Pharmaceuticals 16 00611
Pharmaceuticals 16 00611
Pharmaceuticals 16 00611
Review
An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential
of Calendula officinalis L.
Kiran Shahane 1,† , Madhuri Kshirsagar 1,† , Srushti Tambe 1,† , Divya Jain 1,† , Srutee Rout 2,† ,
Maria Karolina Martins Ferreira 3 , Suraj Mali 4 , Purnima Amin 1 , Prem Prakash Srivastav 2 , Jorddy Cruz 3
and Rafael Rodrigues Lima 3, *
Abstract: Calendula officinalis Linn. (CO) is a popular medicinal plant from the plant kingdom’s
Asteraceae family that has been used for millennia. This plant contains flavonoids, triterpenoids,
glycosides, saponins, carotenoids, volatile oil, amino acids, steroids, sterols, and quinines. These
chemical constituents confer multifaceted biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer,
antihelminthic, antidiabetes, wound healing, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activities. Addi-
tionally, it is employed in cases of certain burns and gastrointestinal, gynecological, ocular, and
skin conditions. In this review, we have discussed recent research from the last five years on the
therapeutic applications of CO and emphasized its myriad capabilities as a traditional medicine. We
have also elucidated CO’s molecular mechanisms and recent clinical studies. Overall, this review
intends to summarize, fill in the gaps in the existing research, and provide a wealth of possibilities
for researchers working to validate traditional claims and advance the safe and effective use of CO in
treating various ailments.
Citation: Shahane, K.; Kshirsagar, M.;
Tambe, S.; Jain, D.; Rout, S.; Ferreira, Keywords: Calendula officinalis; traditional medicine; chemical composition; biological activities
M.K.M.; Mali, S.; Amin, P.; Srivastav,
P.P.; Cruz, J.; et al. An Updated
Review on the Multifaceted
Therapeutic Potential of Calendula 1. Introduction
officinalis L.. Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16,
The use of traditional medicine was found to be first implemented in Ancient Greece.
611. https://doi.org/10.3390/
According to Greek traditional knowledge, gods gave the knowledge of healing to man.
ph16040611
Theophrastus (372–286 BC), a disciple of Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, and a
Received: 13 March 2023 scientist, authored the first scientific system of plants [1]. Although not wholly aware of
Revised: 27 March 2023 their exact physicochemical characteristics at the time, the human population has found
Accepted: 31 March 2023 additional health benefits from plants throughout history. The same components from plant
Published: 18 April 2023 sources that have a long medicinal history and are proven effective in the welfare of human
health are indicated within traditional medicine. This traditional medicinal knowledge and
colonial expansion through the progress of communication mediums have been transferred
over the generations [1,2]. Currently, traditional medicines are becoming more popular for
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
therapeutic use, specifically for self-treatment practices [3–5].
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
Calendula officinalis Linn. (CO), as an important plant within traditional medicine,
distributed under the terms and
has found application in the food industry [6] as well as the pharmaceutical industry [7]
conditions of the Creative Commons owing to the presence of secondary metabolites in the plant. The Calendula genus covers
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// approximately 25 species, among which C. officinalis, C. arvensis, C. tripterocarpa, C. stellata,
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ and C. suffruticose are the most common [8]. CO is the most studied species of Calendula. It
4.0/). has been used medicinally since the 12th century [9,10] and is known as English Marigold,
Pot Marigold, Holigold, Mary Bud, Marybud, or Mary Gowles. The name Calendula
originates from the Latin term “calends” denoting the first day of each month when
the Calendula flower blooms. Along with this, Calendula has also been referred to as
the “herb of the sun”, considering the efflorescence of Calendula flowers in the morning
and their shriveling in the evening. For a long period, this traditional herb has been
used to treat minor burns, wounds, and skin problems. Currently used CO medicines
include pot marigold tincture and carophyllenic ointment, which both contain carotenoids
derived from the flowers. It is one of the ingredients of the branded homeopathic drug
Traumeel® , which is intended to relieve the pain and swelling brought on by sudden
musculoskeletal injuries [11]. Moreover, many sources suggest using Calendula petal
powder as an economical substitute for saffron because its coloring and flavoring aided in
food products in early times [10].
