Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) – A position in classical phytotherapy and newly documented activities

Abstract

The flower (inflorescence, basket-type inflorescence) of marigold (Calendulae officinalis flos) is a well-known plant raw material in traditional phytomedicine. It has a complex chemical composition, dominated by flavonoids and terpenoids. Terpenoids are mainly represented by oleanolic acid derivatives specific for this species: triterpenoid saponins – calendulosides A–H and triterpenoid glycosides, so-called calendulaglyco-sides A and B. Biological activity profiles of the raw material, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, im-munostimulatory and antioxidant properties, determine its use especially in the treatment of dermatological diseases. In addition to spasmolitic, hypolipemic and antidiabetic properties of this flower, scientific studies also demonstrated its cardioprotective, hepatoregenerative, pancreas-regenerating, neuroprotective and even anticancer health-promoting effects. Moreover, C. officinalis is used in the cosmetology and food industry.