Calendula officinalis - A Crucial and Promising Antifungal Agent with Cytotoxic Biological Attributes

Abstract

Globally recognized for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, Calendula officinalis (Marigold) comprises various constituents, including carbohydrates, amino acids, terpenoids, glycosides, lipids, fatty acids, and carotenoids. In in-vitro assessments, it demonstrated effectiveness ranging from 54% to 79% against fungal infections, attributed to the significant presence of sesquiterpene, hydrocarbons, sesquiterpenols, δ-cadinene, α-cadinol, and epi-α-muurolol. Conversely, it also showcases robust cytotoxic activity against colon cancer, leukemia, and melanoma cells in human cancer lines, primarily due to the existence of two triterpene glycosides, calenduloside F 6¢-O-n-butyl ester, and calenduloside G 6¢-O-methyl ester.