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Pharmacognosy Reviews | July-December 2013 | Vol 7 | Issue 14 179
PHCOG REV.
A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological
aspects of genus Calendula
Disha Arora, Anita Rani1, Anupam Sharma
University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 1L. R. Institute of Pharmacy, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
Submitted: 06-05-2013 Revised: 10-05-2013 Published: **-**-****
PLANT REVIEW
Address for correspondence:
Prof. Anupam Sharma, University Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh - 160 014, India.
E-mail: ans1959@rediffmail.com
This review includes 84 references on the genus Calendula (Asteraceae) and comprises ethnopharmacology, morphology
and microscopy, phytoconstituents, pharmacological reports, clinical studies and toxicology of the prominent species
of Calendula. Triterpene alcohols, triterpene saponins, avonoids, carotenoids and polysaccharides constitute major
classes of phytoconstituents of the genus. A few species of this genus have medicinal value, among these Calendula
ofcinalis Linn., has been traditionally used in the treatment of various skin tumors, dermatological lesions, ulcers,
swellings and nervous disorders as well as almost 200 cosmetic formulations, i.e., creams, lotions, shampoos. Despite
a long tradition of use of some species, the genus has not been explored properly. In the concluding part, the future
scope of Calendula species has been emphasized with a view to establish their multifarious biological activities and
mode of action.
Key words: Calendula, carotenoids, avonoids, triterpene alcohols
INTRODUCTION
This review emphasizes the traditional uses and clinical
potential of Calendula species. The review is intended
to attract the attention of natural product researchers
throughout the world to focus on the unexplored potential
of the Calendula species. This genus needs to be investigated
systematically so that potential species can be exploited as
therapeutic agents.
The review has been compiled using references from
major databases such as Chemical Abstracts, Medicinal
and Aromatic Plant Abstracts, PubMed, King’s American
Dispensatory, Henriette’s Herbal Homepage, Duke’s
Phytochemical and Ethnobotany. The available
information on Calendula has been divided into six sections,
i.e., ethnopharmacology, morphology and microscopy,
phytoconstituents, pharmacological reports, clinical studies
and toxicology.
THE GENUS CALENDULA
The genus Calendula (Asteraceae) includes approximately
25 herbaceous annual or perennial species, most common
being Calendula ofcinalis Linn., Calendula arvensis Linn.,
Calendula suffruticosa Vahl., Calendula stellata Cav.,
Calendula alata Rech., Calendula tripterocarpa Rupr.[1] The
genus is native to the Mediterranean countries.[2]
Ethnopharmacology
Traditional uses
C. alata Rech.f., aerial parts are used for the treatment of
kidney stones and gall stones.[3]
C. arvensis Linn. (Field marigold) has been used as
disinfectant, antispasmodic and diuretic.[4] In Italian folk
medicine,theplantisusedasanti‑inammatory,anticancer
and antipyretic agent.[5] In Spain, the leaves are considered
sudoric.Traditionally,itisusedasanemmenagogue,
diaphoretic and sedative.[6] It is known to have wound
healing properties and crushed leaves are topically applied
on wounds.[7]Thedecoctionoftheowerheadshasbeen
used for treating burns.[8]
C. ofcinalis Linn. (Pot marigold) has been traditionally
ABSTRACT
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Arora, et al.: A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula
180 Pharmacognosy Reviews | July-December 2013 | Vol 7 | Issue 14
usedinthetreatmentofinammationsofinternalorgans,
gastrointestinal ulcers and dysmenorrhea and as a diuretic and
diaphoreticinconvulsions.Itisalsousedforinammations
of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa, wounds and burns.[9]
Calendula is a cleansing and detoxifying herb and the infusion
treat chronic infections.[10]Thedriedowerheadshave
been used for their antipyretic, anti-tumor and cicatrizing
