Acne -- an inflammatory skin condition that results from excessive skin oil, blocked skin pores and bacteria -- is a common complaint. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that nearly 85 percent of all people in the United States experience acne at some point in their lives. Some people turn to herbal remedies -- including calendula -- to alleviate acne. Although clinical trials on the effects of calendula on acne are lacking, scientific research supports its beneficial effects on inflammatory skin conditions. Consult your doctor before using calendula.
Features
Calendula -- botanically known as Calendula officinalis and also called garden marigold -- is a member of the aster family. Originally native to Egypt, calendula is now found practically worldwide, and features finely textured leaves and distinctive orange or yellow blooms from May to October. Calendula has been grown ornamentally since the 12th century in Europe; its use as an herbal folk medicine began shortly thereafter. Tinctures and extracts made from the florets have been used topically to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation; the herb was also taken internally to reduce fever and treat cancer. Calendula has also been used as a natural pesticide.
Constituents and Effects
Calendula flowers contain flavonol and triterpene glycosides, as well as sterols, carotenoid pigments and a fatty acid known as calendic acid. Also present are tocopherols -- a form of vitamin E -- and mucilage, which imparts demulcent, or soothing, qualities. Drugs.com -- which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers -- credits calendula with anti-inflammatory activities in animal studies, and reports that it boosts collagen metabolism and promotes healing of surgical wounds. The website also credits calendula with antibacterial properties in test tube studies. According to biochemist Holly Phaneuf, Ph.D., author of "Herbs Demystified," faradiol esters in calendula flowers performed as well as indomethacin -- a prescription anti-inflammatory agent -- in an animal study. Phaneuf theorizes that faradiol may work in the same way hydrocortisone does, by preventing arachidonic acid from being released from cell membranes.
Research
In a clinical randomized trial published in 2004 in "Journal of Clinical Oncology," breast cancer patients with radiation-associated dermatitis treated with calendula extracts experienced significantly less skin irritation and pain than those who were treated with trolamine, a conventional medication. The team concluded that calendula was highly effective for the prevention of this type of dermatitis, and recommended it be proposed to patients undergoing postsurgical treatment. In an animal study published in 2006 in "Journal of Natural Products," eight out of nine triterpene glycosides from calendula showed marked anti-inflammatory effects on mice. In addition, some of the glycosides worked to kill colon cancer, leukemia, and melanoma cells.
Usage and Considerations
According to Drugs.com, a commercial 2 percent to 5 percent calendula flower extract may be used topically. You can also steep 1 tbsp of dried calendula flowers in 16 oz of hot water for 15 minutes and soak a clean cloth in the strained, cooled liquid to make compresses. Allergic reactions to calendula have been reported; Phaneuf notes that allergies to chrysanthemum or daisies make an allergic reaction to calendula more likely. Calendula hasn't been well studied in pregnancy; avoid it if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Consult your doctor before using calendula.
References
- Drugs.com: Complete Calendula Information
- Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health: Calendula
- "Journal of Natural Products"; Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Tumur-Promoting, And Cytotoxic Activities Of Constituents Of Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) Flowers; M. Ukiya, et al.; December 2006
- "Journal of Clinical Oncology"; Phase III Randomized Trial of Calendula Officinalis Compared With Trolamine For the Prevention of Acute Dermatitis During Irradiation For Breast Cancer; P. Pommier, et al.; April 2004
- Dr. Holly; Ask Me How It Works; Holly Phaneuf, PhD.; 2011
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne Statistics and Facts
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