Vinay Kumar Singh.
Head-Formulation
Kumar Organic Products Research Centre Pvt. Ltd.,
Bengaluru
Email : formulation_krc@kopresearchcentre.net
You must have seen brightly orange-coloured marigolds in flower or vegetable gardens many times before, but did you know that certain species of marigold flowers actually have many impressive health & Cosmetics benefits as well?
Marigold, genus of about 50 species of annual herbs of the aster family (Asteraceae), native to southwestern North America, tropical America, and South America. The name marigold also refers to the pot marigold (genus Calendula). Where the marigold originally came from can not be said with certainty today. However, the botanical structure and numerous studies suggest an origin in the Mediterranean region. It is believed that Crusaders brought the plant to Europe towards the end of the 11th century. Economically important cultivation areas of the calendula can be found today in Egypt and Hungary.
Marigold flowers are found almost everywhere in the world. These flowers grow easily, blossom reliably, and have fewer insect and disease problems.
The plant is popular as a house and garden ornamental throughout most temperate countries. Flowers are used as a source of yellow fabric dye known as ‘egandai’ or ‘gendia’. In Mexico, Central America, India and Nepal, the flowers are often used in ceremonies and religious rituals for decoration and for making garlands. In Mexico and Central America the flowers are used to decorate the altars in the celebration of All Saints Day. In Nepal and India, flowers are often sold in local markets and used as an offering to the Gods.
Marigolds are used in garlands and decoration for weddings, festivals, and religious events.
One of the most common ornamentals is the Aztec, or Mexican, marigold (Tagetes erecta).
The common name in English, marigold, is derived from Mary's gold.
Members of the genus Tagetes have attractive yellow, orange, or red composite flowers that are solitary on the stems or clustered. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem and are usually finely cut. Characteristic bracts (leaflike structures) form a cup-shaped base below each flower head. Tagetes species vary in size from 0.1 to 2.2 m tall. Most species have pinnate green leaves. Floral heads are typically (1-) to 4–6 cm diameter, generally with both ray florets and disc florets. They have fibrous roots.
Its dense heads of orange or yellow flowers are popularly planted in garden borders or as companion plants to deter pests in vegetable gardens. Tagetes species, notably T. patula, are hence often used in companion planting for tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, tobacco, and potato. Due to antibacterial thiophenes exuded by the roots, Tagetes should not be planted near any legume crop. Some of the perennial species are deer, rabbit, rodent and javelina or peccary resistant.
It usually bloom during the warmer months of the year (from about May through October in the Northern Hemisphere).
Another popular ornamental is the French marigold, which is usually listed as a variety of T. erecta or sometimes as its own species, T. patula. Several other species are grown as garden plants, and most have strong-scented Depending on the species, Tagetes species grow well in almost any sort of soil. Most horticultural selections grow best in soil with good drainage, and some cultivars are known to have good tolerance to drought.
T. minuta (khakibush or huacatay), originally from South America, has been used as a source of essential oil for the perfume and industry known as tagette or "marigold oil", and as a flavourant in the food and tobacco industries. Research also showed than essential oils extracted from Marigold are an effective insecticide against bed bugs.
The florets of Tagetes erecta are rich in the orange-yellow carotenoid lutein and are used as a food colour (INS number E161b) in the European Union for foods such as pasta, vegetable oil, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, citrus juice and mustard. In the United States, however, the powders and extracts are only approved as colorants in poultry feed.
Marigolds are recorded as a food plant for some Lepidoptera caterpillars including the dot moth, and a nectar source for other butterflies and bumblebees. They are often part of butterfly gardening plantings. In the wild, many species are pollinated by beetles.
A particular species of marigold flower, Calendula officinalis (commonly just called calendula or “pot marigold”), is used to make healing herbal ointments, teas, tinctures and topical treatments that have been in existence for almost 1,000 years. Many households have marigold products as a typical home remedy in stock.
Marigolds of the Calendula genus are utilized for their many anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antifungal compounds. In fact, according to a report published in Pharmacognosy Review, more than 200 different commercial and medical formulations now contain concentrated calendula marigold extract.