effects.[11]Topicalapplicationofinfusionofowersisusedas
antifungal and antiseptic in wounds, marks, freckles, sprain
and conjunctivitis.[12] Calendula tea is used as eyewashes,
gargles,diaperrashesandotherinammatoryconditions
of the skin and mucous membranes.[13] Mother tincture of
C. ofcinalis is used in homoeopathy for the treatment of
mental tension and insomnia.[14]
Medicinal properties of C. ofcinalis have been mentioned in
Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine indicating that leaves
andowersareantipyretic,anti‑inammatory,antiepilepticand
antimicrobial.[15] In traditional and homoeopathic medicine,
C. officinalis has been used for poor eyesight, menstrual
irregularities, varicose veins, hemorrhoids and duodenal
ulcers.[16] In the middle ages, Calendulaowerswereusedfor
liver obstructions, snake bites and to strengthen the heart. It
was used in the 18th century as a remedy for headache, jaundice
and red eyes. The plant was employed in the civil war to treat
wounds and as a remedy for measles, smallpox and jaundice.[17]
Decoction and infusion of Calendula persica C.A. Mey aerial
parts are employed for the treatment of kidney stones.[3]
Alternative and complementary medicinal uses
Among the various species of the genus Calendula,
C. ofcinalis is the only one, which is extensively used
clinically throughout the world. The plant is listed in
GermanCommissionE,EuropeanScienticCo‑operative
on Phytotherapy, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, World
Health Organization monographs for wound healing and
anti‑inammatoryactions.[18] C. ofcinalis preparations are
used in various complementary and alternative medicine
systems mainly for burns, cuts, rashes, dermatitis and
varicosis.[19] It is also included as part of treatment for dry
skin, bee stings and foot ulcers.[20] The essential oil of the
plant is used for soothing central nervous system and as a
wound healer.[21]
C. officinalis preparations currently in use include
carophyllenic ointment (containing carotenoids extracted
fromtheowers)andpotmarigoldtincture.Itisone of
the constituents of proprietary homoeopathic medicine
Traumeel®, used for treating the symptoms associated with
acute musculoskeletal injuries including pain and swelling.[22]
Otikon otic solution and naturopathic herbal extract ear
drops solution, ear drop formulations of naturopathic
origin containing Calendulaowers,havebeenreportedto
be effective for the management of otalgia associated with
acute otitis media in children.[23,24]
Morphology and microscopy
C. arvensis Linn. is an annual herb, not generally exceeding
15 cm in height. Leaves lance-shaped; stem slender, hairy;
inorescencesingleowerheadupto4cmwidewithbright
yellowtoyellow‑orangerayoretsaroundacenterofyellow
discorets.[25,26]
C. ofcinalis Linn. [Figure 1] is an annual or biennial plant
attaining height of 30-60 cm. Leaves lower spatulate, 10-20 cm
long and 1-4 cm wide; higher oblong and mucronate, 4-7 cm
long;stemangular,hairyandsolid;owerheadsbright
yellowtoorange;marginalowersincultivatedplants
multi-seriate, corolla oblong spatulate, 15-25 mm long and
3mmwide;corollaofdiscowersrounded, at the top
tridentate, 1.5-2.5 cm long and 4-7 mm in diameter with
5mmlongtubularorets.[27,28]
The powdered C. officinalis is yellowish brown with a
characteristic, aromatic odor and a slightly bitter taste;
comprises fragments of the corolla, anomocytic stomata in
the apical region of outer epidermis, covering and glandular
trichomes, elongated sclerenchymatous cells, pollen grains,
fragments of the walls of the ovaries containing brown
pigment,fragmentsofstigma,fragmentsofthebrouslayer
of the others.[29,30]
C. stellata Cav., is a small, attractive annual growing to a
height of 30 cm or more. Leaves oval or oblong, somewhat
pointed, wavy-toothed;[31] stems scabrous; achenes outer
vewithmembranoustoothedmargins,theveinnerones
“boat-shaped” and smooth on the back, the rest angular and
muricated on the back.[32]
C. suffruticosa Vahl., is a perennial plant reaching a height
between 20 cm and 40 cm. Leaves lance-shaped, slightly
