Marigold supercritical extracts as a potencial anticancer agent

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as marigold, has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic virtues, and against gastric spasms. Here, we had obtained marigold extracts through supercritical CO2 extraction (SFE) and through ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE), and we had characterized their bioactivity in the framework of cancer. We have found that marigold UAE extracts have a higher content of phenolic and flavonoid than marigold SFE extract, as well as a higher antioxidant activity. On the contrary, marigold SFE extract has a stronger cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against pancreatic tumor-derived cells, being independent to its antioxidant effect. These results suggest that marigold SFE could be considered for further studies as a potential nutritional supplement which could improve current cancer therapies.