Calendula officinalis – Calendula officinalis L.

Annual herb up to 50 60 cm, Family slozhnotsvetnыh (Combined). Homeland calendula - Central and Southern Europe, Middle Asia. It is cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant. With therapeutic purposes used flower baskets.

Calendula officinalis – chemical composition

The marigold flower baskets drug contains carotenoids - carotene, ruʙiksantin, lycopene, tsytroksantyn, violoksantin, flavoxrom, flavoksantin etc.. Particularly rich in carotenoids brightly colored varieties of marigold. Besides, in the flowers of calendula found paraffin hydrocarbons (gentriakontan and sitosterol), resin, triterpene klikozidy, mucus and bitter substances, organic acid (apple, pentadecylic, salicilovaâ), vitamin C.

Calendula officinalis – Pharmacological properties

Experimental research of herbal medicines showed calendula, that they have a wide spectrum of pharmacological activity, which is due to the rich content in the flowers of these plants are biologically active compounds, as carotenoids, flavonoidы, vitamins.

In the study of general actions and acute toxicity of herbal medicines has been found calendula, they have low toxicity, and have a significant inhibitory effect on locomotor activity and reflex excitability of animals. This biological activity was confirmed in experiments on the effect of drugs on the calendula hypnotic effects of drugs and the determination of antagonism to the action of CNS stimulants. In experiments it was found a marked sedative effect herbal plant forms, which is characterized by lengthening the period of sleep and different antagonism CNS stimulants.

Influence of drugs on the activity of marigold cardiovascular clearly manifested cardiotonic and hypotensive effect. When administered drugs calendula animals in large doses they went down 30-40 AD % from baseline, slows heart rate and increases the amplitude of a few heartbeats, It noted slowing and deepening breathing.

However, the basic properties of herbal remedies and herbal forms of the drug are anti-inflammatory calendula, Wound healing, baktericidnыe, antispasmodic and cholagogue.

Anti-inflammatory properties of calendula seen in experimental models of inflammatory conditions like septic, and aseptic nature. Besides, under the influence of drugs calendula improve the regeneration process. While bactericidal calendula towards staphylococci and streptococci expressed slightly, The whole process of inflammation, complicated by bacterial flora, under the influence of herbal plant forms occur more favorably, apparently, by enhancing the growth of granulation, improve epithelialization and increase local defense mechanisms.

Calendula flowers have antispasmodic properties. By relaxing the smooth muscle structure of such bodies, the stomach, intestines and liver, Calendula yet excites secretory activity, that enhances bile production and secretion and increase the secretory activity of the stomach.

Calendula officinalis – medical applications

Clinical application of calendula is mainly due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect as in the outer, and in domestic use. As an external remedy calendula preparations used in the dental practice in diseases of the oral cavity (Thrush in children, gingivitы, pyorrhea, inflammatory-dystrophic form of periodontal). Clinical observations have shown, that the abundant irrigation oral aqueous solution of tincture of calendula (1 teaspoon per cup of water) before and after removal of tartar, laying turundas, abundantly wetted not dilute tincture of calendula, in pathological gingival pockets filming phenomenon of inflammation, reduced or stopped allocation of gums, krovotochivosty right, compaction contributed gingival tissue, due to the presence of large amounts of flowers of marigold carotenoids, flavonoidov, having kapillyaroukreplyayuschee activity. The most stable therapeutic effect was observed in the combined treatment (vitamin, Physiotherapy). Rinse calendula tincture is used in the treatment of tonsillitis, and in combination with sulfanilamide and antibiotics - for the treatment of angina.

Calendula tincture of douches (1 teaspoon ua glass of water) also used in gynecological practice in the treatment of cervical erosion and trihomonadnyh obesity. There is a positive anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of proctitis and paraproctitis. In this case, the tincture of calendula (1 teaspoon 1/4 cup water) is used in the form of enemas. In the treatment of chronic fistula fistula is introduced into the channel infusion (1:10) calendula in equal parts with 3 % boric acid.

Besides, tinctures, ointment, emulsion, Fresh juice of the plant is used externally for small wounds, tax, uşiʙax, burns, abrasions. There is evidence of the positive effect of tincture of calendula and blepharitis.

Calendula is used inside a number of diseases. The positive effects of drugs in cardiovascular diseases calendula, accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, otekami. Calendula, providing sedative, mild hypotensive effect, It contributes to the normalization of cardiac activity and reduces swelling.

In practice gastroenterologacheskoy calendula is used as an anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antispasmodic and cholagogue. The beneficial effects of calendula (1 teaspoon per cup of water, 1 / 4-1 / 3 cup at a reception in between meals) It noted with gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, kolytah, enterocolitis. The best results were observed with concomitant use of calendula and chamomile yarrow. Use of drugs with calendula gastrointestinal disease due to their high therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory and degenerative processes mucosal tissues and parenchymatous internal organs. In this regard, justified the use of calendula for liver and biliary tract.

The high content of carotenoids in marigold flowers, flavonoidov, ascorbic acids and organic acids results in an increased metabolic liver function - improving the composition of bile, it decreases the concentration of bilirubin and cholesterol, increased secretory and excretory functions. The therapeutic effect is most pronounced when combined with the appointment of calendula chamomile preparations, which provide additional antispasmodic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, contributing to eliminate infective and inflammatory. As a result of these plants improves biliary function, that helps to eliminate stagnation of bile in the gall bladder.

Calendula officinalis – Dosage Forms, Dosing and Administration

Tincture of calendula. The alcohol (on 70% alcohol) tincture (1:10) flowers and flower baskets. A transparent yellow liquid. To be used diluted 1 teaspoon in a glass of water. As cholagogue take 10-20 drops per reception.

Infusion of marigold flowers: 20g (2 tablespoons) raw material is placed in an enamel bowl, Pour 200 ml (1 glass) hot boiled water, capped and heated in boiling water (in a water bath) with frequent stirring 15 m, cooled for 45 min at room temperature, filter, the remaining raw materials squeeze. The volume of the resulting infusion was adjusted with boiled water to 200 ml. The prepared infusion stored in a cool place (more 2 d.

Take in the form of heat 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day.

The raw material stored in a dry, cool place.