toothed,coveredwithshortstickyhairs;stemyoungonerst
erected,laterbegintohangandspreadtothesoil;owers
bright yellow, each measuring about 2.5 cm in diameter.[31,33]
Figure 1: Calendula ofcinalis L
Arora, et al.: A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula
Pharmacognosy Reviews | July-December 2013 | Vol 7 | Issue 14 181
Figure 2: Chemical structures of some phytoconstituents reported from the genus Calendula
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182 Pharmacognosy Reviews | July-December 2013 | Vol 7 | Issue 14
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Arora, et al.: A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula
Pharmacognosy Reviews | July-December 2013 | Vol 7 | Issue 14 183
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Table 1: Phytoconstituents of different species of Calendula
Species Phytoconstituents
C. ofcinalis Triterpene glycosides: Calendulaglycoside A, calendulaglycoside A 6’-O-methyl ester, calendulaglycoside A
6’-O-n-butyl ester, calendulaglycoside B, calendulaglycoside B 6’-O-n-butyl ester, calendulaglycoside C, calendula
glycoside C 6’-O-methyl ester, calendulaglycoside C 6’-O-n-butyl ester, calendulaglycoside D, calendulaglycoside D2,
calendulaglycoside F, calendulaglycoside F 6’-O-butyl ester, calendulaglycoside G 6’-O-methyl ester, calendasaponins
A-D;[9,11] triterpene alcohols: Free and esteried (with fatty acids) monols, diols and triols of
ψ
-taraxastane-type including
ψ
-taraxasterol, faradiol, heliantriol B0, heliantriol C, taraxastane-type including taraxasterol, arnidiol, heliantriol B1,
lupine-type including lupeol, calenduladiol, heliantriol B2, ursane-type including
α
-amyrin, brein, ursadiol, ursatriol,
oleanane-type including
β
-amyrin, maniladiol, erythrodiol, longispinogenin, heliantriol A1;[34,35] avonoids: Quercetin,
isorhamnetin, kaempferol, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, astragalin, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside,
quercetin 3-O-neohesperidose, quercetin 3-O-2G-rhamno-sylrutinoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin
3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside, iso-rhamnetin 3-O-2G-rhamnosylrutinoside;[11] ionone glucosides:
Ofcinosides A and B; sesquiterpene glycosides: Ofcinosides C and D;[36] carotenoids: Lutein, zeaxanthine,
avoxanthin, auroxanthin, β-carotene, luteoxanthin, violaxanthin,
β
-cryptoxanthin, mutaxanthin;[37] hydroxycoumarins:
Scopoletin, umbelliferone, esculetin; phenolic acids: Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, vanillic acid;[38]
volatile oils: α-cadinol, T-cadinol;[39]
α
-cadinene, limonene, 1,8-cineol;[40] quinones:
α
-tocopherol, phylloquinone;[41] fatty
acids: Calendic acid, dimorphecolic acid;[42] others: Sterols, mucilage, carbohydrates, resin, tannins, amino acids, bitter
principle calendin[43]
C. arvensis Triterpenoid saponins: Arvensoside A and B,[44] arvensoside C,[45] calenduloside C and D,[46] calendulaoside G and H;[43]
sesquiterpene glycosides: Arvoside A and B;[47,48] avonoids: Isoquercitroside, rutoside, narcissoside;[49] volatile oils:
δ
cadinene,
α
-cadinol;[26] fatty acids: Calendic acid,[50] dimorphecolic acid; others: Amino acids,[51] alkaloids,[43] lutein,[52]
phenolic acids, tannins, malic acid, salicylic acid, mucilages[53]
C. persica Fatty acids: Palmitic acid, linoleic acid[54]
C. stellata Fatty acid: Calendic acid;[55] volatile oils: Linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene[2]
Arora, et al.: A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula
184 Pharmacognosy Reviews | July-December 2013 | Vol 7 | Issue 14
Phytoconstituents
Four species of Calendula have been investigated
phytochemically. Table 1 summarizes the phytoconstituents
of different species of Calendula. Figure 2 represents chemical
structures of some phytoconstituents reported from the
genus Calendula.
Pharmacological reports
The available literature reveals that amongst 12-20
species of Calendula, only three species, i.e., C. ofcinalis,
C. arvensis and C. suffruticosa have been evaluated for their
pharmacological activities.
