Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Pot marigold vs Chili Pepper
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Pot marigold and Chili Pepper: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, infection (general), inflammation (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Pot marigold | Chili Pepper | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 6/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Pot marigold |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Pot marigold |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Pot marigold |
| Wounds | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Pot marigold |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Principal wound-healing and anti-inflammatory constituents of the flower.
Antioxidant flavonoids and carotenoids give the flower its orange-yellow colour and contribute to its antioxidant activity.
Minor aromatic and resinous constituents of the flower head.
The pungent alkaloid-like compounds responsible for the fruit's heat and its counterirritant/analgesic action via TRPV1 receptor desensitisation.
Give ripe red fruit its colour and contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids identified in leaf and fruit extracts.
Pharmacological Actions
Calendula officinalis extracts show cytotoxic antitumor, pro-apoptotic and antimetastatic activity across many cancer cell lines and in animal models (preclinical).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
A Calendula officinalis (LACE) aqueous extract inhibits proliferation (70-100%) of leukemia, melanoma, breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer cell lines via G0/G1 arrest and caspase-3 apoptosis and inhibits melanoma growth in nude mice; a systematic review documents its cytotoxic and antimetastatic antitumour activity (preclinical).
inferred from antifungal action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally very safe for topical use. May cause contact dermatitis in rare cases (Asteraceae family allergy). Internal use is safe in normal doses. Avoid during pregnancy at therapeutic doses (uterine stimulant potential). Generally safe during breastfeeding for topical use.
Duke (2002) rates calendula (Calendula officinalis) and notes anti-inflammatory, wound-healing (vulnerary), antifungal, and antispasmodic activities at experimental levels. Commission E (KOM) approves calendula flower for wound healing and anti-inflammatory uses, both topically and as a gargle. The plant contains flavonoids, triterpene saponins (oleanolic acid glycosides), and essential oils. Dose: 1–2 g dried flower as tea (for mouth rinse/gargle); or as cream/ointment containing 2–5% calendula extract for topical use. Duke notes that calendula is generally very well-tolerated, though Asteraceae sensitivity can occasionally cause allergic reactions (Duke, 2002).
Capsaicin causes intense burning sensation; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. High oral doses can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, and diarrhoea. Topical preparations may cause skin irritation and should be used diluted. Not recommended for individuals with active peptic ulcers. Caution with anticoagulants — capsaicin may enhance bleeding risk. During pregnancy, culinary amounts are considered safe, but high-dose supplements should be avoided. Repeated topical application leads to desensitisation (TRPV1 depletion), which is the basis for its analgesic use. Children under 2 should not be given capsaicin-containing topical products (Basu and Bhattacharyya, 2023).
Duke (2002) rates cayenne/chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) highly for its clinically documented analgesic, counterirritant, and rubefacient activities. Commission E approves topical capsaicin preparations for muscle pain, arthritis, and neuralgia (score 2). The active compound capsaicin depletes substance P in sensory neurons upon repeated application, reducing pain signals. Capsaicin cream (0.025–0.075%) is a validated treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and osteoarthritis pain. Internal use can irritate mucous membranes; external use requires avoiding contact with eyes and mucous membranes (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic annual or short-lived perennial herb with soft, hairy, oblong leaves and branching, slightly sticky stems. The flower heads are bright orange to yellow, daisy-like, with numerous narrow ray florets surrounding a darker central disc, opening in sunlight and closing at dusk.[1]
Bushy annual or short-lived perennial herb (grown as an annual in temperate climates) with glossy, oval to lance-shaped leaves. Small, star-shaped, white to greenish flowers give way to the characteristic fleshy, hollow fruit (a berry), which ripens from green through yellow to red and varies enormously in size, shape and pungency between cultivars.[1]
Habitat
Widely cultivated as a garden and medicinal plant; believed native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, now naturalised in gardens and waste ground worldwide.[1]
Native to Central and South America; cultivated worldwide in warm and temperate climates as a food and medicinal crop, thriving in full sun on well-drained soil.[1]
Harvesting
The flower heads (or just the ray-floret petals) are picked by hand as they open, through the flowering season, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve colour and resin content.[1]
Fruit is picked at the desired stage of ripeness (green for milder use, fully red for maximum capsaicin and carotenoid content) through summer and autumn; seeds are separated and dried from fully ripe fruit.
