Calendula
Calendula officinalis
Evidence Rating
C Moderate
Confidence Level
Moderate
Medium
Traditions
Western
Last Updated
2/9/2026
Summary
Calendula is one of the most widely recognized wound-healing herbs in European phytotherapy, with approval from Commission E, ESCOP, and EMA/HMPC. Its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity is primarily attributed to triterpenoid faradiol esters. Clinical trial evidence exists but is limited in quality and quantity, with mixed results across wound types. It has an excellent safety profile for topical use.
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Drug Interactions
This herb has significant drug interactions. Do not use if you are taking medications without consulting a healthcare provider first. See detailed interaction information below.
Regulatory Status
| Regulatory Body | Status |
|---|---|
| Commission E (Germany) | ✓ Approved |
| ESCOP (European) | ✓ Approved |
| EMA/HMPC (EU) | ✓ Approved |
Metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Common Names (English) | Calendula, Pot Marigold, Garden Marigold |
| Common Names (German) | Ringelblume, Gartenringelblume |
| Botanical Name | Calendula officinalis L. |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Part Used | Flower heads (Calendulae flos) |
| Evidence Quality Rating | Moderate — Regulatory approvals from all 3 European bodies; some RCTs but limited in size and quality |
Approved Indications
Commission E (Germany)
- Approved for topical use
- Indications: Inflammatory lesions of the oropharyngeal mucosa; poorly healing wounds; leg ulcers (Ulcus cruris)
- Internal use also approved for inflammatory lesions of oral and pharyngeal mucosa
ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy)
- Approved for topical use
- Indications: Minor inflammations of the skin and mucosa; aid in healing of minor wounds
EMA/HMPC (European Medicines Agency)
- Traditional Use classification
- Indications: Minor inflammations of the skin; aid in healing of minor wounds
- Applies to lipophilic and aqueous-alcoholic extracts
Agreement/Disagreement Between Bodies
- High agreement across all three bodies on topical wound healing and skin inflammation
- Commission E is notably broader, including leg ulcers and poorly healing wounds, which ESCOP and EMA limit to “minor” wounds
- All three agree on oromucosal inflammation indications
Conditions Treated
Primary (Monograph-Supported)
- Minor skin inflammations (cuts, abrasions, superficial wounds)
- Poorly healing wounds (Commission E)
- Venous leg ulcers (Commission E)
- Oral and pharyngeal mucosal inflammation
Secondary (Clinical/Traditional Use)
- Radiation dermatitis (post-radiation skin care)
- Diaper dermatitis
- Burn wounds (first-degree)
- Eczema and dermatitis (mild forms)
- Post-surgical wound care
Mechanism of Action
Key Active Compounds
- Triterpenoid saponins and faradiol esters (faradiol myristate, faradiol palmitate) — primary anti-inflammatory agents
- Flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin, narcissin) — antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene) — antioxidant
- Essential oil (alpha-cadinol, T-cadinol) — mild antimicrobial
- Polysaccharides — immunostimulatory
Mechanisms
- Anti-inflammatory: Faradiol and related triterpenoids inhibit COX-2 and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma). C16-hydroxylated triterpenoids modulate IL-6 release specifically. [Source: Nature Communications 2025, PMID 7809203]
- Fibroblast stimulation: Faradiol palmitic ester stimulates proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. [Source: Givol et al. 2019]
- Angiogenic: Promotes new blood vessel formation in wound bed
- Granulation tissue formation: Accelerates inflammatory phase resolution and increases granulation tissue production
- Antimicrobial: Modest broad-spectrum activity against common wound pathogens
Clinical Evidence Summary
Systematic Reviews
- Givol et al. (2019) — Systematic review of Calendula for wound healing (Wound Repair and Regeneration). Found consistent evidence for faster inflammation phase resolution and increased granulation tissue in 5 animal studies and 1 RCT for acute wounds. Mixed results for chronic wounds and burns. Concluded larger, well-designed RCTs are needed.
