Tagetes erecta plant: Review with significant pharmacological activities

Abstract

The beneficial medicinal effects of the plants materials typically result from the combination of secondary products present in the plant. Plants produce secondary metabolites as defenses against animals, parasites, bacteria and viruses and so rely on these chemical and other deterrents for their survival. These secondary   metabolites constitute the medicinal value of a drug plant, which produces a definite physiological action on human body. Tagetes erecta is a annual growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate. It is in flower in July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.The whole herb is anthelmintic, aromatic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative and stomachic. It is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, colic, severe constipation, coughs and dysentery. Externally, it is used to treat sores, ulcers, eczema. Sore eyes and rheumatism. The leaves are harvested as required for immediate use during the growing season, whilst the flowering plant can be dried and stored for later use. A paste of the leaves is applied externally to treat boils, carbuncles and earaches. The flowers are carminitive, diuretic and vermifuge. A decoction is used to treat colds, and mumps. It is applied externally to trea skin diseases, conjunctivitis and sore eyes. The root is laxative.