The evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of Calendula officinalis L. seeds oil.: II.

Calendula officinalis L. seeds oil has a special chemical composition, containing a very high amount of an unusual conjugated fatty acid: calendic acid 18:3 (8t 10t 12c), but also other biological active lipophilic Compounds such are tocopherols and carotenoids. The aim of this study was the evaluation of Calendula seeds oil administration effect on blood and hepatic lipid fraction. The oil (characterized in our previous work) was administrated to eight experimental lots, by gavage., during seven days. From blood serum total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. Fatty acids profile (GC-MS) and phospholipids (TI-C-densitometry) were also determined in the hepatic tissue of healthy. rats and in rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride. GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase activity was determined. In liver fractions was determined the level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and the activity of SOD and Na+/K+ and Ca2+ ATPases. It was observed that the effects of Calendula seed oil are dependent on the dose. In a dose of 0.2 ml, Calendula seed oil produced a decrease of blood transaminases and alkaline phosphatase for the intoxicated rats. The Calendula seeds oil seems to act as protective against lipids, peroxidation, producing a decrease lipid peroxidation and an increase of superoxid dismutase activity, especially in intoxicated rats. This experiment tested for the first time, in vivo, the effect of Calendula seed oil on biochemical parameters.