Fatty acids composition and in vivo biochemical effects of Aleurites moluccana seed (Candlenut) in obese wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Candlenut (CN) has been used indiscriminately for weight loss. In vivo efects of CN in diferent doses are scarce. Objective: To evaluate the efects of CN ingestion in obese rats. Design: Thirty animals (obese and non-obese) received one of three diferent types of treatments: placebo, CN ingestion in a popular therapeutic regimen (8 days with oral administration of 0.2 mg/kg followed by 20 days with doses of 0.4 mg/kg), and ingestion of a doubled popular dose—called 2CN. Treatment was maintained for 28 days. Results: The fatty acid profle of CN indicated mainly linolelaidic and palmitoleic acids. Rats receiving CN and 2CN showed reduced plasmatic levels of glucose and lipoproteins (p<0.05). A dose-dependent carcass fat reduction was observed (p<0.05). Blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) reduced with CN and increased with 2CN doses (p<0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the atherogenic index remained similar among all treatments (p>0.05). Hepatic vacuolation decreased with CN, but the 2CN dose produced mononu‑ clear leucocyte infltrate. Conclusions: Although CN presented benefcial efects on the metabolism of rats, it also caused increased risk of liver damage.