What Gives Calendula Its Healing Properties?

Calendula flowers contain several groups of natural compounds that help explain why this bright orange plant has attracted so much scientific interest, particularly for skin and wound care.

Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts contain flavonoids, including quercetin and isorhamnetin derivatives, together with phenolic acids such as caffeic, p-coumaric and ferulic acid. Calendula flowers are also rich in colourful carotenoids.

Particularly interesting are compounds called triterpenoid esters, especially faradiol esters. These are considered important markers of calendula and are strongly associated with its anti-inflammatory properties.

Calendula essential oil is quite different from these extracts. It is produced in very small quantities and contains mainly volatile compounds called sesquiterpenes. Because the composition of the oil can vary considerably with growing conditions, harvest stage and extraction method, calendula essential oil is much less standardized than the extracts commonly used in creams and ointments.