View source for Calendula

{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae}}
{{About|a genus of plants|a genus of larks formerly named ''Calendula''|Galerida}}{{For|other plants also known as marigolds|Marigold (disambiguation)#Plants}}
{{Automatic taxobox
|image=Calendula January 2008-1 filtered.jpg
|image_caption=[[Calendula arvensis|field marigold]] (''Calendula arvensis'')
|display_parents=2
|taxon=Calendula
|authority=[[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
|subdivision_ranks=Species
|subdivision=See text
|synonyms = 
*''Calendella'' {{small|Kuntze (1898), nom. superfl.}}
*''Caltha'' {{small|Mill. (1754), nom. illeg.}}
|synonyms_ref = <ref name = powo>[https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30120329-2 ''Calendula'' L.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303212838/https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30120329-2 |date=2024-03-03 }} ''[[Plants of the World Online]]''. Retrieved 29 September 2023.</ref>
}}

'''''Calendula''''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|l|ɛ|n|dj|uː|l|ə}})<ref>''Sunset Western Garden Book,'' 1995:606–607</ref> is a genus of about 15–20 species<ref name=china>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=105062 ''Calendula''.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104017/http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=105062 |date=2015-04-02 }} Flora of China.</ref> of [[Annual plant|annual]] and [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herbaceous]] plants in the daisy [[family (biology)|family]], [[Asteraceae]] that are often known as '''marigolds'''.<ref name=Stace>{{cite book |last=Stace |first=C. A.|author-link=Stace, C. A. |year=2010 |title=New Flora of the British Isles |edition=Third |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=9780521707725}}</ref>{{rp|771}} They are native to Europe, North Africa, [[Macaronesia]], [[West Asia]] and [[Western Himalayas]] and have their center of diversity in the [[Mediterranean Region]].<ref>{{cite web |title=''Calendula'' L. |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30120329-2 |website=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=10 November 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Other plants known as marigolds include [[Glebionis segetum|corn marigold]], [[Baileya (plant)|desert marigold]], [[Caltha palustris|marsh marigold]], and plants of the genus ''[[Tagetes]]''.

The genus name ''Calendula'' is a modern Latin diminutive of ''calendae'', meaning "little calendar", "little clock" or possibly "little weather-glass".<ref name=SOED>{{cite book |title=Shorter Oxford English Dictionary |edition=6th |year=2007 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=United Kingdom |isbn=978-0199206872 |pages=3804}}</ref> The common name "marigold", a contraction of "Mary's gold"<ref name=SOED /> used especially for ''[[Calendula officinalis]]'', refers to the [[Virgin Mary]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/m/marigolds-marys-gold.php |title=Marigolds: Mary's Gold |last=Samaha |first=John M. |website=All About Mary |publisher=[[University of Dayton]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419130406/https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/m/marigolds-marys-gold.php |archive-date=April 19, 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''C.{{nbsp}}officinalis'' is the most commonly cultivated and used species, popular herbal and cosmetic products named "Calendula" invariably derive from it.

==Uses==

===History===
''Calendula'' was not a major medicinal herb but it was used in historic times for headaches, red eye, fever and toothaches. As late as the 17th century [[Nicholas Culpeper]] claimed ''Calendula'' benefited the heart, but it was not considered an especially efficacious medicine.<ref name=rodale>[https://books.google.com/books/about/Rodale_s_Illustrated_Encyclopedia_of_Her.html?id=htGD3Y7WNxwC Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs]</ref>

In historic times ''Calendula'' was more often used for magical purposes than medicinal ones. One 16th-century potion containing ''Calendula'' claimed to reveal [[fairies]]. An unmarried woman with two suitors would take a blend of powdered ''Calendula'', [[marjoram]], [[Artemisia (genus)|wormwood]] and [[thyme]] simmered in honey and white wine used as an ointment in a ritual to reveal her true match.<ref name=rodale/>