Traditional Uses
Calendula flower is one of the most widely used topical wound-healing and skin-soothing herbs in Western herbal medicine, applied to cuts, grazes, minor burns and skin inflammation, and used internally as a gentle anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial remedy and as a gargle for mouth and throat irritation.[1]
Chili pepper fruit has a long history across the Americas and, after global spread, in many other traditional medicine systems as a warming digestive stimulant and topical counterirritant/analgesic for muscle and joint pain, building on capsaicin's now well-documented ability to desensitise pain-sensing nerve fibres with repeated application.[1]
Preparations
Dried petals infused in a carrier oil, used as a soothing base for topical creams and balms for skin healing.
Standardised flower extract formulated into a cream or ointment for topical wound and skin care; the best-studied modern form.
Dried flower infused in hot water, 1-2 g in 150 ml, used still warm as a mouth rinse or gargle 2-4 times daily. The EU herbal monograph's posology for this preparation is OROMUCOSAL only - it does not support taking the infusion internally. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Standardised capsaicin cream or patch applied to the affected area for muscle, joint or nerve pain; repeated application depletes substance P and reduces pain signalling.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives semi-solid preparations containing the equivalent of 2-10% herbal substance, applied as a thin layer to the affected area 2 to 4 times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the flower in 150 mL water as an infusion, used still warm for rinsing and gargling 2 to 4 times daily, or to prepare impregnated dressings for the skin. This is an oromucosal and cutaneous preparation, not an oral tea. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph on Capsici fructus gives semi-solid dosage forms corresponding to 40-53 mg capsaicinoids per 100 g, applied as a thin layer to the affected area 2-4 times daily, in adults and elderly. For medicated plasters, a maximum of 1 plaster per day applied for at least 4 and up to 12 hours, with at least 12 hours before a new plaster is applied to the same area. Not recommended under 18 years. Expect an initial burning sensation that lessens with repeated use. Note the monograph covers hot chilli fruit (C. annuum var. minimum and small-fruited C. frutescens), not sweet peppers. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Givol, O., Kornhaber, R., Visentin, D., Cleary, M. et al (2019) 'A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing', Wound Repair and Regeneration, 27(5), pp. 548-561. doi:10.1111/wrr.12737 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12737 - Shahane, K., Kshirsagar, M., Tambe, S., Jain, D. et al (2023) 'An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L', Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 16(4), pp. 611. doi:10.3390/ph16040611 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16040611 - Saffari, E., Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, S., Adibpour, M., Mirghafourvand, M. et al (2016) 'Comparing the effects of Calendula officinalis and clotrimazole on vaginal Candidiasis: A randomized controlled trial', Women & Health, 57(10), pp. 1145-1160. doi:10.1080/03630242.2016.1263272 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2016.1263272 - Cruceriu, D., Balacescu, O. and Rakosy, E (2018) 'Calendula officinalis: potential roles in cancer treatment and palliative care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 17(4), pp. 1068-1078. doi:10.1177/1534735418803766 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735418803766 - Rezai, S., Rahzani, K., Hekmatpou, D. and Rostami, A (2023) 'Effect of oral Calendula officinalis on second-degree burn wound healing', Scars, Burns & Healing, 9, pp. 20595131221134053. doi:10.1177/20595131221134053 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/20595131221134053 - Kadowaki, W., Miyata, R., Mizuno, S., Fujinami, M., Sato, Y. and Kumazawa, S (2023) 'Prenylated acetophenones from the roots of Calendula officinalis and their anti-inflammatory activity', Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 87(7), pp. 683-687. doi:10.1093/bbb/zbad042 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1093/bbb/zbad042 - Samra, R.M., Maatooq, G.T. and