Antioxidant
Marigold Flower Extract
Also known as: Tagetes erecta extract, Mexican marigold extract, marigold lutein extract, FloraGLO
A standardized extract from marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers that is a concentrated natural source of lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids. Marigold extract is commonly used as the primary botanical source of lutein in dietary supplements.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Marigold Flower Extract product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations Lutein/Zeaxanthin | 93 A | $0.57 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations EyeProtect Basics without zinc | 90 A | $1.00 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations EyeProtect Basics | 89 A | $1.05 |
| 4 | Onnit Alpha BRAIN Black Label (80 ct) | 87 A | $6.25 |
| 5 | Nordic Naturals Vision Support Omega Blend | 87 A | $1.47 |
| 6 | Transparent Labs Multivitamin | 86 A- | $1.33 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro | 85 A- | $2.23 |
| 8 | Pure Encapsulations Energize Plus Pure Pack | 85 A- | $2.50 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations Multi t/d | 85 A- | $0.60 |
| 10 | Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Multivitamin | 83 A- | $0.83 |
| 11 | Pure Encapsulations Junior Nutrients | 83 A- | $0.53 |
| 12 | Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack | 83 A- | $7.55 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Marigold Flower Extract should I take?
The typical range is 6-20 mg lutein equivalents daily (from marigold extract). 6+ weeks to months for retinal accumulation; chronic use safe and appropriate
When should I take Marigold Flower Extract?
With meals containing fat. Required: fat-soluble carotenoid requiring dietary lipids for absorption.
Which form of Marigold Flower Extract is best?
FloraGLO marigold extract (standardized to 20% lutein). Other forms in the catalog: General marigold flower extract, Co-extracted with zeaxanthin.
Is Marigold Flower Extract safe?
Commonly reported: None reported at recommended doses, Mild gastrointestinal upset or yellow discoloration of skin at very high doses.
Which Marigold Flower Extract supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations Lutein/Zeaxanthin, at 93/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Eye health and macular support
- Lutein and zeaxanthin source
- Antioxidant support
- Retinal health
How it works
- Delivers high bioavailable lutein and zeaxanthin content
- Carotenoid compounds act as ocular antioxidants and blue-light filters
- Accumulates in retinal tissue to support photoreceptor function
- Reduces lipid peroxidation in eye tissues
Dosage
- Typical range
- 6-20 mg lutein equivalents daily (from marigold extract)
- Timing
- With meals containing fat
- With food
- Required: fat-soluble carotenoid requiring dietary lipids for absorption
- Duration
- 6+ weeks to months for retinal accumulation; chronic use safe and appropriate
- Special populations
- Particularly beneficial for men 50+ and those at risk for macular degeneration
Forms
- FloraGLO marigold extract (standardized to 20% lutein)· 70/100
- General marigold flower extract· 70/100
- Co-extracted with zeaxanthin· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- None reported at recommended doses
- Mild gastrointestinal upset or yellow discoloration of skin at very high doses
Products containing Marigold Flower Extract
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Marigold Flower Extract on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence supports lutein/zeaxanthin from marigold extract for eye health, supported by AREDS2 and other RCTs. Marigold is a well-established, standardized botanical source.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Antioxidant
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.