Marigold Flowers Research Articles

Seed germination, vegetative growth and concentration of some elements in French marigold (Tageta patula) as influenced by salinity and ammonium nitrate

Marigold has special importance and application in landscape designing. Nowadays, various species and cultivars of this plant are grown in many climates, where different environmental stresses such as freezing, salinity and drought can lead to vegetative disorders. This study was carried out to investigate the interactions between salinity and ammonium nitrate on seed germination, vegetative growth and sodium and potassium concentrations in French marigold flowers (Tegeta patula). The experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design with two factors: salinity (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mmos cm-1) and ammonium nitrate (0, 15 and 30 g l-1) with four replications. Based on the obtained results, different salinity concentrations were negatively influenced all studied parameters except germination rate. The application of ammonium nitrate recovered the studied parameters to the same level as the control plants. Plant height was decreased by increasing salinity concentrations. The tallest plant was observed in the control treatments. Salinity levels negatively influenced shoot fresh weight. Different levels of ammonium nitrate had significant effects on root dry weight and potassium and sodium contents. Ammonium nitrate led to reductions in root dry weight and potassium content, and an enhancement in sodium content in the shoot. Sodium and potassium levels were increased and root dry weight was decreased by increasing salinity. Enhancement of potassium ions in the marigold following salinity stress can improve its tolerance to salinity stress.

Effects of different carotenoid supplementation sources with or without sodium taurocholate on growth, feed utilization, carotenoid content and antioxidant status in fry of the European seabass,Dicentrarchus labrax

A total of 210 European seabass fry with an average body weight of 0.51 ± 0.03 g were divided into seven experimental treatments (three replicates per treatment). The seven experimental diets (45.64% CP) were formulated to contain synthetic astaxanthin (SA; 0.1 g kg−1), marigold flower meal (MFM; 0.2 g kg−1) or crab waste meal (CM; 10 g kg−1), with or without sodium taurocholate (ST; 0.4 g kg−1); the control diet contained no supplementation. The experiment was conducted for 8 weeks. The results show that seabass fry fed the diets containing different sources of carotenoids, especially with ST, demonstrated higher growth efficiency, survival (%), feed efficiency, protein and ether extract contents of fish body. The best results were found with DietMFM+ST. Whole-body carotenoid levels increased significantly with all supplementation treatments; the highest level was observed with SA, followed by fish fed DietMFM and DietCM, especially with ST co-supplementation. Moreover, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were significantly reduced in fish fed the diets containing different sources of carotenoids compared to the control diet. The total antioxidant status significantly increased in fish fed DietSA and DietCM alone or with ST compared to the control group. In conclusion, these results reveal that DietMFM+ST is the most suitable treatment for improving growth, feed efficiency, and the protein and ether extract contents of seabass fry compared to other sources of carotenoids. The best oxidant/antioxidant balance and carotenoid content were achieved using SA, CM and MFM with ST supplementation.

Effect of Packaging on Shelf-life and Lutein Content of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) Flowers.

African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flowers are highly valued for their ornamental appeal as well as medicinal properties. However, their short shelf lives cause high post-harvest loss and limit their export potential. The review of patents and research articles revealed that different types of packaging designs/materials have been successfully employed for extension of shelf lives of cut flowers. The current work focuses on designing of different packaging configurations and selection of best configuration for preservation of marigold cut flowers. Ten packaging configurations, composed of four different packaging materials i.e., low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate, glassine paper and cellophane paper, were designed. Each pack, consisting of 20 ± 1 g of marigold flowers along with non-packaged control set were stored at 23 ± 2°C, 80% R.H., in an environmental chamber and the flowers were evaluated for their sensory attributes, phytochemical characteristics and physicochemical parameters of senescence to determine their shelf lives. Flowers packed in LDPE bag showed highest shelf life of 8 days with a lead of 4 days compared to control (shelf life - 4 days). This study also established for the first time the phenomenon of carotenogenesis in marigold cut flowers with significantly (P<0.01) higher production of lutein in LDPE packaged flowers. LDPE pack was the best design among the ten package designs, in preserving lutein content of marigold flowers and extending their shelf lives. This economically viable packaging can not only boost the export potential of this ornamental flower, but also allow utilization of nutraceutical potency of lutein.