Zaki, A.A (2022) 'A new antiprotozoal compound from Calendula officinalis', Natural Product Research, 36(22), pp. 5747-5752. doi:10.1080/14786419.2021.2023868 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2021.2023868 - Kaur, J., Sidhu, S., Chopra, K. and Khan, M.U (2016) 'Calendula officinalis ameliorates l-arginine-induced acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats', Pharmaceutical Biology, 54(12), pp. 2951-2959. doi:10.1080/13880209.2016.1195848 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2016.1195848 - Aro, A.A., Perez, M.O., Vieira, C.P., Esquisatto, M.A.M., Rodrigues, R.A.F., Gomes, L. and Pimentel, E.R (2014) 'Effect of Calendula officinalis cream on achilles tendon healing', Anatomical Record, 298(2), pp. 428-435. doi:10.1002/ar.23057 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.23057 - Zhang, X., Wang, R., Finiuk, N., Stoika, R., Lin, H., Wang, X. and Jin, M (2023) 'Active compounds from Calendula officinalis flowers act via PI3K and ERK signaling pathways to offer neuroprotective effects against Parkinson's disease', Food Science & Nutrition, 12(1), pp. 450-458. doi:10.1002/fsn3.3792 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.3792 - Kadowaki, W., Miyata, R., Fujinami, M., Sato, Y. and Kumazawa, S (2023) 'Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors from Calendula officinalis leaf', Molecules, 28(3), pp. 1333. doi:10.3390/molecules28031333 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031333 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2018) 'European Union herbal monograph on Calendula officinalis L., flos, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-calendula-officinalis-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-calendula-officinalis-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Nicolaus, C. et al (2017) 'A double-blind, randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a monograph-based Calendula cream versus a comparator cream', 35(1), pp. 81--89. Randomized trial
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20double-blind%2C%20randomized%20controlled%20trial%20to%20investigate%20the%20efficacy%20and%20safety%20of%20a%20monograph-based%20Calendula%20cream%20versus%20a%20comparator%20cream - Preethi, K.C. and Kuttan, R (2009) 'Wound healing activity of flower extract of Calendula officinalis', 20(1), pp. 73--79. doi:10.1515/jbcpp.2009.20.1.73 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp.2009.20.1.73 - Jimenez-Medina, E. and Garcia-Lora, A. and Paco, L. and Algarra, I. and Collado, A. and Garrido, F (2006) 'A new extract of the plant Calendula officinalis produces a dual in vitro effect: cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and lymphocyte activation', BMC Cancer, 6, pp. 119. doi:10.1186/1471-2407-6-119 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-6-119 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
- Cho, S.Y., Kim, H.W., Lee, M.K., Kim, H.J., Kim, J.B., Choe, J.S., Lee, Y.M. and Jang, H.H (2020) 'Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in relation to the flavonoids composition of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)', Antioxidants, 9(10), pp. 986. doi:10.3390/antiox9100986 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9100986 - Khan, F.A., Mahmood, T., Ali, M., Saeed, A. and Maalik, A (2014) 'Pharmacological importance of an ethnobotanical plant: Capsicum annuum L', Natural Product Research, 28(16), pp. 1267-1274. doi:10.1080/14786419.2014.895723 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2014.895723 - Srinivasan, K (2016) 'Biological activities of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) and its pungent principle capsaicin: a review', Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56(9), pp. 1488-1500. doi:10.1080/10408398.2013.772090 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2013.772090 - Hernandez-Perez, T., Gomez-Garcia, M.D.R., Valverde, M.E. and Paredes-Lopez, O (2020) 'Capsicum annuum (hot pepper): an ancient Latin-American crop with outstanding bioactive compounds and nutraceutical potential. A review', Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 19(6), pp. 2972-2993. doi:10.1111/1541-4337.12634 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12634 - Sanati, S., Razavi, B.M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2018) 'A review of the effects of Capsicum annuum L. and its constituent, capsaicin, in