Introduction

Mexican marigold, also called Aztec marigold, is a species of the genus Tagetes native to Mexico and Central America. It was cultivated by the Aztecs for medicinal, ceremonial and decorative purposes.

Marigold can relieve digestive tract problems including poor appetite, gas, stomach pain, colic, intestinal worms, and dysentery. It is also used for coughs, colds, mumps, fluid retention and sore eyes. Ingested by women, it can induce menstruation, treat sore breasts (mastitis) and protect against miscarriage. Its florets are rich in the orange-yellow carotenoid lutein, that can help protect the eyes against oxidative stress and decrease the risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Moreover, lutein is used as a yellow/orange food colour (INS-number E161b) in the European Union, Australia and New Zealand for foods such as pasta, vegetable oil, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, citrus juice and mustard.

Function

1. It protect our eyesight, cure retina injury caused by light, and prevent cataract, AMD and blindness caused by AMD.

2. It is an anti-oxidant which can scavenge free radical caused by light and metabolism and inhibit the lipid oxidation.

3. It can lower risk of getting cancer and inhibit several cancers 

Application

1. Food: It is mainly used as a food additive as colorant and nutrient.
2. Pharmaceutical: It is used to alleviate visual fatigue, reduce possibility of AMD, cataract, retinopathy, myopia, floaters, and glaucoma.
3. Cosmetics: It is mainly used to whitening, anti-wrinkle and UV protection.
4. Feed: It is mainly used in feed additive for laying hens and table poultry to improve the color of egg yolk and chicken. Make high commercial value fishes more attractive such as salmon, trout and spectacular fish.