Lettuce and marigold intercropping: crops productivity and marigold's flavonoid content

ABSTRACT: Intercropping of vegetables and medicinal plants might produce favorable interactions for both crops, resulting in increased production and profit per unit area. It is known that active compounds can change because of several factors, including the cropping system. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of intercropping of lettuce and marigold on the productivity of these crops and on the flavonoid content of marigold flowers. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of EPAMIG in Oratorios-MG. Treatments consisted of lettuce + marigolds intercropping between rows, lettuce + marigold intercropping between plants, and monocultures of each species. Spacing was 0.3x0.3m. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with ten repetitions. Harvest of lettuce and marigold flowers started 45 days after transplantation (DAT) and extended up to 72 DAT for marigolds. Lettuce and marigold intercropping appears feasible because lettuce production did not differ between the monoculture and intercropped cultivations, and marigold productivity was higher when intercropped with lettuce. No change in the flavonoid (active chemicals of medicinal interest) content in the floral capitula of marigolds was observed.

Resistance to Airflow through Sweet Potato Aerial Vine Components

<abstract> Designers of forced air handling systems require data on resistance to airflow for accurate selection of fans and mathematical prediction of pressure drop and airflow patterns. In this research, resistance to airflow of sweet potato leaves and chopped sweet potato aerial vines dried in an experimental cabinet dryer was measured to determine the effect of airflow rate, moisture content and bulk depth. Five levels of moisture contents (88.7%, 74.7%, 52.9%, 26.8%, and 11.0% w.b.) for sweet potato leaves and (88.1%, 69.1%, 52.2%, 35.0%, and 12.2% w.b.) for chopped sweet potato aerial vines, respectively, and four levels of bulk depths (0.30, 0.45, 0.60, and 0.75 m) were investigated at airflow rates ranging from 0.0206 to 0.2342 m³ s^-1 m^-2. Results indicated that airflow, moisture content, and bulk depth have significant (P < 0.01) effect on airflow resistance of sweet potato leaves and chopped sweet potato aerial vines. Equations that relate pressure drop to airflow rate, moisture content, and bulk depth were developed based on the Hukill and Ives (1955) equation through the implementation of empirical de-rating factors and the coefficients obtained by regression analysis. The developed models provided a good fit to the experimental pressure drop data obtained in the range of conditions investigated. Also, comparison of the pressure drop data in this study with marigold flowers cited in the literature shows that the resistance to airflow for both sweet potato leaves and chopped sweet potato aerial vines was lower than that of marigold flowers. The pressure drop curves for sweet potato leaves however had a steeper slope than the marigold flowers. Bulk density which varied from 29.57 to 112.63 kg m^-3 for sweet potato leaves and 83.99 to 317.23 kg m^-3 for chopped sweet potato aerial vines was significantly affected by moisture content.

Constraints faced by farmers of Kathua district in adoption of marigold production technology

year around. Marigold flowers are used for various purposes like : worshipping , as cut flower, for beautification of beds and borders in lawns, in textile industry and for medicinal purpose. Marigold cultivation is highly commercialised now a days. But still area and production of marigold under Jammu province is less due to several factors. The present study was undertaken in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir to investigate the constraints faced by marigold growers during production and marketing of marigold. This district consists of eight blocks from which block Hiranagar, Barnoti, and Kathua were selected purposively. From each block four villages and from each village thirty farmers were selected, where the farmers were having largest area under marigold cultivation. A random sample of 120 farmers were drawn by randomization. A structured interview schedule was prepared for collection of data with a view to study various aspects regarding marigold cultivation. The data were collected through pre structured interview schedule and statistical procedure were employed to analyse the data. The study highlighted that majority of farmers had medium knowledge as well as medium level of adoption of marigold production techniques. The study further highlighted that majority of farmers were not adopting marigold cultivation due to various constraints like input constraint, technical constraints, economic constraints, extension constraints and marketing constraints. The major constraints expressed by marigold grower in each group of constraints were lack of timely availability of good quality seed material, lack of knowledge about production technology, high cost of hybrid seeds, lack of information through mass media and lack of co-operative institutions for marketing.

