Calendula CO2 Extract

Calendula Officinalis is a vibrant yellow or orange annual or biennial flowing plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Mediterranean climate. With a long history of cultivation it has become naturalised throughout the temperate world as an ornamental and medicinal plant.

The essential oil content of flowers from Calendula is minimal(0.2 – 0.4%) but this oil contains large quantities of phenolic compounds including triterpenoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids and carotenoids giving rise to the medicinal benefits.

Essential oil from the Calendula officinalis seed contains high quantities of calendic acid (up to 60%); a rare fatty acid derived from linoleic acid exclusively found in calendula seed, followed by the more common fatty acids linoleic (28-32 %), oleic (4.5-6.3 %) and palmitic (3.8-4.5 %) acids. Small quantities or trace amounts of other fatty acids including stearic, elaidic, arachidic, gondoic and α linolenic, palmitoleic, lauric, and myristic acid are present.

The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in Calendula oil protect against oxidative stress in human skin cells thus giving the oil anti-aging and anti-wrinkle properties. By promoting the production of collagen, an essential protein for glowing skin, Calendula aids in sustaining soothed, hydrated skin, making Calendula a great component of daily cosmetic skin lotions. Calendula has been used to increase blood flow to wounds, where it promotes a speedy and healthy healing process, free of infection, and encourages growth of healthy new tissue, making calendula oil ideal for inclusion in therapeutic skin lotions. In the cases of skin ulcers like chicken pox and acne, Calendula softens and soothes the skin, preventing inflammation and boosts the immune response, allowing wounds to heal quickly and cleanly. Calendula oil can be used to relieve skin conditions that cause dry, itchy, or irritated areas, including eczema, dermatitis, and dandruff.