CO is a self-seeding, annual plant species that grows to a height of 12–18 inches
and is found near warm and humid atmospheric conditions [12]. A 5 to 7 cm composite
flower head rests on the plant’s stem. The flower head consists of an epicalyx of multiple
tapered lanceolate sepals, compactly overlayed on each of the two sides by glandular hairs
and yellow-orange tubular florets on the interior side [9,13]. CO powder is a yellowish-
brown powder with a distinctive aromatic smell and a mildly bitter taste. It contains
normocytic stomata in the outer epidermis’ apical region, fragments of the corolla, covering
and glandular trichomes, elongated sclerenchymatous cells, fragments of the walls of
the ovaries containing brown pigment, pollen grains, fragments of stigma, and fibrous
fragments. CO plants are abundantly seen in Central Europe and the Mediterranean
regions [14,15]. It is also found in Middle Eastern countries, specifically Cyprus, Turkey,
and Iran. In addition, Calendula cultivation has also been observed in India and China on a
larger scale [16,17].
It is considered a safe medication when considering its therapeutic potential with
a proper dose and other pharmacological indications [9,18]. Some toxicological studies
have even proven the safety of acute and subacute administration of Calendula in terms of
biochemistry and physical parameters. According to the European Medicines Agency, CO
oil is classified as a herbal medical product and has a claimed LD 50 (lethal dose 50) value
of 20 mL/kg of body weight [10,19].
This review congregates the hitherto scattered reports on the pharmacological activities
of CO from the last five years. Nonetheless, we aim to highlight the importance of CO
as a natural remedy for therapeutic purposes based on the positive data that has been
documented in the literature. In summary, the objective of this review is to provide a
summary, fill in the gaps in the existing research, and present a multitude of possibilities to
researchers already working on the validation of traditional claims and the development of
CO’s use in the safe and effective treatment of a variety of diseases.
2. Chemical Composition
Some of the important components in CO pharmacological activities belong to differ-
ent classes of chemical compounds, terpenoids, flavonoids, triterpeneol esters, steroids,
phenolic compounds, carotenes, triterpenoids, essential oils, quinones, fatty acids, min-
erals, saponins, carbohydrates, sterols, and tocopherols [20,21]. In various regions of
CO, the compounds ubiquinone, tocopherol, phylloquinone, and proto-quinone were
identified from quinones. From the petroleum ether extract of CO flowers, terpenoids
were extracted [22,23]. Some other phytoconstituents present in CO are paraffins, cal-
endin, and calendulin [12]. All these secondary metabolites increase the importance of
CO as traditional medicine. Carotenoids and triterpene alcohols, in both free and ester-
ified forms, are also present in CO [24]. Co-derived carotenoid pigments [25] and other
polyunsaturated fatty acids produced from CO, such as Calendric acid [26], have been
demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo [27]. Nonetheless,
triterpene oligoglycosides and calendasaponins A, B, C, and D from CO have proven to
exhibit gastric-emptying-inhibitory, gastroprotective, and hypoglycemic properties [28].
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 611 3 of 21
CO leaf extract contains fatty acids, triterpenes, chloroform extracts, and sterols. In the
aqueous extract, flavonoids and saponins were identified, and alkaloids were also found in
the ethanolic extract. In various regions of CO, the compounds ubiquinone, tocopherol,
phylloquinone, and proto-quinone were identified from quinones. From the petroleum
ether extract of CO flowers, terpenoids were extracted [22,23]. CO was also used to extract
flavonoids such as quercetin, isorhamnetin, and isoquercetin. Some other phytoconstituents
present in CO are paraffins, calendin, and calendulin.
Table 1 represents the major constituents and percentages of various Calendula species,
and Table 2 represents the various chemical constituents present in CO.
Table 1. The major constituents and percentages of various Calendula species [29].
2.1. Carotenoids
The flower of CO, which is primarily orange, has high levels of carotenoids. The num-
ber of carotenoids in CO inflorescences increased significantly. Orange CO species include
more hydrocarbons than yellow ones, which mainly contain oxygenated derivatives [25].
Carotenoids, which are pre-eminently found in plant flowers, majorly consist of ly-
copene, beta carotene, lutein, flavoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Some of the other carotenoids
found in petals and pollens of CO are luteoxanthin, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, 9Z-Violaxanthin,
9Z-Neoxanthin, auroxanthin, 9Z-Anthroxanthin, mutatoxanthin, 13/130 Z-Lutein,
α-cryptoxanthin, z-cryptoxanthin, 9/90 Z-lutein, α-carotene, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin.
