In vivo Antioxidant Effects of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Water Extract in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the invivo antioxidant effects of coconut (Cocos nucifera) water extract in wistar albino rats.

Methodology: Thirty (30) male wistar albino rats of mean weight 128 g were used for the study. The animals for the study were grouped into five (5) of six (6) rats each. Group 1 served as the normal control group that received feed and water only while groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 served as the test groups that were orally given 10 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml, and 40 ml of the coconut water extract for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed after 28 days and the blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis.

Results: From the result obtained there is a significant increase (p< 0.05) between the normal control group (group 1) and the test group (group 2) that received 20 ml of the coconut water extract for MDA. There is a significant increase (p< 0.05) between the normal control group (group 1) and the test groups (groups 2 and 5) that received 10 ml and 50 ml of the coconut water extract for SOD. Also, there is a significant increase (p< 0.05) between the normal control group (group 1) and the test groups (groups 2, 3 and 4) that received 20 ml, 30 ml and 40 ml of the coconut water extract for Catalase. For GSH and Vitamin C, there is a significant increase (p< 0.05) between the normal control group (group 1) and the test groups (groups 2, 3, 4 and 5) that were orally given 10 ml, 20 ml, 30 ml and 40 ml of the coconut water extract.

Conclusion: The present investigation showed that the coconut water extract increased antioxidant properties in wistar albino rats and may also be used pharmacologically in the treatment of diseases implicated by free radicals.