How does Calendula work to heal wounds?

Calendula promotes wound healing primarily through its triterpenoids and flavonoids, which increase fibroblast activity and collagen metabolism to accelerate tissue repair. Evidence (Level B) suggests these compounds enhance epithelialization and possess anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. This dual action helps reduce local inflammation while simultaneously stimulating the physical reconstruction of damaged skin tissue, making it effective for minor cuts, burns, and abrasions.

Does Calendula interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented severe drug interactions for topical Calendula (Evidence Level D). However, because internal use may cause drowsiness, it could theoretically potentiate the effects of central nervous system depressants and sedatives. Patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs should exercise caution with internal use due to potential, though unproven, bleeding risks. Always consult a physician before combining herbal supplements with prescription medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Calendula?

For topical use, apply a Calendula cream, ointment, or oil to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily (Traditional use). For internal use, the standard adult dosage is 1 to 2 cups of Calendula tea per day. If using a tincture, the typical dosage is 1-2 mL three times daily. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation, so always follow manufacturer instructions.

Is Calendula safe to use during pregnancy?

Internal use of Calendula is considered unsafe during pregnancy due to potential emmenagogue effects, which could stimulate uterine contractions and induce menstruation (Evidence Level D/Traditional). While topical application is generally regarded as safer, pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before use. There is insufficient reliable data regarding safety during breastfeeding, so internal use should be avoided to prevent potential risks to the infant.

What is Calendula used to treat?

Calendula is primarily used for wound healing and managing skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and diaper rash (Evidence Level B). Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it effective for soothing irritated skin and preventing infection in minor cuts and burns. Traditionally, it has also been used to regulate menstruation and treat eye infections, though clinical evidence for these internal uses is less robust than for topical applications.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Calendula officinalis is a medicinal herb used for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties [PMID:42318713, 31145533].

Contexte

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as pot marigold, is a member of the Asteraceae family [PMID:37928490, 36770999]. It is a Mediterranean species utilized in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products [PMID:39124999, 36770999].

Usages traditionnels

It has a history of many centuries of therapeutic use in traditional and officinal medicines worldwide [PMID:36500716]. It has been used topically for sore and cracked nipples during nursing [PMID:30000917] and for various skin ailments in traditional and folk medicine systems [PMID:33820524].

Composés actifs

The plant contains triterpene glycosides and aglycones, carotenoids, essential oils, phenols, flavonoids, and sterols [PMID:30000917, 11558637, 36500716]. Specifically, C16-hydroxylated triterpenoids are key contributors to its anti-inflammatory activity [PMID:40721615], and its leaves contain phenylpropanoids and flavonoids that exhibit COMT inhibitory activities [PMID:36770999].

Mécanisme d'action

C16-hydroxylated triterpenoids modulate interleukin 6 release [PMID:40721615]. Calendula-derived extracellular vesicles (COEVs) may target MMP12 to influence macrophage polarization during fracture healing [PMID:41404424]. Root-derived prenylated acetophenones decrease lipopolysaccharide-stimulated NO production in J774.1 cells [PMID:37024266].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve AAcute wound healing

Extract treatment showed faster resolution of the inflammation phase and increased production of granulation tissue [PMID:31145533].

Preuve BChronic venous ulcers

Two clinical control studies demonstrated decreased ulcer surface area compared to controls, though one randomized clinical trial showed no improvement [PMID:31145533].

Preuve BSecond-degree burn wounds

Oral administration of 2g capsules daily for two weeks resulted in significantly improved wound healing scores compared to placebo [PMID:36632430].

Preuve DSore nipples during nursing

A combination of Calendula and Echinacea angustifolia was found to be more effective than breastmilk, though overall high-quality evidence for Calendula alone is limited [PMID:30000917].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Acute toxicity studies in rats and mice indicate the extract is relatively nontoxic [PMID:11558637]. Animal tests showed minimal skin irritation and no sensitization or phototoxicity; minimal ocular irritation was observed [PMID:11558637].

Grossesse et allaitement

Topical application has been used for cracked nipples during nursing [PMID:30000917]. No information is available on the oral use of Calendula during breastfeeding [PMID:30000917].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence for wound healing (acute and burns) is supported by systematic reviews and clinical trials (Levels A and B). Evidence for other uses, such as nursing-related nipple care, is of lower quality (Level D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 31145533 (2019) — A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. · Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society
2.PMID: 30000917 (2006) — An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 41404424 (2025) — Hydrogel-Wrapped Calendula officinalis L. extracellular vesicles - A novel approach to enhance fracture healing by Macrophage reprogramming. · Materials today. Bio
4.PMID: 36770999 (2023) — Catechol-O-methyltransferase Inhibitors from Calendula officinalis Leaf. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 39771213 (2024)

Calendula

Sources et citations

Arnica

Plantain

Calendula arvensis

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Grossesse et allaitement

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Calendula

Sources et citations

Plantes associées

Arnica

Plantain

Calendula arvensis

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Grossesse et allaitement

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales