Abstract
Context: Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) has been traditionally used in treating inflammation of internal organs, gastrointestinal tract ulcers and wound healing.
Objective: The present study investigates the effect of ethanol extract (95%) of Calendula officinalis flowers in L-arginine induced acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats.
Materials and methods: Rats were divided into four groups: normal control, L-arginine control, Calendula officinalis extract (COE) treated and melatonin treated (positive control), which were further divided into subgroups (24 h, day 3 and 14) according to time points. Two injections of L-arginine 2 g/kg i. p. at 1 h intervals were administered in L-arginine control, COE and melatonin-treated groups to produce acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Biochemical parameters [serum amylase, lipase, pancreatic amylase, nucleic acid content, total proteins, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), collagen content, lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and nitrite/nitrate] and histopathological studies were carried out.
Results: COE treatment (400mg/kg p. o.) was found to be beneficial. This was evidenced by significantly lowered histopathological scores (2 at day 14). Nucleic acid content (DNA 21.1 and RNA 5.44 mg/g pancreas), total proteins (0.66mg/mL pancreas) and pancreatic amylase (1031.3 100 SU/g pancreas) were significantly improved. Marked reduction in pancreatic oxidative and nitrosative stress; collagen (122 lmoles/100mg pancreas) and TGF-beta 1 (118.56 pg/mL) levels were noted. Results obtained were comparable to those of positive control.
Discussion and conclusion: The beneficial effect of COE may be attributed to its antioxidant, antinitrosative and antifibrotic actions. Hence, the study concludes that COE promotes spontaneous repair and regeneration of the pancreas.