Evidence supporting the use of: Calendula
For the health condition: Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Calendula (Calendula officinalis), commonly known as marigold, has been investigated for its potential to reduce side effects of cancer treatments, particularly radiation-induced dermatitis. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have evaluated topical calendula preparations in the management of radiation-induced skin toxicity in breast cancer patients. Notably, a 2004 French multicenter, randomized trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that calendula ointment significantly reduced the incidence of acute dermatitis compared to trolamine in women receiving postoperative radiation therapy for breast cancer. Patients in the calendula group also reported less pain during treatment.

The proposed mechanisms are primarily anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects attributed to calendula’s flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids. These compounds may help mitigate inflammatory responses in irradiated skin. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including those by the Cochrane Collaboration, note that evidence is promising but not unequivocal, with some studies showing benefit and others not finding significant differences compared to standard treatments. Importantly, calendula is generally well-tolerated topically, with few adverse effects reported.

While calendula is also used traditionally for wound healing and skin inflammation, its use in cancer care is supported by moderate scientific evidence, particularly for radiation dermatitis, but less so for other side effects. Clinical guidelines sometimes include calendula as an option for radiation-induced skin reactions, but it is not universally endorsed as a standard of care due to variability in study results and product formulations.

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Products containing Calendula

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