in treating gynecological disorders.

Therapeutic constituents

The flowers contain calenduline, which is the major constituent. The polysaccharides from the flowers have exhibited immune-stimulating and anti-tumor properties in several in-vitro tests. The alcoholic extract has anti-trichomonal properties. The wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to carotene. The extract of the flowers exhibits estrogenic activity, reducing period pains and regulating menstrual bleeding (Indian Medicinal Plants—An Illustrated Dictionary, C.P.Khare. 120. 2007)

Pharmacology
It has an antiphlogistic (anti-inflammation) effect in animal models¹. The aqueous extract has uterotonic effect². The extract of flower heads shows estrogenic property³. It also has spasmolytic activity.

Toxicology
There is no adverse effect is reported on the usage of this plant.

References

1. Med. Nauki., 1981, Vol. 18, pp.87.
2. Med. Nauki., 1981, Vol. 18, pp.94.
3. Anonymous, Wealth Asia CD, CSIR, New Delhi.

Key therapeutic benefits
Medicinally, it is credited with tonic, stimulant, and astringent properties. It is used in gastrointestinal and genitourinary complaints.The flower treats superficial wounds and promotes new skin growth.Calendula is also helpful in treating gastrointestinal and gynecological disorders.

Used in Femorg