In addition to this, carotenoids found in the stem and leaves of CO include violaxanthin,
9Z-Violaxanthin, 9Z-Neoxanthin, antheraxanthin, neoxanthin, mutatoxanthin epimer 1 and
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 611 4 of 21
2.2. Terpenoids
Terpenoids, which are primarily present in flowers and roots of CO, are majorly known
for their antioxidant activity. These sesquiterpenoids, entailing τ-cadinol, α-cadinol, and
τ-muurolol, bring out antioxidant action through a radical scavenging mechanism. Thus,
terpenoids have a significant role in the management of diseases and disorders involving ox-
idative reactions such as Alzheimer’s disease, skin hyperpigmentation, and diabetes-related
complications. In addition to this, terpenoids have extensive anti-inflammatory action.
This action is brought about by the inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme (Cyclo-oxygenase-2),
pro-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukins 1 and 6, tissue necrosis factor, and
synthesis of prostaglandins [22,23].
2.3. Flavonoids
Flavonoids present in CO, especially quercetin, have significant wound-healing ac-
tivity. There are several proposed mechanisms for this action. The basic mechanism of
action is the antioxidant activity brought about through radical scavenging action. Another
mechanism explains the adhesion and augmentation of fibroblasts, which additionally
cause an approbatory effect on the cellular activity in a given area [56,57]. Addition-
ally, flavonoids are known to have anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis action [58,59]. Quite
a few mechanisms are suggested for this action, including removal of plaque through
inhibition of lysosomal hydrolase, reduction in collagen degradation through inhibition
of recombinant human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and subsequent increment in
collagen concentration. Furthermore, other constituents of CO belonging to the flavonoid
class such as rutin, apigenin, kaempferol, vitexin, and luteolin are known to have skin-
protective action through the antioxidant mechanism. In addition to this, flavonoid
compounds quercetin and rutin possess anti-depressant action. These compounds pro-
duce their action through the inhibition of Monoamine (MAO) oxidases and reduction in
GABA levels [60–62]. Isorhamnetin with quercetin derivatives such as 3-O-(200 -rhamnosyl)-
rhamnosides, 3-O-(200 -rhamnosyl)-glucosides, 3-O-(200 ,600 -di-rhamnosyl)-glucosides, 3-O-
(600 -rhamnosyl)-glucosides, 3-O-glucosides, and 3-O-(600 -acetyl)-glucosides are known to
have anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. This activity is chemically attributed to the pres-
ence of acetyl and rhamnosyl groups in flavonoid structure [27]. Hyperoside, another
flavonoid class compound, has a crucial effect on the management of osteosarcoma through
restraining multiplication and stimulation of osteogenic differentiation of sarcoma cells [63].
2.4. Coumarins
Coumarins, which are significantly found in flowers of CO, may prevent oxidative
damage to cells [54]. Some of the important coumarins present in CO are Umbelliferone,
Scopoletin, and Esculetin. Umbelliferone, using the antioxidant mechanism of action, acts
as a skin-protective agent, especially in sunscreen products. Scopoletin has spasmolytic
action: it acts by constraining the spastic contraction of muscles of the urogenital system
and gastrointestinal system. Esculetin, which is from the same class of coumarins, acts as
a phlebotonic and inflammatory agent by decreasing the permeability of capillaries and
rejuvenating venous tone. In addition to this, it is also known to have anti-thrombotic action
owing to its revelatory effect in the augmentation of the occlusion period for thrombotic
platelet plug formation [64,65].
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 611 5 of 21
2.6. Quinones
Quinones that are majorly found in the leaves of CO consist of phylloquinone, α-
tocopherol, ubiquinone, and plastoquinone. They have anti-cancer potential, and their
mechanism of action is alkylation and cleavage of DNA through DNA topoisomerase I and
II [80,81].
Other minor components of CO such as phenolics and tannins are known to have
antioxidant action as well as anti-ulcer action, which is rendered through maintenance as
well as regeneration of gastric mucosa [82].