Tincture of C. arvensis was active against Staphylococcus aureus
at concentrations of 10 mg/ml or 25 mg/ml.[56] Sesquiterpene
glycosides from C. arvensis were able to inhibit vesicular
stomatitis virus infection.[57] A saponin containing fraction
from the aerial parts of C. arvensis had hemolytic activity
in vitro andanti‑inammatoryactivityagainstcarrageenan
induced paw edema in rats.[58] Saponins showed antimutagenic
activity against benzo (a) pyrene 1 μg and mutagenic urine
concentrate from a smoker (SU) 5 μL with a dose-response
relationship.[59]
Preparations of C. ofcinalis are mainly applied in the form of
infusions, tinctures and ointments as a wound healing remedy
forinammationsoftheskin,mucousmembranes,forpoorly
healing wounds, bruises, boils and rashes, e.g., pharyngitis and
leg ulcers.[27] In the mixed lymphocyte reaction, 70% ethanol
extract showed stimulatory effects at 0.1-10 μg/ml, followed
by inhibition at higher concentrations.[60] Phagocytosis of
human granulocytes was stimulated by polysaccharides
isolated from aqueous extract of Calendula flowers.[61]
Extracts of Calendulaowersofdifferingpolaritiesexhibited
anti-oxidative effects on liposomal lipid peroxidation induced
by Fe2 + and ascorbic acid.[62,63] Isorhamnetin 3-glycosides
from Calendulaowersinhibitedlipoxygenasefromrat
lung cytosol at a concentration of 1.5 × 10-5 M.[64] In a
test system based on porcine buccal membranes, strong
concentration dependent adhesive processes were observed
with a low viscosity polysaccharide enriched extract (98%
carbohydrates) of Calendula owers.Thesendingssuggested
that the polysaccharides may contribute to therapeutic effects
in the treatment of irritated mucosa.[65] A triterpene enriched
fraction given orally to mice inoculated with Ehrlich
mouse carcinoma prevented the development of ascites and
increased survival time compared to control.[66] Triterpenes
such as faradiol and taraxasterol inhibit experimental tumor
promotion and are therefore considered as inhibitors of
tumor growth.[67] A saponin rich fraction administered orally
at 50 mg/kg body weight to hyperlipemic rats reduced the
serum lipid level.[68,69] The aqueous alcohol extract of C.
ofcinalis showed central nervous system inhibitory effect
with marked overall sedative activity as well as hypotensive
effect.[70]ThealcoholextractofowersofC. ofcinalis
possesses anti-HIV properties.[71] A cream containing
calendula extract has been reported to be effective in dextran
and burn edemas as well as in acute lymphedema in rats.
Activity against lymphedema was primarily attributed to
enhancement of macrophage proteolytic activity.[72] The
essentialoiloftheowersinhibitedthegrowth in vitro
of Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and Candida albicans.[73] Acetone, ethanol or
water extracts inhibited the growth in vitro of the fungus
Neurospora crass.[74]Aavonoidfractionisolatedfromthe
owersinhibitedthe in vitro growth of S. aureus, Sarcina
lutea, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida monosa.[75]
The 50% ethanol extract of the plant showed spermicidal
activity in rats at 2% concentration.[76]
C. suffruticosa inhibited pathogenic micro-organisms,
especially Pseudomonas syringae, Pseudomonas uorescens,
Xanthomonas campestris, Agrobacterium tumefaciens.[77]
Clinical studies
In a randomized, open controlled study, the effects of three
ointments were compared after topical treatment of patients
with 2nd or 3rd degree burns for 17 days: Calendulaower
ointment (prepared by digestion in vaseline) (n = 53) or
vaseline only (n = 50) or a proteolytic ointment (n = 53).
