International Journal of Health Economics and Social Sciences
Effect of Calendula officinalis L. extract emulgel on TNF-α and VEGF levels in UV-B-exposed male Wistar rats
By Puty Annisa Prilina, Joko Wahyu Wibowo and Prasetyowati Subchan.
Abstract
Background
Ultraviolet B (UV-B) exposure triggers photoaging through inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Calendula officinalis L. contains flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids with potential anti-inflammatory and angiogenic activity. This study evaluated the effect of Calendula officinalis L. extract emulgel on TNF-α and VEGF levels in UV-B-exposed Wistar rats.
Methods
An in vivo post-test-only control group experiment was conducted in June–July 2025 using 24 male Wistar rats (6 per group): healthy control (K1), UV-B with base emulgel (K2), UV-B with 10% calendula emulgel (K3), and UV-B with 20% calendula emulgel (K4). UV-B (302 nm, 400 mJ/cm²) was given daily for 14 days, and emulgel was applied once daily one hour after exposure. Blood was collected from the orbital sinus 24 hours after the last exposure, and TNF-α and VEGF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests.