Marigold flower extract has recently gained attention as a natural remedy that may offer various health benefits. Often called “the herb of the sun” or pot marigold, calendula officinalis has a long history of traditional medicinal uses. Modern research now suggests extracts from the vibrant marigold flower may support eye health, soothe skin irritation, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant effects.
Marigold flower extract comes from the common marigold plant, which grows bright yellow and orange flowers. These cheery blooms have more than aesthetic value - they contain a variety of phytochemicals like flavonoids, carotenoids, quercetin, and lutein. These compounds give marigold its reputation in folk and traditional medicine for promoting wellbeing.
Now, marigold flower extract is most renowned for its potential to support eye health and treat inflammatory skin conditions when applied topically. Extracts from the dried marigold flower may also reduce swelling and irritation throughout the body when taken orally. Ongoing research continues to unveil the diverse therapeutic capacities of this medicinal flower.
What is Marigold Flower Extract?
Marigold flower extract derives from the dried florets of the marigold plant (Calendula officinalis). The extract features high concentrations of beneficial plant compounds like flavonoids, triterpene alcohols, and carotenoids. Two particular carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, exist in notably high levels. These yellow pigments absorb damaging blue light rays that can harm the eyes over time.
The extract usually comes in a liquid tincture form for oral consumption or an ointment for topical use. The active medicinal compounds in the marigold flowers impart the extract’s vivid dark orange-red coloring. Traditional herbalists and modern researchers continue to unlock the array of health-promoting properties of marigold’s bioactive compounds.
What Does Marigold Flower Extract Do?
One of the earliest documented uses of marigold flowers dates back to the 12th century, when Saint Hildegarde von Bingen wrote of marigold’s capacity to promote skin, eye, and digestive health. Ayurvedic healers have likewise treasured marigold flower extract for over 5,000 years.
Now, scientific analysis largely confirms the traditional wisdom surrounding marigold’s therapeutic properties. Applied topically, marigold flower extract may accelerate wound healing, alleviate skin irritations, burns, bruises and rashes. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of compounds like querectin and alpha-bisabolol contribute these skin-soothing effects.
When taken orally as a supplement or herbal infusion, marigold extract may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. Some preliminary research indicates it may also strengthen digestion and support eye health.
1 Eye Health Benefits
With bountiful cell reinforcement carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, marigold remove shows potential to forestall age-related retinal harm and vision degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin collect in eye tissue and assimilate UV and high-energy blue light that can harm the fragile photoreceptor cells in the retina over the long run. Higher admission levels of these two carotenoids partner with lower takes a chance for disabled vision and old age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main source of visual deficiency in the old.
Recent double-blind randomized controlled trials found marigold extract supplementation effectively raised blood serum lutein levels while also improving visual function. Participants with early AMD showed improved visual acuity and reduced symptoms. Marigold extract may also lessen eyed strain, irritation, and sensitivity to bright light when taken regularly. More research should further confirm marigold’s ocular health benefits.
2 Skin Health Benefits
Marigold flower extract commonly treats various inflammatory skin conditions in the form of creams, salves, or ointments. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant constituents accelerate healing for wounds, eczema lesions, diaper rash, sunburn and more while alleviating itching and pain.
For example, an analysis of five studies found using marigold extract for diabetic foot ulcers hastened healing significantly better than standard treatments. The researchers noted its ability to increase collagen and antioxidants at wound sites. Another study discovered marigold extract ointment healed second-degree burn wounds an average of eight days faster compared to standard burns care. The anti-inflammatory action of ingredients like alpha-bisabolol calms irritation and accelerates skin regeneration.
3 Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Marigold extract’s anti-inflammatory effects largely stem from its flavonoid content, especially the compound quercetin. This phytochemical inhibits the release of inflammatory biomarkers known to worsen conditions like arthritis, gastrointestinal issues and heart disease.
Marigold’s rich supply of carotenoids also provide potent antioxidant activity. Antioxidants minimize oxidative damage from free radicals that can inflame and age cells throughout the body. By neutralizing these volatile molecules, compounds in marigold extract may lower oxidative stress linked to chronic inflammation, aging, and disease progression.
4 Other Potential Benefits
Some preliminary research hints that marigold flower extract lutein may support multiple other aspects of health, though more studies should substantiate these secondary benefits. For example, one study showed an herbal tea with marigold offered antispasmodic effects to relieve cramps, nausea, and digestive upset.
Marigold extract also shows promise against common skin pathogens like staphylococcus, streptococcus and candida fungi in test tube studies. More research should explore if it can prevent infections — especially those that exploit inflamed or wounded skin.
Finally, early studies propose oral marigold supplements may defend cardiovascular health by improving blood lipid profiles and lowering hypertension risk markers. Clearly, the sunny marigold flower harbors extensive therapeutic potential that warrants further investigation.
What is the Active Ingredient in Marigold Extract?
Marigold extract owes its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties primarily to its carotenoid and flavonoid content. The main active ingredients include the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene. These yellow and red pigments soak up light wavelengths that can damage delicate tissues. Other key anti-inflammatory flavonoids like quercetin, glycosides and phenolic acids also contribute to marigold’s effects. They help reduce swelling and irritation internally and externally when applied.
Who Should Not Take Marigold?
Marigold flower extract is generally very safe and gentle with little risk of side effects. But some individuals should exercise caution or avoid marigold supplements without medical approval.
Since marigold extract has demonstrated uterine stimulating effects in animals, pregnant women should not take marigold supplements orally. Topical use on the skin during pregnancy remains likely safe. Those allergic to plants in the daisy family like ragweed should use caution, as marigold belongs to this family and may trigger reactions.
Additionally, marigold may slow blood clotting, so those with clotting disorders or upcoming surgery should avoid it. Talk to your doctor before using marigold supplements alongside blood thinners, sedatives or diabetes medications due to possible interactions.
Conclusion
Marigold flower extract shows considerable promise as a natural therapeutic agent, thanks to centuries of traditional use and a growing body of scientific evidence. Its wealth of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant compounds may help protect eye health, heal skin abrasions, and soothe irritated tissue in various ways when used appropriately. While more research should continue to unearth marigold’s health-boosting potential, this vibrant flower already demonstrates diverse abilities to reduce inflammation and irritation in people of all ages. Consider incorporating it into your health regimen for its beauty, inside and out.
Botanical Cube Inc. focuses on helping customers develop new and innovative formulas by offering professional technology and customized services. With an emphasis on global herbal medicine, health food, dietary supplements, food and beverages, daily chemical products, and cosmetics, we continuously follow market trends and expand our product offerings according to customer requirements. Our certification laboratory is equipped with advanced testing and identification tools, ensuring the best quality control throughout the entire system. We also collaborate with globally recognized third-party laboratories to ensure stable, safe, and efficient product quality. Botanical Cube Inc., a leading expert in the plant extract industry, offers the best Marigold Flower Extract. For more information about our products, feel free to contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com or visit our website. We believe that innovation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the market.
References:
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