Helpful Herbs: Calendula

Calendula, also known at Pot Marigold, is a popular herbal remedy.  But does science back up its reputation as a healer?

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power

This study looks at the anti-inflammatory power of calendula and how it inhibits inflammatory compounds called cytokines:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19374166

Calendula was found to be a strong antioxidant that supports liver and kidney function:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19405380

Anti-cancer

This study found calendula to help breast cancer drug tamoxifen in fighting breast cancer cells:
http://www.academia.edu/524397/Effects_of_Flavonoid_Fractions_from_Calendula_officinalis_Flowers_in_Parent_and_Tamoxifen_Resistant_T47D_Human_Breast_Cancer_Cells

A tea of calendula and chamomile tea was found to kill cancer cells:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22899374

Calendula extract was found to be potent against colon cancer, leukemia and melanoma:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17190444

Skin Healing

Helps reduce oxidative damage caused by UV-B radiation:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23008814

Wound-healing properties:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19601397

Helps prevent dermatitis in patients receiving radiation treatment:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15084618

Antioxidant that helps heal burns and prevent granulomas: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18818737

Many Benefits

This review looks in detail at its many benefits, including being anti-HIV, cytotoxic against cancer cells, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective (liver support) and spasmolytic (muscle-relaxant).
http://jocpr.com/vol3-iss4-2011/JCPR-2011-3-4-655-663.pdf