Benefits and uses for Calendula officinalis marigolds include treating conditions, such as rashes, allergies, eczema and dermatitis; pain, swelling and redness caused from muscle cramps, muscular injuries or sprains; eye inflammation and itchiness caused by conjunctivitis; and fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, candida, ear infections and ringworm.
Botanical research shows that calendula marigolds contain many active constituents, including various antioxidants and volatile oils. These are responsible for the flowers’ bright colour and strong smell; attract useful insects and at the same time ability to repel certain fungi, pests and insects; and also its capability of improving blood flow and controlling inflammation infections and ringworm.
Some of the active ingredients found in marigolds (calendula) that give it these capabilities include:
• Plant sterols known as calendulin
• Calendic acid
• Polysaccharides
• Linoleic acid
• Carotenoids
• Flavonoids
• Triterpenes saponins, such as triterpenoid
• Tocopherols
• Oleanolic acid glycosides
Use of Marigold
Marigold in the kitchen
The marigold is mainly used in the kitchen for salads. The taste of the leaves can be described as savory to spicy, the bitter character of the edible marigold leaves is more pronounced on older leaves. Also the petals are edible. Freshly picked, they give a decorative eye-catcher to green wild herb salads, for example with dandelion and sorrel. Since the flowers have little taste, they are sometimes used for coloring food. Already in antiquity, the golden yellow plant color was used as a substitute for saffron, e.g. to color rice.
Even at Easter, the marigold enjoys increasing popularity. As an alternative to artificial colors, Easter eggs can be dyed orange with the marigold juice.
Marigold as a medicinal herb
The marigold is probably one of the best known medicinal herbs. Today, the plant is mainly used in the treatment of wounds and various joint complaints. But the marigold is not only useful for external ailments, but also for many internal ones.
The healing abilities of the plant have been known for a long time, even if it has been used and appreciated differently. Hildegard von Bingen, for example, used the marigold to treat stomach and intestinal complaints, although the plant was not necessarily considered the ultimate for it. While in the herbal books of the late Middle Ages and early modern times, the marigold was used as a sweat-inducing plant and for the relief of eye and tooth discomfort. Powdered marigold flowers were recommended for toothache. Marigolds inlaid in alcohol, on the other hand, have been used to treat reddened eyes.
The marigold is usually used today in the form of ointments, wraps, teas, butter, compresses and homeopathic remedies. Marigold ointment is used primarily for the treatment of wounds of all kinds as well as joint injuries, abscesses, bruises and ulcers. Therefor the ointment is applied evenly to the affected area and gently rubbed. Compresses and envelopes can be used for the same complaints.
Marigold tea is occasionally drunk for internal discomfort. Often also mixtures of calendula with yarrow and stinging nettle are known, which are drunk especially for the stimulation of bile, liver and kidney.
Marigold extracts as well as hydrolates of the plant are today predominantly used in cosmetic products such as e.g. face lotion. The main application area here is the prevention of dry and stressed skin.
Homeopathic remedies such as globulis are mostly used for skin problems such as acne, eczema or rashes, as well as ulcers and to stimulate wound healing. Used here are mainly the potencies C4 (skin problems) to D6 (ulcers).
Marigold therapy has been used for over 30 years in the United Kingdom and has been evaluated by numerous randomized double-blind placebo-controlled studies for various skin issues on the lower extremity. Various species of marigold are naturally anti-viral, keratolytic, and anti-inflammatory when applied topically to the affected area. Marigold therapy offers a non-invasive and gentle treatment for difficult to treat plantar verruca, painful hyperkeratotic lesions, and inflamed bursa secondary to hallux abducto valgus.
Marigold therapy was first described in the podiatric literature as a treatment for plantar hyperkeratotic lesions in 1980. The Tagetes species of marigold has been found to be strongly keratolytic. The keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of Tagetes in the treatment of verrucae and hyperkeratotic lesions have been well documented in the literature. Tagetes has also been described as a treatment for carbuncles and eye infection in India as well as for joint pain and muscular spasms in Brazil and Mexico. In addition to being a treatment for verruca, this species has also been used in the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis as well as radiation dermatitis associated with breast cancer therapy.
