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

Background Candlenut (CN) has been used indiscriminately for weight loss. In vivo effects of CN in different doses are scarce. Objective To evaluate the effects of CN ingestion in obese rats. Design Thirty animals (obese and non-obese) received one of three different 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 profile 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 mononuclear leucocyte infiltrate. Conclusions Although CN presented beneficial effects on the metabolism of rats, it also caused increased risk of liver damage.

Automated summary

In obese rats, ingestion of candlenut resulted in decreased levels of blood glucose and lipoproteins, reduced body fat, but also increased the risk of liver damage.