Tagetes erecta specifically, also called calendula or African marigold, is more than just a bed of colorful garden blooms. This plant has a stash of natural health properties extended to animals owing to its full quota of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Increasing awareness of animal natural health, marigold extract is nowadays being added into the food given to pets within the form of food products enhancing general energy levels, particularly the eyes, the skin, as well as immune response.
Antioxidant Abundant for Immune Function
Perhaps the most persuasive argument for including marigold in animal health supplements is its antioxidant profile. Flavonoids, lutein, and other carotenoids in marigold flowers destroy free radicals. These antioxidants promote cellular integrity and boost immunity, lowering the rate of disease and age-related decline in cats and dogs.
By eliminating oxidative stress, marigold also comes in handy in the prevention of pets against inflammatory diseases like arthritis and digestive conditions. It therefore turns out to be a crucial supplement for geriatric pets and pets suffering from chronic immune problems.
Maintains Eye Health Naturally
Marigold's best-known constituents, lutein and zeaxanthin, are carotenoids that have been credited with maintaining eye health. Both constituents concentrate in the lens and retina of the eyes, where they serve to filter out damaging blue light and shield against age-related macular degeneration. In animals-particularly geriatric dogs and cats-supplementation with marigold extract lutein can maintain clearer vision as well as reverse progressive eye disease such as cataracts.
This is especially crucial for breeds that are susceptible to vision problems or those that spend a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight.
Encourages Skin and Coat Health
Marigold extract further improves skin health because it possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action. If mixed with animal food or used as a topical drug, it will calm mild irritation on the skin, relieve itchiness, and accelerate healing of small cuts at a higher rate. The carotenoids further help in rendering a glossier and healthier coat by a promotion of regeneration of skin cells and an inhibition of oxidative damage.
Marigold extract is also applied in chickens to improve the quality and coloring of feathers. It produces an identical effect among companion animals as well, including improving the shining and coloring qualities of fur in golden and reddish-haired pets.
Digestive Health and Anti-Inflammatory Action
The bioactive substances of marigold, i.e., flavonoids and triterpenoids, possess weak anti-inflammatory properties in the gastrointestinal tract. The marigold is likely to yield slight relief and enhance gastrointestinal wellness in animal food intolerance or inflammatory bowel disease. It is thus an excellent addition to the diet of sensitive animals or convalescing animals.
Conclusion
Marigold provides several of nature's natural advantages to the health of animals, including immunity and vision enhancement, soothing of the skin, and better digestion. The exceptional carotenoid and antioxidant content of marigold flower makes it an ideal ingredient for well-rounded animal welfare. With the increasing demand of consumers choosing natural and proactive strategies to good health, the extract of the marigold flower is an ideal and healthy alternative. But always consult a vet before introducing any new supplement to ensure that the right dosage is followed and that it will be compatible with your pet's condition.
References
Arnal, N., et al. (2010). "Antioxidant properties of marigold extract and its potential use in animal health." Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 4(7), 584-589.
Handelman, G. J., et al. (1999). "Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations in plasma after dietary supplementation in dogs." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 215(9), 1401–1404.
Gupta, S. K., et al. (2003). "Lutein and zeaxanthin in eye health and disease." Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 31(1), 1–5.
Lee, K. W., et al. (2003). "Marigold flower extract supplementation improves pigmentation in broiler chickens." Poultry Science, 82(5), 677–683.
