Calendic acid
Encyclopedia
Calendic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid
, named for the pot marigold
(genus Calendula
), from which it is obtained. It is chemically similar to the conjugated linoleic acid
s; laboratory work suggests it may have similar health benefits.
. though not usually listed with this group.
Calendic acid (8t,10t,12c-18:3) is synthesised in Calendula officinalis from linoleate
(9c,12c-18:2) by an unusual Δ12-oleate desaturase
(a FAD 2 variant) that converts the cis-double bond in position 9 to a trans,trans-conjugated double bond system (8t,10t). An all-trans beta isomer has been described.
, wound healing, and as an antiseptic
.
The US National Institute of Health's MedlinePlus states that there is 'B' grade evidence ('good scientific evidence') for the efficacy of topical use of Calendula in protecting the skin of patients undergoing radiation treatments. It assigns a 'C' grade (Unclear scientific evidence) for uses in ear infection, skin inflammation and wound and burn healing.
Calendic acid is the fatty acid responsible for the reduction in feed intake and improved feed utilization in mice when calendula oil is added to the feedstuff, as demonstrated by the comparative experiments in the examples using corn oil.
In vitro, β-calendic acid shows anti-cancer activity against human colon cancer cells.
Unsaturated fat
An unsaturated fat is a fat or fatty acid in which there is at least one double bond within the fatty acid chain. A fat molecule is monounsaturated if it contains one double bond, and polyunsaturated if it contains more than one double bond. Where double bonds are formed, hydrogen atoms are...
, named for the pot marigold
Calendula
Calendula , pot marigold, is a genus of about 12–20 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran...
(genus Calendula
Calendula
Calendula , pot marigold, is a genus of about 12–20 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran...
), from which it is obtained. It is chemically similar to the conjugated linoleic acid
Conjugated linoleic acid
Conjugated linoleic acids are a family of at least 28 isomers of linoleic acid found mainly in the meat and dairy products derived from ruminants. As the name implies, the double bonds of CLAs are conjugated, with only one single bond between them....
s; laboratory work suggests it may have similar health benefits.
Biosynthesis
Calendic acid is an omega-6 fatty acidOmega-6 fatty acid
n−6 fatty acids are a family of unsaturated fatty acids that have in common a final carbon–carbon double bond in the n−6 position, that is, the sixth bond, counting from the methyl end.The biological effects of the n−6 fatty acids are largely mediated by their conversion to n-6 eicosanoids...
. though not usually listed with this group.
Calendic acid (8t,10t,12c-18:3) is synthesised in Calendula officinalis from linoleate
Linoleic acid
Linoleic acid is an unsaturated n-6 fatty acid. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. In physiological literature, it has a lipid number of 18:2...
(9c,12c-18:2) by an unusual Δ12-oleate desaturase
Desaturase
A fatty acid desaturase is an enzyme that removes two hydrogen atoms from a fatty acid, creating a carbon/carbon double bond. These desaturases are classified as...
(a FAD 2 variant) that converts the cis-double bond in position 9 to a trans,trans-conjugated double bond system (8t,10t). An all-trans beta isomer has been described.
Uses
Calendula flowers have been used for many centuries. Ointments or extracts are applied medicinally for reducing inflammationInflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
, wound healing, and as an antiseptic
Antiseptic
Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction...
.
The US National Institute of Health's MedlinePlus states that there is 'B' grade evidence ('good scientific evidence') for the efficacy of topical use of Calendula in protecting the skin of patients undergoing radiation treatments. It assigns a 'C' grade (Unclear scientific evidence) for uses in ear infection, skin inflammation and wound and burn healing.
Calendic acid is the fatty acid responsible for the reduction in feed intake and improved feed utilization in mice when calendula oil is added to the feedstuff, as demonstrated by the comparative experiments in the examples using corn oil.
In vitro, β-calendic acid shows anti-cancer activity against human colon cancer cells.