[[Ancient Rome|Ancient Romans]] and [[Ancient Greece|Greeks]] used the golden ''Calendula'' in many rituals and ceremonies, sometimes wearing crowns or garlands made from the flowers. One of its nicknames is "Mary's Gold", referring to the flowers' use in early Christian events in some countries. ''Calendula'' flowers are sacred flowers in India and have been used to decorate the statues of [[Hindu deities]] since early times.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Doctor |first1=Vikram |title=Marigold: The Mexican flower that has become a part of Indian festivals |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/onmyplate/marigold-the-mexican-flower-that-has-become-a-part-of-indian-festivals/ |website=Economic Times Blog |access-date=2 April 2020 |date=20 October 2017 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501025623/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/onmyplate/marigold-the-mexican-flower-that-has-become-a-part-of-indian-festivals/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The most common use in historic times was culinary, however, and the plant was used for both its color and its flavor. They were used for [[dumplings]], [[wine]], [[oatmeal]] and [[puddings]]. In [[English cuisine]] ''Calendula'' were often cooked in the same pot with spinach, or used to flavor stewed birds. According to sixteenth-century Englishman [[John Gerard]], every proper soup of [[Dutch cuisine]] in his era would include ''Calendula'' petals.<ref name=rodale/>

===Culinary===
Also known as "poor man's saffron,"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-03 |title=Calendula Uses (Poor Man's Saffron) - Soothing Spices |url=https://soothingspices.com/calendula-uses-poor-mans-saffron/|access-date=2022-04-26 |language=en-US}}</ref> the petals are edible and can be used fresh in salads or dried and used to color cheese or as a substitute for [[saffron]].<ref name=spotlight>[http://www.complete-herbal.com/details/marigold.html Spotlight on Marigold.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518212908/http://www.complete-herbal.com/details/marigold.html |date=2011-05-18 }} The Complete Herbal - Herbs and Herbal Remedies.</ref> Calendulas have a mildly sweet taste that is slightly bitter, and as it dries these flavors become more intense. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Calendula Flowers |url=https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Calendula_Flowers_1511.php |access-date=2022-04-26 |website=specialtyproduce.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019221536/https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Calendula_Flowers_1511.php |url-status=live }}</ref> It can be used to add color to soups, stews, poultry dishes, [[custard]]s and liquors.<ref name=rodale/>

The common name for ''Calendula officinalis'' in [[United Kingdom|Britain]] is 'pot-marigold,' named so because of its use in [[Broth|broths]] and [[Soup|soups]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=MACHT |first=DAVID I. |title=Calendula or Marigold in Medical History and in Shakespeare |date=1955 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/44446726 |journal=Bulletin of the History of Medicine |volume=29 |issue=6 |pages=491–502 |jstor=44446726 |pmid=13276712 |issn=0007-5140}}</ref>

===Dyes===
[[Dye]] can be extracted from the flower and produce shades of honey, gold, orange, light brown, and vibrant yellow.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Chris |title=Homemade Calendula Dye |url=https://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/crafting/homemade-calendula-dye-ze0z1801zmos|access-date=2021-03-03 |website=Mother Earth News |date=July 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

==Chemistry==
The flowers of ''C. officinalis'' contain [[flavonol]] [[glycoside]]s, [[terpene|triterpene]] [[oligoglycoside]]s, [[oleanane]]-type triterpene glycosides, [[saponins]], and a [[sesquiterpene]] [[glucoside]].<ref>Ukiya, M., et al. (2006). Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor-promoting, and cytotoxic activities of constituents of pot marigold (''Calendula officinalis'') flowers. ''J Nat Prod''. 69 1692-96.</ref><ref>Yoshikawa, M., et al. (2001). Medicinal flowers. III. Marigold.(1): hypoglycemic, gastric emptying inhibitory, and gastroprotective principles and new oleanane-type triterpene oligolycosides, calendasaponins A, B, C, and D, from Egyptian ''Calendula officinalis''. ''Chem Pharm Bull''. 49 863-70.</ref>