Fatty Acid Composition and β-Carotene Content in Egg Yolk of Laying Hens Fed with Linseed, Paprika and Marigold

Summary Eggs enriched with n-3 fatty acids and natural pigments are desirable in human food chain due to numerous benefits for health. In this study, we investigated the effects of inclusion of co-extruded linseed and sunflower meal into laying hens’ diet and replacement of synthesized pigment with paprika and marigold flower as sources of natural pigments. Four hundred 18–wk-old Bovan laying hens divided in two groups (control and experiment) were fed for 12 weeks. Fatty acids and β-carotene were monitored every fourth week and successively analyzed. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased content of α-linolenic acid in egg yolk in the experimental group in comparison to the control group was observed with addition of linseed, paprika and marigold in laying hens’ nutrition. Nearly the same tendency was observed in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content. Supplementation of the co-extruded linseed and sunflower meal into laying hens’ diet demonstrated significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower n-6/n-3 FA ratio in experimental group compared to control group. The obtained results showed that the synthetic pigment added to laying hens’ diet provided better pigmentation of egg yolks after one and two months of the feeding trial than paprika and marigold flower. The concentration of β-carotene in egg yolks increased in experimental group after three months of the treatment, and that was the first time that concentrations of β-carotene did not significantly (p &lt; 0.05) differ among control and experimental group, which shows that paprika and marigold flower as sources of natural pigments can successfully replace synthetic pigment. We shall continue research in this field with other supplemented mixtures, as there are indices for other potential feed enhancements among oily seeds and herbs.

Fabrication and efficient visible light photocatalytic properties of novel zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn2S4) – graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)/bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanorod-based ternary nanocomposites with enhanced charge separation via Z-scheme transfer

Novel ZnIn2S4-g-C3N4/BiVO4 nanorod-based ternary nanocomposite photocatalysts with enhanced visible light absorption were synthesized and systematically characterized to confirm the formation of ZnIn2S4 marigold flowers, the layered structure of the g-C3N4, BiVO4 nanorods, and the formation of binary and ternary nanocomposites. The visible light absorption of BiVO4 was significantly improved after coupling with g-C3N4 and ZnIn2S4, which was confirmed by UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopic analysis. Ternary ZnIn2S4-g-C3N4/BiVO4 nanocomposites exhibited excellent visible light photocatalytic decomposition efficiency (VL-PDE) when used for the degradation of congo red (CR) dye and metronidazole (MTZ) pharmaceutical, as well as excellent stability and reusability. The ternary 5%ZnIn2S4-50%-g-C3N4/BiVO4 nanocomposite showed higher VL-PDE for CR (81.5%) and MTZ (59%) degradation than the binary composites, g-C3N4 and BiVO4. Radical quenching experiments showed that h+, OH, and O2− were the reactive radicals, validating that the Z-scheme charge carrier transfer mechanism was responsible for the enhanced VL-PDE of the ternary ZnIn2S4-g-C3N4/BiVO4 nanocomposites, which was further confirmed by photoluminescence analysis. Furthermore, kinetic studies showed that the degradation followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, and that the ternary photocatalysts could be reused up to three times with good stability. The enhanced visible light absorption, high surface area, high adsorption capacity, Z-scheme charge carrier transfer, and increased lifetime of photo-produced electron-hole pairs were responsible for the increased visible light photocatalytic decomposition efficiency.

Appraisal of marigold flower based lutein as natural colourant for textile dyeing under the influence of gamma radiations

Maintaining colour strength and fastness of the fabrics dyed with natural colourants had been the major constraint of utilizing plant based dyes in modern textile practices. The present study was concerned with the extraction of lutein dye from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flowers and role of gamma radiation in improving colour strength and fastness characteristics of the extracted dye. The investigation of dyed fabric in spectraflash showed that gamma ray treatment of 30kGy was the optimum absorbed dose for surface modification to improve its dye uptake ability. Good colour strength was obtained when irradiated cotton (RC, 30kGy) was dyed with extract of radiated marigold flower powder (RP) at 70°C for 85min, keeping M:L of 1:50 using dye bath of pH 5.0. The results from mordanting experiments revealed that 7% of tannic acid as pre-mordant and 5% of Cu as post-mordant were the best treatments to improve colour strength. It was found that gamma ray induced extraction of lutein from marigold flowers had a potential to be utilized as natural dyes in textile sector to produce yellowish green shades.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on the Growth and Polyphenol Profile of Marjoram, Lemon Balm, and Marigold.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization on biomass, polyphenol profile, and content of economically important herbs. A pot experiment was performed with marjoram, lemon balm, and marigold applying a commercially available AMF mixture for inoculation. Major polyphenols were identified using HPLC-UV-ESI-qTOFMS on the basis of their UV-vis and mass spectral characteristics, and selected ones were quantified. We showed that AMF can provide different services for each herb. Marjoram had the highest level of fungal colonization (82 M%) followed by lemon balm (62 M%) and marigold (17 M%). AMF inoculation significantly increased the biomass of marjoram (1.5-fold), the number of marigold flowers (1.2-fold), and the yield of rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid isomers of marjoram (1.5-fold) and lemon balm (1.2-fold). Therefore, the quantity and quality of plant material could be improved by the application of optimized AMF inoculum.