In contrast, the English pot Marigold (Calendula species) has been described in the treatment of cuts, wounds and ulcerations as early as 1838. More recently, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant properties of Calendula species have been established and utilized in researching treatments for various cancers. This species has also been found to have hepatocytoprotective properties in the treatment of CCI4 poisoning as well as anti-microbial properties.16-18 In recent years, investigators outside the United States have studied the properties of the Calendula species in healing diabetic foot ulcerations.
Davidson reported M. Taufiq Khan’s work with the Tagetes species and its ability to inhibit cell activity in the stratum corneum. A chemical analysis of Tagetes isolated tagetone, d-limonene, acimene, linalyl-acetate, linalol 9.8%, and other terpenes. Tagetone acts as a catalyst to inhibit the rapid production and transmission of keratinocytes.
Marigold Flowers Uses
Flowers are mainly used for the all these purposes by the extraction process. Lutein is an oxycarotenoid, or xanthophyll, containing 2 cyclic end groups (one beta and one alpha-ionone ring) and the basic C-40 isoprenoid structure common to all carotenoids. It is one of the major constituents and the main pigment of Tagetes erecta. It has a strongly aromatic essential oil (Tagetes oil), quercetagetin, a glucoside of quercetagetin, phenolics, syringic acid, methyl-3, 5-dihydroxy-4-methoxy benzoate, quercetin, thienyl and ethyl gallate, terpines, and other important phytochemical constituents from the different part of the plant. The leaves are reported to be effective against piles, kidney troubles, muscularpain, ulcers, and wounds. The flower is useful in fevers, epileptic fits (Ayurveda), astringent, carminative, stomachic, scabies and liver complaints and is also employed in diseases of the eyes. It shows different pharmacological activities like Anti-bacterial Activity, Anti-microbial Activity, hepatoprotective activity, Insecticidal activity, Mosquitocidal activity, Nematicidal activity, Wound healing activity, Anti oxidant and Analgesic activity Larvicidal activity ,Sub acute toxicity studies also studies Tagetes species for Nematode Management
Benefits Of Marigold in detail:
1. Homemade Skin Treatment
Ointment can be used to soothe sunburns, warts, bites, acne and ulcerations, in addition to healing wounds, dry skin and blisters.
2. Digestive-Soothing Tea
Tea can be made with marigold flowers to lower symptoms caused by inflammatory bowel diseases/colitis. Marigold tea is also beneficial for treating gastritis, acid reflux and ulcers, as well as reducing stomach or menstrual cramps.
3. Immune-Boosting Formula
Marigold (calendula) drops or extract are sometimes used to manage symptoms of coughs, sore throats or fevers.
4. Eye, Genital Infection Treatment
Salves made with marigold have long been used to treat fungal infections of the genitals, feet, eyes, mouth, and also to lower hemorrhoids, anal tears and candida.
Findings from animal studies show that calendula extract is capable of treating conjunctivitis and other chronic ocular inflammatory conditions.
It not only reduce eye infections, but protect vision by guarding delicate tissues of the eyes from the effects of UV light, deterioration/aging and oxidative damage.
A cold infusion of calendula flowers can help soothe and cool affected eyes. Calendula tea can also be used as an eyewash besides being applied topically.
5. Lowers Inflammation and Free Radical Damage
Research shows that calendula’s dozens of active chemicals make it a natural cytotoxic, hepatoprotective and spasmogenic herb that’s been demonstrated in both animal and human experiments. Extracts taken from the flower have been shown to lower C-reactive protein and cytokine levels and protect cells from being damaged by free radicals, one of the primary causes of aging and cell deterioration. It might even be able to reduce symptoms associated with chemotherapy and cancer treatments.
6. Has Natural Antiseptic Properties
One well-researched use of marigold/calendula extract is applying it in drop form to the inside of the ear canal to help treat bacterial ear infections and decrease pain. It’s been found that calendula drops can lower inner-ear swelling and inflammation within just a couple short days of use, even without the use of antibiotics in some cases.