The success rates were considered to be 37/53 for Calendula
flower ointment, 27/50 for vaseline and 35/53 for the
proteolytic ointment.[78] In an open uncontrolled pilot
study, 30 patients with burns or scalds were treated 3 times/
day for up to 14 days with a hydrogel containing 10% of a
hydro-ethanol extract. The symptoms reddening, swelling,
blistering, pain, soreness and heat sensitivity were scored
before, during and at the end of treatment. Total score
and individual scores for each symptom improved.[79] In
women with surgical wounds, local application of a mixture
containing 70% oily extract of Hypericum perforatum and
30% oily extract of C. arvensis improved the rate of healing,
compared with controls.[53] Phase III randomized single
blinded trial of C. ofcinalis compared with trolamine for the
prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast
cancer was conducted. Patients who had been operated on
for breast cancer and who were to receive post-operative
radiation therapy were randomly allocated to application
of either Calendula ointment containing 20% of fresh
Calendula aerial parts in petroleum jelly (126 patients) or
trolamine(128patients) ontheirradiated eldsaftereach
session. The primary end point was the occurrence of acute
dermatitis of grade 2 or higher. Secondary end points were
the occurrence of pain, the quantity of the topical agent
used and the patient satisfaction. The occurrence of acute
dermatitisofgrade2orhigherwassignicantlylower(41%
vs. 63%; P < 0.001) with the use of Calendula than with
trolamine. Moreover, patients receiving Calendula had less
frequentinterruptionofradiotherapyandsignicantly
reduced radiation-induced pain.[80] Clinical examination of
an ointment with C. ofcinalis extract was carried out in
34 patients with venous leg ulcer. A total of 21 patients with
Arora, et al.: A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus Calendula
Pharmacognosy Reviews | July-December 2013 | Vol 7 | Issue 14 185
33 venous ulcers were treated with ointment, applied twice a
day for 3 weeks. Control group that consisted of 13 patients
with 22 venous ulcers were treated with saline solution
dressings, applied to ulcers for 3 weeks. In the experimental
group, the total surface of all the ulcers at the beginning of the
therapy was 67,544 mm2. After the 3rd week, the total surface
of all the ulcers was 39,373 mm2 (a decrease of 41.71%). In
seven patients, complete epithelialization was achieved. In the
control group, the total surface of all ulcers at the beginning
of the therapy was 69,722 mm2. After the 3rd week, the total
surface of all ulcers was 58,743 mm2 (a decrease of 14.52%).
In four patients, complete epithelialization was achieved.
Therewasastatisticallysignicantaccelerationofwound
healing in the experimental group (P < 0.05), suggesting
the positive effects of the ointment with marigold extract
on venous ulcer epithelialization.[81]
Toxicology
Although rare, skin contact with Calendula preparations
may result in an allergic reaction to the herb. Sensitization
to Calendula and allergic contact reactions have been
reported.[82,83] There have also been incidents of anaphylactic
shock after gargling with an infusion of Calendula.[84]
CONCLUSION
About 12-20 species of the genus Calendula have been
reported in various floras. Among these, most of the
ethnopharmacological reports are available on C. ofcinalis
and C. arvensis. Further, only four species of Calendula
have been partially investigated for their phytoconstituents.
A close scrutiny of literature on Calendula reveals that
three species have been investigated pharmacologically.
Pharmacological studies reveal that C. ofcinalis exhibits
antibacterial,antiviral,anti‑inammatory,anti‑tumorand
antioxidant properties; C. arvensis possesses antibacterial,
anti‑inammatory,antimutagenicandhemolyticactivities;
and C. suffruticosa exhibits antimicrobial activity. C. ofcinalis
has been included in number of herbal formulations, which
are in clinical use for the treatment of various ailments
like central nervous system disorders. Keeping in view the
ethnopharmacology, phytochemical and pharmacological
reports, low toxicity and frequency of use, C. ofcinalis seems
to hold great potential for in depth investigation for various
biological activities. Few preliminary pharmacological
reports support medicinal potential of some Calendula
species. These species need to be investigated systematically
with a view to establish their varied pharmacological
activities and mode of actions.
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How to cite this Article: Arora D, Rani A, Sharma A. A review
on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus
Calendula
. Phcog Rev 2013;7:179-87.
Source of Support: Financial assistance has been provided
by UGC, Conict of Interest: None declared
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