Scientific Article: Calendula Plant: Botanical Characteristics, Bioactive Compounds, and Medicinal Importance

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Calendula is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is characterized by its beautiful yellow or orange flowers, which have made it a popular plant for ornamental, medicinal, and traditional purposes. The plant has a branched herbaceous stem and simple green leaves that may be oval or lance-shaped, with fine hairs covering some parts. Its inflorescence consists of a distinctive flower head containing a large number of small flowers, while the outer flowers have an attractive petal-like appearance. Calendula flowers contain a variety of phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Carotenoids contribute to the characteristic yellow and orange coloration of the flowers, while some of the compounds found in the plant are associated with antioxidant activity. Calendula has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine, particularly in preparations related to skin care. Its extracts are also incorporated into some creams, ointments, and herbal preparations. Scientific studies have investigated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its activity against certain types of microorganisms, making it an important plant in the field of medicinal plants. Calendula can be cultivated relatively easily in gardens and well-drained soils with adequate light. Its flowers also attract bees and other pollinating insects. The attractive flowers give the plant aesthetic and economic value in addition to its chemical and medicinal importance. Therefore, Calendula represents a suitable model for studying the relationship between floral morphology, bioactive compounds, and the medicinal uses of plants. Al-Mustaqbal University – The First University in Iraq