Чорнобривці розлогі

The plant

Tagetes patula, the French marigold, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to Mexico and Guatemala. It is an annual, occasionally reaching 0.5 m tall by 0.3 m wide. It is widely cultivated as an easily grown bedding plant with hundreds of cultivars, which often have bright yellow to orange flowers. The name French marigold usually refers to hybrids and cultivars of Tagetes patula, many of which were developed in France. Some authorities regard Tagetes patula as a synonym of Tagetes erecta, the Mexican marigold.

The oil

Tagetes oils are generally rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons (ocimenes, limonene, terpinene, myrcene) and in acyclic monoterpene ketones (tagetone, dihydrotagetone, tagetenone). Reviews of T. patula oils report (Z)- and (E)-β-ocimene, limonene, and (E)- and (Z)-tagetone among their constituents. The geographical origin of T. patula oil has a significant effect on its chemical diversity.

In the soil

Alpha-terthienyl is believed to be the main allelopathic compound in marigold responsible for nematode suppression.

Safety and regulation

Alpha-terthienyl, also called terthiophene, is a phototoxic compound responsible for the phototoxicity of Tagetes extracts and oils. The SCCS considers a maximum level of 0.01% Tagetes minuta and T. patula extracts and essential oils in leave-on products, except sunscreen cosmetic products, safe, provided that the alpha-terthienyl content does not exceed 0.35%. Tagetes extracts and oils should not be used as ingredients of sunscreen products.

Other uses

The dried and ground flower petals are a popular spice in the Republic of Georgia, where they are known as imeruli shaphrani. The florets are grown and harvested annually to add to poultry feed to help give the yolks a golden color. Many cultures use medicinal infusions from dried leaves or florets.

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