title: A Review of the Use of Topical Calendula in the Prevention and Treatment of Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions.
abstract: Calendula is a topical agent derived from a plant of the marigold family Calendula Officinalis. Containing numerous polyphenolic antioxidants, calendula has been studied in both the laboratory and clinical setting for the use in treating and preventing radiation induced skin toxicity. Despite strong evidence in the laboratory supporting calendula's mechanism of action in preventing radiation induced skin toxicity, clinical studies have demonstrated mixed results. In light of the controversy surrounding the efficacy of calendula in treating and preventing radiodermatitis, the topic warrants further discussion.
authors.affiliation: Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 Northwest 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA. JKodiyan@med.miami.edu.
authors.forename: Joyson
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kodiyan
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, Macneal Hospital, 3231 South Euclid Avenue, Suite 203 Berwyn, IL 60402, USA. KAmber@med.miami.edu.
authors.forename: Kyle T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Amber
keywords: calendula; cancer; complementary and alternative medicine; radiation induced dermatitis; radiation induced skin toxicity; radiodermatitis