Advances in Calendula officinalis Applications: Innovations in Wound Healing and Novel Drug Delivery Systems

A member of the Asteraceae family, Calendula, commonly known as marigold, has a longstanding history of medicinal use. This plant contains a wide variety of bioactive substances, including steroids, terpenoids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and essential oils. These compounds confer significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, making Calendula a promising option for the treatment of various skin disorders, particularly wounds. Potential uses for Calendula extracts exist in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. These extracts can be used as natural materials that offer helpful benefits for many health problems. This review highlights how Calendula helps in wound healing and medicine delivery, giving a clear and updated summary of its healing and medical uses. This review aims to highlight the potential of C. officinalis in wound healing and drug delivery, while addressing the limited research on its active compounds and the lack of standardised formulations and dosage guidelines. The review found that Calendula has strong healing potential because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, and it is generally safe to use. However, future studies should aim to identify its active compounds and conduct more clinical trials to explore its wider medical uses. Major Findings: Calendula officinalis demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties, making it effective in treating skin injuries and promoting tissue repair. It is safe and versatile for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries, though further research is needed to identify active compounds and standardize formulations.