Light quality impacts on growth, flowering, mineral uptake and petal pigmentation of marigold

Light quality has a significant impact on growth and development and time to flower in many plant species. Recently, the percentages of blue and red in narrow-band wavelengths of light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been shown to impact mineral uptake, pigment development and the rate of growth and development of several plant species. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of light quality on shoot growth, flower development, mineral uptake and pigment content of marigold (Tagetes patula 'Safari Orange'). Plants were grown in 10-cm square pots in a greenhouse ebb and flood system with a complete nutrient solution. Plants received average day temperatures of 25°C and night temperatures of 16°C. The following light treatments were utilized in this study: 1) natural sunlight; 2) high-pressure sodium (HPS) lighting at 100 µmols m-2 s-1 intensity in addition to natural sunlight intensity; 3) LED lighting with blue and red wavelengths at 50% each and intensity at 100 µmols m-2 s-1 in addition to natural sunlight intensity; and 4) LED lighting with blue at 25% and red at 75% and intensity at 100 µmols m-2 s-1 in addition to natural sunlight intensity. Total shoot growth was twice as high in all supplemental light treatments compared to the natural sunlight treatment. Shoot growth was greater in the 25% blue/75% red LED treatment than in the HPS light treatment. The 50% blue/50% red LED treatment was not significantly different from the HPS light treatment. Plants in the 25% blue/75% red LED treatment had 15% more blooms than plants in the 50% blue/50% red LED treatment or the HPS light treatment. All supplemental light treatments produced plants with significantly more blooms than plants in the natural sunlight treatment. Plants in the LED light treatments had greater petal pigment content than plants in the natural sunlight treatment.

Influence/impact of lutein complex (marigold flower and wolfberry) on visual function with early age-related macular degeneration subjects: A randomized clinical trial

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the age-related disease characterized by chronic and progressive degeneration of photoreceptors. The retinoprotective effect of lutein complex (LC) derived from marigold (lutein) and wolfberry (zeaxanthin) was assessed in subjects with early stage AMD (n = 56). Each subject was instructed to take 60 mL of LC beverage for 5 months. Supplementation with LC substantially escalated the concentrations of serum lutein and zeaxanthin as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of total antioxidative capacity, ocular comfort index (OCI) and macular pigment optical density (MPOD) as compared to baseline. Oxidative stress index (total free radicals and TBARS), inflammatory markers, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and interocular pressure (IOP) were concomitantly lowered in subjects when treated with LC for 5 months. Thus, long-term consumption of LC may suppress the oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant status and thereby preclude the incidence of AMD.

Microencapsulation of lutein extracted from marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta L.) using full factorial design

Lutein (LUT), is one of the most important carotenoids having prominent antioxidant activity. However, its use is limited due to poor solubility and instability under adverse conditions. LUT was microencapsulated with soluble polymers using spray drying to improve its solubility and bioavailability. Maltodextrin (polysaccharide base) and copovidone (polyvinyl pyrrolidone vinyl acetate based copolymer) were evaluated as hydrophilic carriers for encapsulation of LUT. Design of Experiments (DOE) was utilized and microencapsulation process was optimized using full factorial design. Copovidone proved to be better carrier compared to maltodextrin and showed enhanced dissolution and antioxidant characteristics of LUT. Microencapsulated LUT powder was characterized by dissolution study, DSC, XRD and SEM. This study can be used as a guideline for optimization of microencapsulation of similar bio-actives with hydrophilic carriers to improve solubility and subsequent bioavailability.