metabolic syndrome', Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 21(5), pp. 439-448. doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2018.25200.6238 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.22038/IJBMS.2018.25200.6238 - Mandal, S.K., Rath, S.K., Logesh, R., Mishra, S.K., Devkota, H.P. and Das, N (2023) 'Capsicum annuum L. and its bioactive constituents: a critical review of a traditional culinary spice in terms of its modern pharmacological potentials with toxicological issues', Phytotherapy Research, 37(3), pp. 965-1002. doi:10.1002/ptr.7660 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7660 - Grojja, Y., Hajlaoui, H., Luca, S.V., Abidi, J., Skalicka-Wozniak, K., Zouari, S. and Bouaziz, M (2023) 'Untargeted phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of a Tunisian Capsicum annuum cultivar', Molecules, 28(17), pp. 6346. doi:10.3390/molecules28176346 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176346 - Hernandez-Ortega, M., Ortiz-Moreno, A., Hernandez-Navarro, M.D., Chamorro-Cevallos, G., Dorantes-Alvarez, L. and Necoechea-Mondragon, H (2012) 'Antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects of carotenoids extracted from dried pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)', Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2012, pp. 524019. doi:10.1155/2012/524019 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/524019 - Maji, A.K. and Banerji, P (2016) 'Phytochemistry and gastrointestinal benefits of the medicinal spice, Capsicum annuum L. (Chilli): a review', Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, 13(2), pp. 97-122. doi:10.1515/jcim-2015-0037 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2015-0037 - Marrelli, M., Menichini, F. and Conforti, F (2016) 'Hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties of hot pepper flower (Capsicum annuum L.)', Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 71(3), pp. 301-306. doi:10.1007/s11130-016-0560-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-016-0560-7 - Song, C., Yu, C., Zhu, X., Luo, X., Zhang, Y., Meng, L., Luo, Y., Chang, H., Qin, C. and Liu, Y (2020) 'A new capsaicin-containing phenolic glycoside from Capsicum annuum L', Natural Product Research, 36(2), pp. 546-552. doi:10.1080/14786419.2020.1789983 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2020.1789983 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Capsicum annuum L. var. minimum (Miller) Heiser and small fruited varieties of Capsicum frutescens L., fructus'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-capsicum-annuum-l-var-minimum-miller-heiser-and-small-fruited-varieties-capsicum-frutescens-l-fructus_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-capsicum-annuum-l-var-minimum-miller-heiser-and-small-fruited-varieties-capsicum-frutescens-l-fructus_en.pdf - Anand, P. and Bley, K (2011) 'Topical capsaicin for pain management: therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch', 107(4), pp. 490--502. doi:10.1093/bja/aer260 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/aer260 - Basu, S. and Bhattacharyya, S (2023) 'Capsicum and capsaicin: a comprehensive review of chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic applications', 22(5), pp. 1413--1442. doi:10.1007/s11101-023-09875-8 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-023-09875-8 - Derry, S., Rice, A.S., Cole, P., Tan, T. and Moore, R.A (2017) 'Topical capsaicin (high concentration) for chronic neuropathic pain in adults'. doi:10.1002/http://14651858.CD007393.pub4 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/http://14651858.CD007393.pub4 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.) 'Capsicum annuum L'. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:841033-1 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:841033-1 - Molina-Torres, J., García-Chávez, A. and Ramírez-Chávez, E (1999) 'Antimicrobial properties of alkamides present in flavouring plants traditionally used in Mesoamerica', 64(3), pp. 241--248. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(98)00131-4 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(98)00131-4 - Lv, J., Qi, L., Yu, C. et al (2015) 'Consumption of spicy foods and total and cause specific mortality: population based cohort study'. doi:10.1136/bmj.h3942 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h3942 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.