Phytotherapy

Calendula (Marigold)

Calendula officinalis

Mechanism

Calendula flowers contain triterpene alcohols (including faradiol esters), triterpene saponins, flavonoids and carotenoids. Traditionally they are used externally for the care of small, superficial skin irritations and to support wound healing; the EMA/HMPC lists this topical application as traditionally established. The evidence rests predominantly on in-vitro and animal-model data; controlled equine studies are lacking. For an oral benefit there is no robust basis — use here is to be understood as purely external, without any healing promise.

Cautions

· Composite (Asteraceae) sensitivity possible — test on a small area
· External/topical only; no oral healing promise
· Have deep, infected or heavily bleeding wounds treated by a vet

Sources

EMA/HMPC Calendulae flosEMA/HMPC — Ringelblumen-Monographie (Calendula officinalis L., flos)

ESCOPESCOP Monographie Calendulae flos

PMID:27956358Nicolaus et al. 2017 (J Ethnopharmacol) — In-vitro-Wundheilung Calendula officinalis (Triterpene/Carotinoide)

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageexternally as ointment/dressing/rinse product-specific; not for oral healing use

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Calendula (Marigold) a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Calendula (Marigold) as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Calendula (Marigold) allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Calendula (Marigold) is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which sources are there for Calendula (Marigold)?

The profile cites: EMA/HMPC Calendulae flos, ESCOP, and PMID:27956358.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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