calendula

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: calendula, also known as marigold, has various pharmacological actions ,including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-oxidant properties. It is also known to promote wound healing and soothe skin irritation. 

Spectrum: calendula has a broad spectrum of actions, making it a versatile herbal drug. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the body, making it beneficial for conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and minor skin irritations.

Its anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties can help combat various microbial infections, making it beneficial for skin, fungal, and viral infections. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Allergic reactions 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

Allergic Reactions: calendula may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. This may manifest as skin rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.   

Drug Interactions: calendula may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners) and antiplatelet drugs.   

Quality and Contamination: The quality and purity of herbal products, including calendula, can vary widely among manufacturers.   

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of calendula during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well-established.  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:   

Allergy or hypersensitivity: calendula is a member of the daisy family , and some individuals may be allergic or hypersensitive to it You should avoid using calendula. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using calendula during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established. Calendula may have uterine-stimulating effects, and there is limited evidence of its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s best to consult a qualified healthcare professional before using calendula if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  

Surgery: calendula may have blood-thinning effects. It is recommended to discontinue its use at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery to prevent the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery.  

Interactions with medications: calendula may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants (blood thinners), antiplatelet drugs, and sedatives. calendula may enhance the effects of these medications, leading to an increased risk of bleeding or sedation  

Open wounds or broken skin: calendula is often used topically in the form of creams, ointments, or oils for its skin-soothing properties. However, it should not be applied to open wounds or broken skin, as it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

 calendula contains a various biologically active compounds, including flavonoids, triterpene saponins, carotenoids, and essential oils. These compounds contribute to their pharmacological properties. calendula has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects, which make it useful in various medicinal applications. 

Pharmacodynamics Mechanism: 

The pharmacodynamics mechanism of calendula involves its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities, which collectively contribute to its therapeutic effects.  

Mechanism of Action:  

The main active constituents in calendula, including flavonoids, triterpene saponins, and essential oils, are believed to work synergistically to exert its pharmacological effects. These compounds interact with various cellular receptors, enzymes, and signaling pathways, leading to its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption: calendula is available in various forms, such as infusions, extracts, creams, and ointments, which can be applied topically or taken orally. When applied topically, calendula is primarily absorbed through the skin. When taken orally, calendula is typically absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.   

Distribution: Once absorbed, the active constituents of calendula are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. calendula’s active constituents, such as flavonoids, triterpenoids, and essential oils, are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which may exert their effects locally at the application site or systemically throughout the body.  

Metabolism: calendula is known to undergo metabolism in the liver, where its active constituents may be biotransformed into various metabolites.  

Excretion: Calendula and its metabolites are eliminated from the body primarily via feces and urine. The elimination half-life of calendula may vary depending on the formulation, dose, and individual factors.

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Oral Administration: calendula can be taken orally , including capsules, teas, tinctures, or infusions. Generally, a typical dosage for calendula capsules is 500-1000 mg taken 2-3 times a day with meals. calendula tea or infusion can be made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes, and then straining the liquid before consumption. Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of calendula that are usually taken in drops, and the dosage can vary depending on the concentration of the tincture.  

Topical Administration: calendula is commonly used topically in the form of creams, lotions, oils, or ointments for various skin conditions. It can be applied directly to the affected area after cleaning and drying the skin. calendula creams or lotions can be gently massaged into the skin in circular motions until absorbed.  

Compresses and Poultices: calendula can also be used to make compresses or poultices for external use. To make a compress, soak a clean cloth or cotton ball in a calendula infusion or tincture, and then apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes.   

Other Administration Methods: calendula can also be used in other ways, such as in baths or as a gargle for mouth or throat infections.  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: calendula 

Why do we use calendula?  

Medicinal purposes: calendula has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for its potential medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, and has been used topically to soothe skin irritations, minor cuts, burns, and insect bites. calendula extracts are also used in some skincare products, creams, and ointments for their potential benefits on the skin.  

Cosmetics: calendula is a common ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products due to its potential benefits for the skin. It is often used in creams, lotions, soaps, and shampoos for its soothing and moisturizing properties. 

Herbal remedies: calendula is used in some herbal remedies, such as teas, tinctures, and extracts, for its potential medicinal properties, and may be used to support overall health and well-being.