Figure 1. Chemical structures of constituents of CO. (1), isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside (2), quercetin
Figure 1. Chemical structures of constituents of CO. (1), isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside (2), quercetin 3-
3-O-β-neohesperidoside (3), quercetin 3-O-(2″-O-α-rhamnosyl-6″-O-malonyl)-β-glucoside (4),
quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-β-glucoside (5), quercetin 3-O-6″-O-methyl malonyl)-β-glucoside (6),
isorhamnetin 3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-β-glucoside (7), chlorogenic acid (8), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (9),
and syringic acid (10). Adapted from [84] under Creative Commons CC BY license (CC BY 4.0)
For the extraction of CO, numerous conventional and novel techniques are available.
Conventional techniques used in past decades are hydrodistillation, solvent extraction,
steam distillation, acid-catalyzed extraction, maceration, expression, and soxhlet
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 611 6 of 21
For the extraction of CO, numerous conventional and novel techniques are available.
Conventional techniques used in past decades are hydrodistillation, solvent extraction,
steam distillation, acid-catalyzed extraction, maceration, expression, and soxhlet extrac-
tion [85–89]. The most common solvents used in these processes are methanol, ethanol,
acetone, and hexane. Here, due to the presence of high phenolic content, solvents with high
polarity are employed; for example, 80% methanol, when used in the extraction process,
leads to higher output in terms of the components yield [15,23,90]. Nevertheless, these
conventional techniques are challenging because of prolonged extraction time, temperature,
and pressure conditions. Here novel techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction,
microwave-assisted hydrodistillation, microwave distillation, headspace solid-phase mi-
croextraction, and headspace–cold finger extraction come into the picture, which support
numerous aspects such as enhanced extraction, in terms of yield and quality of extracts,
and economical as well as ecological advantages [86,91–94].
Figure 2. Pharmacological
Figure 2. Pharmacologicaleffects
effects of Calendulaofficinalis
of Calendula officinalis Linn.
Linn.
3.1. Anti-Inflammatory
CO is currently being investigated, as it exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory activity.
Alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, essential oils, sterols, saponins, carotenoids, triterpene alco-
hols, mucilage, polysaccharides, and resin are only a few of the categories of secondary
metabolites that the plant has that are correlated with the anti-inflammatory character-
istics [110]. Dried flower heads or dried ligulate flowers are plant components that are
utilized in medicine and cosmetics. The ligulate flowers are rich in triterpene alcohols,
triterpene saponins, fatty acid esters, flavonoids, carotenoids, coumarins, hydrocarbons,
essential oils, and fatty acids [111]. Using in vivo pharmacological testing, it has been
determined that the triterpenoid fatty acid esters are responsible for the anti-inflammatory
effects of Calendula flowers. The lauryl, myristoyl, and palmitoyl esters of faradiol are the
most prevalent of these [112], demonstrating that flower extract of CO was much more
effective for treating both acute (caused by dextran and carrageenan) and chronic (caused
by formalin) swelling in mice. They hypothesized that it may be attributed to the inhibition
of the production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, interleukin 6; IL-1β; TNF-α, tumor
necrosis factor α; and IFN-γ, interferon γ) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 2), and subsequently,
Refs. [112,113] demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of CO extract and investigated
its effects on nitric oxide production. The results revealed that the CO extract inhibited
inflammatory effects of Calendula flowers. The lauryl, myristoyl, and palmitoyl esters of
faradiol are the most prevalent of these [112], demonstrating that flower extract of CO was
much more effective for treating both acute (caused by dextran and carrageenan) and
chronic (caused by formalin) swelling in mice. They hypothesized that it may be attributed
to the inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, interleukin 6; IL-
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 611 1β; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor α; and IFN-γ, interferon γ) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase 8 of 21
2), and subsequently, Refs. [112,113] demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of CO
extract and investigated its effects on nitric oxide production. The results revealed that the
CO extract
nitric inhibited in
oxide production nitric oxide production
a dose-dependent manner,in with
a dose-dependent
cytotoxicity only manner,
observed withat
cytotoxicity only observed
147 µL/mL concentrations or above.at 147 µL/mL concentrations or above.