==Pharmacological effects==
''Calendula officinalis'' oil is still used medicinally as an [[anti-inflammatory]] and a remedy for healing wounds.<ref name=okoh>Okoh, O. O., et al. (2008). [http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/viewFile/58699/47025 The effects of drying on the chemical components of essential oils of ''Calendula officinalis'' L.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185816/http://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/viewFile/58699/47025 |date=2013-10-29 }} ''African Journal of Biotechnology'' 7(10) 1500-02.</ref> ''Calendula'' ointments are skin products available for use on minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation;<ref name=NCI>[http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=446562 Calendula ointment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419000907/http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=446562 |date=2015-04-19 }} entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms</ref> though evidence of their effectiveness is weak.<ref name=NCI/><ref>{{cite journal |title=''Calendula officinalis'' and Wound Healing: A Systematic Review |author=Matthew J. Leach |date=2008 |volume=20 |issue=8 |journal=Wounds |url=https://www.woundsresearch.com/article/9064 |access-date=2019-03-19 |archive-date=2019-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404195546/https://www.woundsresearch.com/article/9064 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Plant pharmacological studies have suggested that ''Calendula'' extracts have antiviral, [[genotoxic|antigenotoxic]], and anti-inflammatory properties ''[[in vitro]]''.<ref name=jim>Jimenez-Medina, E., et al. (2006). A new extract of the plant ''Calendula officinalis'' produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation. ''BMC Cancer''. 6:6.</ref> In [[herbalism]], ''Calendula'' in suspension or in tincture is used topically for treating [[Acne vulgaris|acne]], reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and soothing irritated tissue.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Results of the clinical examination of an ointment with marigold (''Calendula officinalis'') extract in the treatment of venous leg ulcers |journal=Int J Tissue React |volume=27 |issue=3 |pages=101–6 |year=2005 |pmid=16372475 |last1=Duran |first1=V |last2=Matic |first2=M |last3=Jovanovć |first3=M |last4=Mimica |first4=N |last5=Gajinov |first5=Z |last6=Poljacki |first6=M |last7=Boza |first7=P}}</ref><ref name=pom>Pommier, P., et al. (2004). [http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/22/8/1447.full.pdf Phase III randomized trial of ''Calendula officinalis'' compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726045530/http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/22/8/1447.full.pdf |date=2015-07-26 }} ''J Clin Oncol.'' 22(8) 1447-53.</ref>
Limited evidence indicates ''Calendula'' cream or ointment is effective in treating [[radiation dermatitis]].<ref>McQuestion, M. (2006). Evidence-based skin care management in radiation therapy. ''Semin Oncol Nurs''. 22 163-73.</ref><ref>Bolderston, A., et al. (2006). The prevention and management of acute skin reactions related to radiation therapy: a systematic review and practice guideline. ''Support Care Cancer''. 14 802-17</ref> Topical application of ''C. officinalis'' ointment has helped to prevent dermatitis and pain; thus reducing the incidence rate of skipped radiation treatments in [[randomized trial]]s.<ref name=pom/>

''Calendula'' has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.<ref name="Bashir S 2006">Bashir S, Janbaz KH, Jabeen Q et al. (2006). Studies on spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of ''Calendula officinalis'' flowers. ''Phytother Res''. '''20''':906-910.</ref> In experiments with rabbit [[jejunum]], the aqueous-ethanol extract of ''C. officinalis'' flowers was shown to have both spasmolytic and spasmogenic effects, thus providing a scientific rationale for this traditional use.<ref name="Bashir S 2006"/> An aqueous extract of ''C. officinalis'' obtained by a novel extraction method has demonstrated antitumor (cytotoxic) activity and immunomodulatory properties (lymphocyte activation) ''in vitro'', as well as antitumor activity in mice.<ref name=jim/>

''Calendula'' plants are known to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals,<ref name=MSKCC>{{cite web |url=http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/calendula |title=About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products: Calendula |date=19 June 2023 |publisher=[[Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center]] |access-date=25 February 2012 |archive-date=4 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404010733/http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/calendula |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pmid=11722485 |year=2001 |last1=Reider |first1=N |last2=Komericki |first2=P |last3=Hausen |first3=BM |last4=Fritsch |first4=P |last5=Aberer |first5=W |title=The seamy side of natural medicines: Contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (''Calendula officinalis''L.) |volume=45 |issue=5 |pages=269–72 |journal=Contact Dermatitis |doi=10.1034/j.1600-0536.2001.450503.x |s2cid=38613828}}</ref> and should be avoided during pregnancy.<ref name=MSKCC/>