- Leach (2008) — Cochrane-style review. Found insufficient high-quality evidence to draw definitive conclusions.
Key Clinical Trials
| Study | Design | N | Condition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pommier et al. (2004) | RCT | 254 | Radiation dermatitis (breast cancer) | Calendula ointment superior to trolamine for preventing acute dermatitis (p < 0.001) |
| Sharp et al. (2013) | RCT | 420 | Radiation dermatitis | No significant difference vs. aqua gel cream |
| Duran et al. (2005) | RCT | 41 | Venous leg ulcers | Decreased ulcer surface area vs. control |
| Buzzi et al. (2016) | RCT | — | Venous leg ulcers | Decreased ulcer surface area |
| Farahpour et al. | RCT | — | Diabetic leg ulcers | No improvement for calendula group |
| Hosseini et al. | RCT | — | Partial-to-full thickness burns | No benefit vs. controls |
Evidence Assessment
- Acute wounds: Consistent positive signal from preclinical and limited clinical data
- Radiation dermatitis: Conflicting RCT results (1 positive, 1 negative)
- Venous ulcers: Positive signals from 2 controlled studies
- Burns: Negative result in one RCT
- Overall: Promising but insufficient high-quality evidence; further large RCTs needed [NEEDS-RESEARCH]
European vs US/Anglophone Consensus
| Aspect | European Position | US/Anglophone Position |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory status | Approved by Commission E, ESCOP, EMA | No FDA monograph; GRAS for cosmetic use |
| Clinical use | Widely used in clinical wound care, available as OTC herbal medicine | Primarily cosmetic use; limited clinical adoption |
| Clinician awareness | High — standard component of European phytotherapy training | Low-moderate — known mainly in integrative/naturopathic circles |
| Evidence perception | Accepted as evidence-based traditional medicine | Often dismissed as “folk remedy” |
| Product availability | Standardized pharmaceutical-grade tinctures and ointments | Mostly cosmetic-grade products; fewer standardized preparations |
Safety Profile
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to Asteraceae (Compositae) family plants
- Should not be applied to heavily infected or deep wounds without medical supervision
Drug Interactions
- No significant drug interactions reported for topical use
- Theoretical potentiation of sedatives (oral use only, not relevant to topical)
Side Effects
- Very rare: Allergic contact dermatitis (cross-reactivity with other Asteraceae)
- Generally very well tolerated topically
- Contact sensitization rate is very low
Pregnancy/Lactation
- Topical use: Generally considered safe during pregnancy and lactation
- Oral use: Traditionally avoided during pregnancy due to theoretical emmenagogue effect (insufficient data)
- EMA: No specific restrictions for topical use during pregnancy/lactation
Clinical Dosage
Topical Preparations
| Form | Dosage/Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ointment | 2-5 g dried flowers per 100 g ointment | Standard concentration |
| Tincture (undiluted) | Apply directly to wound | 1:5 extraction in 70-90% ethanol |
| Tincture (compress) | Dilute at least 1:3 with boiled water | For compresses and poultices |
| Infusion (topical wash) | 1-2 g dried flower per 150 mL water | For wound cleansing |
| Cream/gel | 2-10% liquid extract | Products range from 4% (Germany) to 10% (Austria) |
| Oromucosal rinse | 2% tincture solution | Warm infusion, rinse every 2 hours |
Key Commercial Products (Europe)
- Weleda Calendula Ointment
- Calendumed (DHU) ointment
- Various pharmacy-compounded preparations
Sources
- EMA Assessment Report on Calendula officinalis L., flos (Revision 1)
- ESCOP Monograph: Calendulae flos
- Expanded Commission E Monograph: Calendula flower
- Givol et al. (2019). Systematic review. Wound Repair Regen. PMID: 31145533
- Leach (2008). Systematic review. PMID: 25941793
- Pommier et al. (2004). RCT radiation dermatitis. J Clin Oncol.
- Nature Communications (2025). Biosynthesis and bioactivity of anti-inflammatory triterpenoids.