Garrido-Suárez[98]
Garrido-Suárez [98]studied
studiedthe the antinociceptive
antinociceptiveeffects
effects of of CO
CO cream
cream onon inflammatory
inflammatory
hyper-nociception.Rats
hyper-nociception. Ratswere
weresubjected
subjectedto toseveral
severaltests,
tests,and
anditit was
was reported
reported that
that CO
CO cream
cream
(20% or
(20% or 30%
30% w/w),
w/w), when applied topically,
topically, ledled to
to aa significant
significant decrease
decrease in TNF-α and
in TNF-α and
suppression of COX-2.
suppression COX-2.Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceuticalformulations
formulations such
suchas nanoemulsion
as nanoemulsion [114] havehave
[114] also
beenbeen
also developed to achieve
developed the anti-inflammatory
to achieve the anti-inflammatoryeffects of CO. Furthermore,
effects the scientists
of CO. Furthermore, the
discovered
scientists that all three
discovered samples
that all of Calendula
three samples extract (3,
of Calendula 5, and
extract (3, 7%)
5, andhad7%)beneficial effects
had beneficial
on healing
effects and soothing
on healing wounds
and soothing wounds when when applied
appliedto to
albino
albinorats.
rats.The Calendula extract
The Calendula extract
nanoemulsion
nanoemulsionhas hasanananti-inflammatory
anti-inflammatory impact
impact on on
skin cells,
skin according
cells, according to the
tofindings. The
the findings.
schematic representation
The schematic of theofanti-inflammatory
representation the anti-inflammatory effects of COofisCO
effects shown in Figure
is shown 3. The
in Figure 3.
aforementioned
The aforementioned information reveals
information the potential
reveals uses uses
the potential of COofas COanas anti-inflammatory
an anti-inflammatory and
analgesic agent. agent.
and analgesic Considering this characteristic
Considering of CO, it was
this characteristic of CO,able it
to was
minimize
able dermatitis
to minimize in
newborns
dermatitiscaused by diaper
in newborns friction
caused when compared
by diaper to Aloe
friction when vera [101].
compared In the
to Aloe oral[101].
vera cavity,In
mouth
the oralrinsing
cavity,with COrinsing
mouth tincturewith
reduced gingivalreduced
CO tincture inflammation
gingival [58].
inflammation [58].
3.2.
3.2. Antioxidant
Antioxidant Activity
Activity
Plant
Plant polyphenols
polyphenolssuchsuchasas
flavonoids areare
flavonoids among
amongthe most significant
the most natural
significant com-
natural
pounds with active antioxidant properties. The radical scavenging or chelating
compounds with active antioxidant properties. The radical scavenging or chelating flavonoids
are caused by
flavonoids their
are hydroxyl
caused by group content [115,116].
their hydroxyl The family
group content of antioxidants
[115,116]. [115] as
The family of
phenolic chemicals,
antioxidants on phenolic
[115] as the otherchemicals,
hand, operate as free
on the radical
other terminators
hand, operate as[117].
free Hence,
radical
CO’s high flavonoid and phenolic phytochemical content contribute to its antioxidant activ-
ity, which can further promote its strong radical-scavenging capacity and confer protective
effects [104]. The leaves and petals of the CO plant contain natural sources of antioxi-
dants [56]. As a result of riboflavin’s photoreduction, it has been claimed that CO extract
scavenges hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. Pandey et al. [118] examined the antioxidant
properties of the leaves and flowers of CO by using TBA (thiobarbituric acid) and FTC
(ferric thiocyanate) techniques. The FTC technique calculated the amount of peroxide
produced during the initial stage of linoleic acid peroxidation. The results revealed that the
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 611 9 of 21
Deka et al. [99] stated that CO could dramatically increase wound angiogenesis and
collagen metabolism, which results in scar softening and emollient characteristics. The floral
extract of CO, when applied topically and orally, has therapeutic properties for burns and
wounds. An increase in collagen-hydroxyproline and hexosamine shows that the person or
animal being treated is mending their wounds. Gunasekaran et al. [122] demonstrated the
wound-healing activity of CO in the winter strain of albino rats. The results revealed that a
herbal ointment containing CO could inhibit the activation of macrophages and speed up
the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which were responsible
for wound healing. This was accomplished by preventing the release of proinflammatory
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, x FOR PEERcytokines
REVIEW and reducing oxidative stress at the wound site. The mechanism of 11 action
of 22 of CO
for wound healing is shown in Figure 4.
