Calendula officinalis L.

Abstract: Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) in the process of rediscovering natural healing forces has gained importance. Increasing significance is contributed to calendula ointments, which have been used traditionally for a long time. The range of the calendula constituents is characterized by a high level of terpenoids e.g. saponosides in the form of oleanolglycosides and triterpene alcohols. The triterpenediol-3-monoesters consist for 85 % of faradiolesters. The colour of the flowers depends on their content of carotinoids. Orange flowers contain carotins, expecially lycopin, while the yellow varieties predominately contain xanthophylls. Characteristic calendula-flavonoids are the isorhamnetin glycosides. Contrary to other asteraceae marigold contains no sesquiterpene lactons. Also remarkable is the fat oil of the seeds which predominately consists of the conjugated trienoic acid calendula acid. Calendula preparations are mainly used for the treatments of wounds and for cosmetical purposes. The antiinflammatory principle can be isolated by lipophilic extraction, e.g. by extraction with hypercritical carbondioxide and used as ingredient of creams and ointments.

Keyword(s): Calendula officinalis

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Calendula officinalis L. - Marigold