Due to its antifungal properties, calendula can also be used to treat vaginitis/vaginal infections and jock itch. Applying an ointment or cream containing marigold/calendula, probiotic “good bacteria” like Lactobacillus sporogenes and lactic acid to the affected area of the groin/genitals for four weeks can help decrease symptoms, including pain, itchiness, burning when urinating and dryness.
7. Cancer
Flavonoids present in marigold flowers have been found to exhibit cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory & inhibitory activities against colon cancer, leukemia & melanoma cells.
8. Treats Acne
Calendula or pot marigold fights inflammation linked to acne and its antimicrobial effect also helps keep the skin clear. Research has found that Calendula officinalis can help treat acne vulgaris effectively and safely, with none of the side effects normally associated with treatments using antibiotics and other drugs. Apply calendula cream on the affected skin and spots to aid healing and to prevent further breakouts on the inflamed skin.
9. Fights A Fever
Ayurveda uses calendula to treat fevers. While further research is needed, the National Center for Homeopathy also endorses its ability to ease fever symptoms such as shivering, sensitivity to open air, feverish chill in extremities, among other things.
10. Stops Bleeding In Gums
Calendula extract in toothpaste or applied topically can help stop bleeding gums. In one study of patients with gingivitis, those using the calendula extract toothpaste saw an improvement in their condition. In just four weeks, plaque formation reduced, gingival index (a measure of the severity of the problem) went down, and there was a drop in bleeding on probing.
11. Tackles Fungal Infections
The essential oil of marigold has antifungal properties against a wide range of fungi, including different strains of candida. In one test, marigold oil was found to be effective in inhibiting 23 clinical fungi strains. Researchers suggested that the oil of the Calendula officinalis flower could be potentially beneficial for treating yeast or fungal infections caused by pathogenic fungi. A separate study found its antimicrobial and antifungal impact comparable to Fluconazole, a standard antibiotic.
Depending on where the fungal infection is, you can apply a calendula tincture blended with ointments or creams. Drinking calendula tea made from the flower petals should also help.
12. Aids Wound Healing And Repairs Tissue
The wound-healing properties of the Calendula officinalis flower extract are well known. Animal studies back this up – in one study, test subjects with excision wounds treated with the flower extract showed 90 percent wound closure in about eight days, compared to just 51 percent closure in the control group. Calendula is able to help boost blood flow to the applied area, aside from stimulating collagen production and the growth of new tissue. This makes it invaluable in skin repair or wound healing.
13. Treats Dermatitis, Burns, and Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Extracts of calendula applied topically can treat skin problems ranging from dermatitis to bruises and skin inflammation. Studies have also found that creams that incorporate marigold extract can help treat and protect against irritant contact dermatitis.
Marigold since ages have been used to treat irritated skin problems like burns, wounds and rashes. When applied on the skin, it reduces inflammation, redness, sensitivity, dryness & swelling. Topical use of pot marigold is also known to help heal first degree burns as well as sunburn and is prescribed in homeopathy for this purpose.
14. Stops Hemorrhoid Bleeding
Calendula officinalis can also help stem the extreme bleeding associated with hemorrhoids. Applying the treatment topically can help blood vessels constrict, which in turn stops the bleeding. An ointment or calendula tincture mixed with a cream base can be used for topical application. It is also used for treating varicose veins and foot ulcers.
15. Eases Cramps And Digestive Problems
Stomach cramps and menstrual pain can be quite painful to deal with. Having marigold tea made from the flower petals steeped in water can help. Research has demonstrated the antispasmodic effects of calendula and its benefits for those suffering from abdominal cramps as well as problems like constipation.
It can also help with digestive trouble due to its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good remedy for inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis. In one animal study, the remedy was given administered both orally and intracolonically. Test subjects showed improvement after this treatment, leading researchers to suggest it could be due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of calendula. More extensive studies will help back up this.
16. Treats Ear Pain
Calendula extract can help treat ear pain due to acute otitis media. A naturopathic remedy, this has been used in tests for children with ear problems aged between 6 and 18 years. The ear drop formulation proved to be comparable to anaesthetic ear drops in reducing pain.
Marigold is one such flower that works just wonders on your skin and hair. It is used in different areas like cosmetic preparation, medicines as well as it is most widely used as ornamentals.
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