Combined process of reaction, extraction, and purification of lutein in marigold flower by isopropanol–KOH aqueous two-phase system

ABSTRACTThis paper established a viable process for the simultaneous reaction, extraction, and primary purification of lutein in marigold flower by the isopropanol–KOH aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). In this process, the liposoluble lutein esters were translated into water-soluble lutein by saponification reaction in ATPS and distributed to the top phase. Meanwhile, the water-soluble flavonoids in marigold were also extracted and distributed to the bottom phase. The concentrations of phase-forming isopropanol and KOH, the added mass of marigold flower powder, temperature, and time were investigated to evaluate their effects on the extraction and partition behaviour of lutein and flavoniods in ATPS. Under the optimal conditions (38% isopropanol, 18% KOH, 0.05 g of marigold flower powder, 500°C and 1.5 h extraction time), the leaching efficiency, extraction efficiency, and partition coefficient of lutein were 84.64%, 86.73%, and 5.115, respectively, and at this point, the saponification rate of lutein reached 93.98%. Meanwhile, the leaching efficiency, extraction efficiency, and partition coefficient of flavoniods were 96.68%, 78.31%, and 0.2167, respectively. This method shows the superiority to the conventional one for it can not only efficiently extract lutein in marigold flower, but also achieve a high saponification rate of lutein esters and simultaneously separate two major pigments.

Architecture of 2D MoS2 nanosheets and 3D CdMoS4 marigold flowers: Consequence of annealing on field emission performance

Herein, we report the field electron emission investigations on template free solvothermally synthesized layered MoS2 nanosheets as well as novel phase of CdMoS4 nanoflowers at the base pressure of ∼1 × 10−8 mbar. The turn-on field, threshold field and maximum emission current densities for both MoS2 and CdMoS4 are strongly influenced by thermal annealing in inert atmosphere. The turn on field, required to draw emission current density of 1 μA/cm2 is found to be 5.8 and 3.2 V/μm for pristine and annealed MoS2 at 400 °C. In case of as prepared and annealed CdMoS4 sample the turn on field values are found to be ∼6.2 and 5.0 V/μm, respectively. The emission current versus time (I–t) plot measured at the preset current values of ∼1 μA for pristine and annealed sample indicates stable operation of the emitter. The emission current fluctuations for annealed sample are observed to be less as compared with the pristine sample due to conditioning of the emitter, thereby showing highly stable nature of emitter. Thus, the present result demonstrates the potential of annealed MoS2 nanosheets and CdMoS4 nanoflowers as an emerging materials for micro/nanoelectronics and flat panel field emission display applications.

Contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in attenuation of heavy metal impact on Calendula officinalis development

The mycorrhizal fungi community is a significant soil rhizosphere component that benefits plant nutrition and improve plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. The present research compared the influence of three mycorrhizal strains over pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) development and their contribution to promoting the valuable secondary metabolites accumulation in the condition of heavy metal (Cd and Pb) pollution. Two Claroideoglomus claroideum isolates (from industrially and naturally enriched metal-contaminated sites) and Funneliformis mosseae (derived from a soil with a high concentration of various metals) were studied. The mycorrhizal status and acid phosphatase activity were best exposed in the roots associated with C. claroideum (from native metalliferous sites) and corresponded with the highest total phenols and flavonoids concentrations. Neither Pb nor Cd was detected in the marigold flowers (Calendula flos drug) following targeted mycorrhizal treatment. The higher Cd and Pb levels in non-mycorrhizal plants lead to the lowest flower weight, but in the aerial plant parts, we found a slight distinction. The tested strains stimulated the accumulation of important secondary metabolites (total phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids) in pot marigold flowers and, therefore, enhanced the antioxidant capacity. The carotenoid profile of mycorrhizal plants performed notable differences between the primarily defined constituents (lutein, lycopene, β-carotene). The highest β-carotene values (respectively vitamin A) and lycopene were found in pot marigold—F. mosseae association. The findings are essential to obtain the optimum benefits of mycorrhizal association in unfavorable conditions concerning pot marigold bioactive compounds synthesis.

The Protective Effect of Marigold Hydroalcoholic Extract in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats: Evaluation of Cardiac and Pancreatic Biomarkers in the Serum

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder worldwide and it is usually along with complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing and its treatment has created concerns in society. The use of herbal medicine can be helpful in the management of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of marigold hydroalcoholic extract under diabetes condition. A total of 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, diabetic control group, and groups treated with 250 or 500 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of marigold flower during four weeks. At the end of the study, the rats were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine, and sampling was performed through cardiac puncture. The results showed that treatment with marigold improved body weight. In addition, we determined that marigold normalized the level of CK-MB, total CK, amylase, and lipase in a dose-dependent manner. Probably these effects resulted from antioxidant property of marigold; thus we suggest that marigold flower can be useful for reduction of diabetes complication.

