Positive Stimulatory Potentials of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Juice Extract on in vivo Antioxidants, Renal Function and Lipid Profile of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Coconut juice is a natural drink from coconut fruit. This study was aimed at evaluating its positive potential on biochemical indices. Fresh coconut fruits were de-dshelled and washed. The cotyledon was broken to extract the water which was used in blending the fruits. The extract was filtered and the filtrate was collected in a vial. Twenty healthy male Wistar rats weighing 160 -180 g, were grouped into two groups of ten rats each and were treated as follows for four weeks. Group A: control rats received oral dose of 2 mL/kg body weight of distilled water once daily for 28 days, and group B: received oral dose of 2 mL/kg body weight of coconut juice extract once daily for 28 days, both groups were, however, allowed free access to feed and water ad-libitum. The animals were weighed before and on completion of the experimental protocol. Blood was also collected via cardiac puncture and used for renal function and lipid profile assay, kidneys were excised and weighed, homogenized and the supernatant was used for antioxidant enzyme evaluation. Findings showed that there was no significant change (p>0.05) in the kidney-to-body weight ratio and renal function indices. Significant reduction (p<0.05) was seen in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL but with an increase (p<0.05) in HDL. Antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased (p<0.05). The study concludes that coconut juice extract has positive stimulatory potentials on antioxidants, renal functions and lipid parameters of wistar rats.