Tagetes
Tagetes is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Lutein is preferentially deposited in the macular region of the retina. Essential oil constituents (tagetone, ocimene) are rapidly absorbed transdermally. Thiophene derivatives have moderate oral bioavailability.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Tagetes |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
What is it made of?
Mineral/Elemental Profile
- Primary component: Mineral-derived preparation
- Note: Composition varies by specific preparation method
Analytical Methods: XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Essential oil (topical/aromatherapy), Churna (flower powder), Tincture, Capsule, Cream/Ointment, Eye drops (lutein-based)
Standard Dosage: 1-3 g flower powder per day; 2-5 drops essential oil diluted in carrier for topical use; 10-20 mg lutein supplement per day (from Tagetes extract); topical cream 2-5% essential oil
Bioavailability: Lutein and zeaxanthin (xanthophyll carotenoids) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-40%), significantly enhanced by co-administration with dietary fat (2-3x improvement with 5-10 g fat). Lutein is preferentially deposited in the macular region of the retina. Essential oil constituents (tagetone, ocimene) are rapidly absorbed transdermally. Thiophene derivatives have moderate oral bioavailability.
Optimal Timing: Lutein supplements: with the largest meal of the day (requires dietary fat for absorption). Essential oil topical: evening application (phototoxicity risk). Flower powder: with meals.
Standardized Extract: Lutein oleoresin: NLT 20% total xanthophylls (lutein + zeaxanthin in ~5:1 ratio) by HPLC. Crystallized lutein: NLT 80% free lutein. FloraGLO or equivalent standardized lutein extract. Essential oil: characterized by GC-MS profile.
Shelf Life: 24 months for lutein softgels (nitrogen-flushed); 18 months for essential oil; 12-18 months for flower powder; 24 months for cream/ointment
Storage: Lutein is extremely light-sensitive and oxidation-prone — store in amber containers, nitrogen-flushed, at 2-8 deg C for bulk oleoresin; finished softgels at room temperature in opaque bottles. Essential oil in amber glass, 15-25 deg C. Protect all products from light and heat.
Marker Compounds: Lutein (all-trans), Zeaxanthin, Meso-zeaxanthin, Tagetone, Ocimene (cis and trans), Alpha-terthienyl, Patuletin, Quercetagetin
Extraction Methods
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for lutein/zeaxanthin oleoresin
- Steam distillation for essential oil (yield 0.3-0.5%)
- Saponification of oleoresin for free lutein
- Hexane extraction of dried flowers for oleoresin
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol) for flavonoid-enriched extract
Synergistic Combinations
- Bilberry (comprehensive eye health formulation)
- Astaxanthin (carotenoid synergy for macular protection)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (enhanced lutein absorption and retinal protection)
- Saffron (macular degeneration support)
- Vitamin E + Zinc (AREDS-type eye supplement combination)
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