==Diversity==
[[File:Calendula officinalis 01.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Flower of ''Calendula officinalis'']]
[[File:Calendula-arvensis-by-Zachi-Evenor-IZE11717.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Group of flowers of ''[[Calendula arvensis]]''.]]
Species include:<ref>{{cite web |editor=Flann, Christina |title=Search ''Calendula'' |url=https://www.compositae.org/aphia.php?p=search |work=Global Compositae Database (GCD) |access-date=31 March 2011 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924081936/https://compositae.org/aphia.php?p=search |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*''[[Calendula arvensis]]'' <small>(Vaill.) L.</small> – field marigold, wild marigold
*''[[Calendula denticulata]]'' <small>Schousb. ex Willd.</small>
*''[[Calendula eckerleinii]]'' <small>Ohle</small>
*''[[Calendula incana]]'' <small>Willd.</small>
**''Calendula incana'' subsp. ''algarbiensis'' <small>(Boiss.) Ohle</small>
**''Calendula incana'' subsp. ''maderensis'' <small>(DC.) Ohle</small> – Madeiran marigold
**[[Calendula maritima|''Calendula incana'' subsp. ''maritima'']] <small>(Guss.) Ohle</small> – sea marigold
**''Calendula incana'' subsp. ''microphylla'' <small>(Lange) Ohle</small>
*''[[Calendula lanzae]]'' <small>Maire</small>
*''[[Calendula maritima]]'' <small>Guss.</small> - sea marigold
*''[[Calendula maroccana]]'' <small>(Ball) Ball</small>
**''Calendula maroccana'' subsp. ''maroccana''
**''Calendula maroccana'' subsp. ''murbeckii'' <small>(Lanza) Ohle</small>
*''[[Calendula meuselii]]'' <small>Ohle</small>
*''[[Calendula officinalis]]'' <small>L.</small> – pot marigold, garden marigold, ruddles, Scottish marigold
*''[[Calendula palaestina]]'' <small>Boiss.</small>
*''[[Calendula stellata]]'' <small>Cav.</small>
*''[[Calendula suffruticosa]]'' <small>Vahl</small>
**''Calendula suffruticosa'' subsp. ''balansae'' <small>(Boiss. & Reut.) Ohle</small>
**''Calendula suffruticosa'' subsp. ''boissieri'' <small>Lanza </small>
**''Calendula suffruticosa'' subsp. ''fulgida'' <small>(Raf.) Guadagno </small>
**''Calendula suffruticosa'' subsp. ''lusitanica'' <small>(Boiss.) Ohle</small>
**[[Calendula maritima|''Calendula suffruticosa'' subsp. ''maritima'']] <small>(Guss.) Meikle</small>
**''Calendula suffruticosa'' subsp. ''monardii'' <small>(Boiss. & Reut.) Ohle</small>
**''Calendula suffruticosa'' subsp. ''tomentosa'' <small>Murb.</small>
*''[[Calendula tripterocarpa]]'' <small>Rupr.</small>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Calendula arvensis blossom.jpg|''[[Calendula arvensis]]''
File:Calendula suffruticosa 0037.jpg|''[[Calendula suffruticosa]]'' subsp. ''fulgida''
Image:Illustration Calendula officinalis0.jpg|''Calendula officinalis'' from ''Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz'', by Thomé, 1885
Image:Calendula officinalis and sky.jpg|''Calendula officinalis''
File:Calendula maritima 0030.jpg|The endangered ''[[Calendula maritima]]''
File:Calendulaarvensis.jpg|''Calendula arvensis'' seeds
Calendula Field Marigold Calendula arvensis.jpg|''[[Calendula arvensis]]'' in full bloom
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Calendula&SPECIES_XREF=&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK=species Flora Europaea: ''Calendula'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/19990501235849/http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genform.pl Germplasm Resources Information Network: ''Calendula'']
*[http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/marigo16.html Botanical.com: ''Calendula'']

{{Taxonbar|from=Q147281}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Calendula| ]]
[[Category:Asteraceae genera]]
[[Category:Garden plants]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Botanical taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]