growth factor (EGF) on wound healing. Adapted from [122] under Creative Commons CC BY
license (CC BY 4.0). NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; MPO,
myeloperoxidase; IL-6, interleukin-6; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha; IL-1β, interleukin-1-
beta; BAX, BCL-2 associated x protein; Pol γ, DNA polymerase γ; SMAD, suppressor of mothers
against decapentaplegic; VEGF-c, vascular endothelial growth factor C; TGF-β, transforming growth
factor-beta; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; P2YR, purinergic G protein-coupled receptors; HB-EGF,
heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor; EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; RAS, rat sarcoma;
ERK1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase; Src, steroid receptor coactivator; Akt, protein kinase B;
PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase.
B. subtilis and E. coli. This finding shows that several pathogens are strongly inhibited by
leaf extracts of CO that were made using petroleum ether and chloroform.
Table 4. Cont.
4. Future Perspectives
For many centuries, CO has been utilized by humanity for diverse therapeutic applica-
tions. CO herb consist of terpenoids, steroids, phenolic compounds, carotenes, triterpenoids,
essential oils, quinones, fatty acids, minerals, saponins, carbohydrates, and tocopherols,
with α-cadinol (sesquiterpenoid) as a major component. Being rich in these secondary
metabolites, CO has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-
cancer, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, antifungal, anti-viral, anti-thrombogenic, neuroprotective,
antiprotozoal, skin-protective, and antifatigue activities. Considering that CO has these
multiple applications, it is crucial that extensive research on nonfloral components of the
plant, such as seeds, roots, leaves, and stems, be conducted in the future. In addition to
this, there is a vital need to focus on genus chemistry. Because of the limited amount of
literature available, other species of CO including C. arvensis, C. tripterocarpa, C. stellata,
and C. suffruticose should be explored further regarding their biochemical profiles and
pharmacological properties. In the same fashion, relative studies should be conducted to
understand variations in terms of the age of the plant, method of extraction, or processing
method. It is anticipated that as extraction methods become more advanced, previously
unidentified phytochemicals and an expansion of this plant’s pharmacological range of
activity will likely be found, posing fascinating research challenges. Moreover, the research
on developing novel drug delivery systems containing CO is still nascent; we anticipate
that research in this area will continue. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics are
Pharmaceuticals 2023, 16, 611 15 of 21
two modern computational drug design techniques that hold great promise for developing
novel therapeutic candidates for various ailments.
Additionally, bioinformatics technologies have opened up new avenues for finding
the essential critical amino acids under almost comparable physiological settings, con-
siderably validating the outcomes of computational methods. However, based on the
chemical makeup of the medication and its target receptor, the therapeutic potential of
several bioactive compounds can be investigated, saving time and money [150]. In the
foreseeable future, CO-containing micro- and nano-formulations have excellent potential
for treating several ailments, and the future developments and applications are assured
to be astounding. Moreover, activity enhancement, combined with other available agents,
offers a promising strategy that may ultimately enhance pharmacological outcomes [3].
5. Conclusions
CO species have shown tremendous health advantages from prehistoric times to the
present. The present state-of-the-art CO in the health sciences realm has been rigorously
examined and briefly explained in this study with insights into their molecular processes.
Additionally, many CO-containing drug delivery methods and patents have been devel-
oped to improve solubility, targeting, and stability, and their active components have
been considered in this analysis. As a result, it is envisioned that this review will act as a
foundation for scientists, agronomists, and even small-scale herbal industries to integrate
the information that is currently available on CO and realize the full pharmacological,
agricultural, and industrial potential of this fascinating medicinal plant.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, P.A. and S.T.; methodology, K.S., M.K., S.T., D.J. and S.R.;
data curation, K.S., M.K., S.T., D.J. and S.R.; writing—original draft preparation, K.S., M.K., S.T.,
D.J. and S.R.; writing—review and editing, R.R.L., M.K.M.F., K.S., M.K., S.T., D.J., S.R., S.M., P.A.,
P.P.S. and J.C.; visualization, R.R.L., M.K.M.F., P.A. and S.T.; supervision, P.A., P.P.S. and J.C.; project
administration, J.C.; funding acquisition, R.R.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published
version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the CNPq (grant number 312275/2021-8).
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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