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What Are the Benefits of Calendula Arvensis?

Jun 14, 2011 | By Christine Princeton
What Are the Benefits of Calendula Arvensis?
Photo Credit Ringelblume image by Bernd Bosbach from Fotolia.com

More than just a common garden plant, Calendula arvensis, or field marigold, has healing benefits. According to a study published in the Ukrainian scientific journal "Mikrobiolohichnyl Zhurnal," it has effective antibacterial properties, especially against Pseudomonas species. Pseudomonas is an opportunistic bacteria involved in a variety of infections, including bacteremia, urinary tract infections, lung infections, joint infections, dermatitis, gastrointestinal infections and soft tissue infections.

Consult your doctor before using any herbal supplement.

Characteristics

A well-known medicinal herb, Calendula is part of the Asteraceae or Compositae family of flowering plants, which includes sunflowers and daisies. The flowers also are used in medicinal tinctures that were applied for stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal upset for centuries.

Calendula contains significant amounts of plant-derived antioxidants known as flavonoids. These antioxidants protect the body's cells against cell-damaging free radicals. Other active complex substances in Calendula include carotin or provitamin A, triterpiniod and volatile oils. The volatile oil, for instance, draws blood to the area of application, increasing blood circulation and filtration, according to "Wilderness Medicine."

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

According to a study published in the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology," Calendula contains significant anti-inflammatory properties known as triterpenoids, namely faradiol. Faradiol inhibit the chemicals cytokines and cyclooxygenase-2 in the body that are responsible for the inflammatory process. This action is similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as celecoxib and indomethacin, which are also used to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2. In fact, an article published in "Wounds" demonstrates that faradiol exerts a dose-to-dose effect comparable to indomethacin.

Wound-Healing Properties

Native to Southern Europe, Calendula has been shown to be an effective wound-care treatment through its antibacterial, antioxidant and wound-healing properties, according to an article in "Wounds." Calendula's antibacterial properties are in part due to its sugar makeup. Not only does the Calendula destroy bacteria itself, but its sugar structure also stimulates the immune system.

Wilderness Applications

The washed leaves and petals of wild growing marigold can be ground or crushed into a paste mixed with water or vegetable oil. This paste can be applied to cuts, scrapes and mild burns immediately after cleaning and debridement, according to "Wilderness Medicine." Also, a fluid extraction, or the succus, from the flower itself can be used to irrigate wounds, especially in situations in which clean and sterilized water is unavailable.

Precautions

There are no reported drug interactions or contraindications for topically applied Calendula, but caution should be used in people allergic to the Compositae family of plants. Skin reactions have been known to occur.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, one study did show that Calendula species could cause dangerous drops in blood sugar. Drug interactions can occur between ingested Calendula and the drug class of benzodiazipines such as diazepam.

References

Article reviewed by Shawn Candela Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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