Central Composite Design Approach for Optimization of Extraction and Dyeing Conditions of Marigold Colorant

Marigold flowers are used in many Asian countries for various occasions, rituals and offerings. A considerable amount of unused marigold flowers is wasted while the used ones also pose problems in disposing off. Central composite design of experiment was used to optimize the extraction and dyeing conditions of natural dye from marigold flowers. The effect of pH of the extraction medium, extraction time and material to liquor ratio was investigated. It was found that pH and liquor ratio had statistically significant effect on dye extraction, whereas the effect of time, within the range used in this study, was not found to be significant. Optimum dye extraction was obtained in acidic pH of the extraction medium at lower liquor ratio. Temperature and time dyeing are the most influential factors among many other parameters including amount of salt and material-to-liquor ratio. Cotton fabric dyed with the optimized dye extract, showed very good washing and light fastness properties but poor wet crocking fastness.

Investigation of quality and antimicrobal activity of cultivated marigold flowers Calendula officinalis L.

Introduction: Marigold flower, Calendula officinalis L, Asteraceae, is traditionally used to treat skin diseases. Marigold flowers contain triterpenoid saponins, carotenoids, flavonoids and essential oil. Extracts and essential oil exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate quality of cultivated Calendulae flos, to compare flavonoids content in inflorescence and ligulate florets and to determine antimicrobial activity of extract and traditional ointment based on marigold. Material and Methods: Plant material was collected from private gardens in Kikinda, Mokrin and Vrnjacka Banja during September and November 2015. Quality investigation included: macroscopic and microscopic analysis and determination of the specific quality according to the monograph of European Pharmacopoeia 7.0. The identification of flavonoids was carried out by HPLC. Antimicrobial activity of ethanol extracts (1:20) and traditional ointment based on ligulate florets or whole inflorescences was tested against six standard laboratory strains by agar-diffusion method. Results: Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics and content of flavonoids (2.0-2.76%) in the ligulate florets of cultivated marigold corresponded to the requirements of Ph. Eur. 7.0. Separated ligulate florets (2.76 ± 0.01%) contained a higher concentration of flavonoids than whole inflorescence (1.68 ± 0.0%). Also, in ligulate florets differences were found in the flavonoids content during September (2.76 ± 0.01%) and November (1.45 ± 0.01%), while in whole inflorescences concentration didn't significantly change. In all tested samples 3-O-heterosides of quercetin and isorhamnetin were identified. The ethanol extracts of ligulate florets, whole inflorescence as well as traditional ointments showed the antimicrobial activity. The traditional ointment based on ligulate florets showed stronger antimicrobial effect than the ointment based on full inflorescences. Conclusion: Quality investigation showed that cultivated marigold flowers meet the requirements of Ph. Eur. 7.0. Ligulate florets contained more flavonoids than whole inflorescences. Extracts and traditional ointment based on ligulate florets showed antimicrobial activity, which confirmed long-term use of marigold.

Constituents of French Marigold (Tagetes patula L.) Flowers Protect Jurkat T-Cells against Oxidative Stress.

The flowers of French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) are widely used in folk medicine, in particular for treating inflammation-related disorders. However, cellular mechanisms of this activity demand further investigation. In the present work, we studied the potential of T. patula compounds to alleviate the oxidative stress in hydrogen peroxide-challenged human lymphoblastoid Jurkat T-cells. Crude extracts of marigold flowers and purified fractions containing flavonoids patuletin, quercetagetin, and quercetin and their derivatives, as well as the carotenoid lutein, were brought in contact with Jurkat cells challenged with 25 or 50 μM H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide caused oxidative stress in the cells, manifested as generation of superoxide and peroxyl radicals, reduced viability, arrested cell cycle, and enhanced apoptosis. The stress was alleviated by marigold ingredients that demonstrated high radical-scavenging capacity and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes involved in neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Flavonoid fraction rich in quercetin and quercetagetin showed the highest cytoprotective activity, while patuletin in high dose exerted a cytotoxic effect associated with its anticancer potential. T. patula compounds enhanced the production of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant interleukin-10 (IL-10) in Jurkat cells. Both direct radical-scavenging capacity and stimulation of protective cellular mechanisms can underlay the anti-inflammatory properties of marigold flowers.