Virgin coconut oil supplementation ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced systemic toxicity in mice

Evaluation of possible neuroprotective effects of virgin coconut oil on aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro Alzheimer's disease model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects various cognitive functions, behavior, and personality. AD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including exposure to aluminum (Al). Virgin coconut oil (VCO) may have potential as a natural neuroprotectant against AD. Aim of this study was to determine neuroprotective effects of VCO on Al-induced neurotoxicity in an in vitro AD model. SH-SY5Y cells were initially cultured in normal growth medium and then differentiated by reducing fetal bovine serum content and adding retinoic acid (RA). Later, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was added along with RA. The differentiation process was completed on the seventh day. Study groups (n = 3) were designed as control group, VCO group, Al group, Al-VCO group, Alzheimer model (AD) group, AD + Al-exposed group (AD+Al), AD + VCO applied group (AD + VCO) and AD + Al-exposed + VCO applied group (AD + Al + VCO). Specific markers of AD (hyperphosphorylated Tau protein, amyloid beta 1-40 peptide, and amyloid precursor protein) were measured in all groups. In addition, oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidase, protein carbonyl, and reactive oxygen species) and neurotransmitter-related parameters (dopamine, dopamine transporter acetylcholine, and synuclein alpha levels, acetylcholinesterase activity) were measured comparatively in the study groups. VCO reduced amyloid beta and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein levels in the study groups. In addition, oxidative stress levels decreased, and neurotransmitter parameters improved with VCO. Our study shows that VCO may have potential therapeutic effects in Alzheimer's disease and further experiments are needed to determine its efficacy.

Virgin Coconut Oil Alleviates Dextran Sulphate-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Modulates Inflammation and Immune Response in Mice

OBJECTIVE

Virgin coconut oil (VCNO), an unrefined kernel oil from Cocos nucifera L., has considerable medicinal and nutritive value. Experimental evidence suggests its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, analgesic, and hypolipidemic effects. Presently, the effect of VCNO on ameliorating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease and cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression in experimental animals was analyzed.

METHOD

DSS (4%) was administered to BALB/c mice through drinking water for 12 days to induce inflammatory bowel disease, and VCNO (500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg bwt) was supplemented orally for 12 days. For anti-inflammatory studies, lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 250 µg/animal) was injected into the intraperitoneal cavity of Swiss albino mice followed by 7 days' pretreatment of VCNO (500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg bwt). To understand the mechanism of action, serum from all animals was collected after 6 hours of LPS challenge and levels of proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed using enzyme-inked immunosorbent assay. In addition to this, immunosuppression was induced by CTX (50 mg/kg bwt, po) in Swiss albino mice.

RESULTS

Oral administration of VCNO effectively reversed the pathologies associated with inflammatory bowel disease induced by DSS, including loss of body weight, increased disease activity index, shortening of colon length, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Histopathological examination showed that VCNO restored the damage in colon tissue induced by DSS. Similar trends were noticed in levels of myeloperoxidase and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines in colon tissue. In addition to this, supplementation of VCNO markedly reduced the hike in the level of serum proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-challenged mice. Further, administration of VCNO effectively increased spleen and thymus indexes and stimulated the production of interferon-γ in serum.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study revealed that VCNO alleviates inflammatory bowel disease and inflammation; concurrently, it can revert immunosuppression.

Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Tessaria integrifolia Ruiz and Pav. on diclofenac-induced toxicity in rats

Background and Aim

Tessaria integrifolia Ruiz and Pav. (also known as "Pájaro bobo") is known for its medicinal properties, including antiulcer, antiasthmatic, leishmanicidal, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects using a rat model of diclofenac-induced toxicity.

Materials and Methods

We administered three different doses of the methanolic extract of T. integrifolia (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day orally) and compared them with the commercial medicine silymarin (100 mg/kg orally). The rats received the T. integrifolia extracts for 5 days, and on days 3 and 4, 1 h after receiving the extracts, diclofenac was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The animals were euthanized 48 h after the last diclofenac injection, and blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical parameters related to liver and kidney function, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and urea. Kidney and liver tissues were preserved in 10% formaldehyde and sent for histopathological analysis.

Results

The results show that T. integrifolia has hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects. These effects are verified by the lower blood levels of ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine compared to the diclofenac group, which exhibited elevated biochemical parameters. In addition, histopathological analysis showed that the groups that received T. integrifolia did not display necrosis or infiltration, which were observed in the diclofenac group.

Conclusion

The methanolic extract of T. integrifolia has hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, with the highest protective activity observed at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day.

Bioactive and Physico-Chemical Assessment of Innovative Poly(lactic acid)-Based Biocomposites Containing Sage, Coconut Oil, and Modified Nanoclay

The bioactivity of the versatile biodegradable biopolymer poly(lactic acid) (PLA) can be obtained by combining it with natural or synthetic compounds. This paper deals with the preparation of bioactive formulations involving the melt processing of PLA loaded with a medicinal plant (sage) and an edible oil (coconut oil), together with an organomodifed montmorillonite nanoclay, and an assessment of the resulting structural, surface, morphological, mechanical, and biological properties of the biocomposites. By modulating the components, the prepared biocomposites show flexibility, both antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as a high degree of cytocompatibility, being capable to induce the cell adherence and proliferation on their surface. Overall, the obtained results suggest that the developed PLA-based biocomposites could potentially be used as bioactive materials in medical applications.

Virgin coconut oil reverses behavioral phenotypes of letrozole-model of PCOS in Wistar rats via modulation of NRF2 upregulation

Objectives

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder associated with insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and sub-infertility. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been reported to have health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antiviral properties. This study investigated the effects of dietary VCO supplementation on memory and cognitive impairment in female rats with letrozole induced PCOS.

Methods

Thirty female rats were randomly divided into five groups. All rats except controls were treated with letrozole for 21 days to induce PCOS and were subsequently treated for 14 days with 10% VCO, clomiphene (CLO), or VCO + CLO. Three neurobehavioral tests were conducted: elevated plus maze, Y maze, and novel object recognition tests.

Results

Our results indicated statistically elevated serum concentrations of sex hormones in rats with PCOS, compared with the control and treated groups. In addition, all treated groups showed significant reversal of the low serum concentrations of catalase and down-regulated gene expression of Nrf2 in the hippocampus seen in the PCOS rats. In addition, gene expression of acetylcholine esterase was up-regulated in PCOS rats, and was statistically reverted in the VCO treated groups.

Conclusion

Anxiety-like behavior and impaired short-term memory were observed in PCOS rats; however, VCO supplementation reversed these effects by modulating the gene expression of Nrf2 and AchE.

Carvacrol exerts nephroprotective effect in rat model of diclofenac-induced renal injury through regulation of oxidative stress and suppression of inflammatory response

Diclofenac (DIC) is an NSAID that can cause toxic effects in animals and humans and carvacrol (CAR) is a monoterpene compound that displays effective pharmacological and biological actions. The purpose of this work was to assess the influences of CAR on DIC-induced renal injury and oxidative stress in male rats. The rats were segregated into four groups. Group 1, control group; Group 2 received DIC-only; Groups 3, received CAR-only and group 4 received DIC plus CAR. Changes in biochemical indexes, pathological changes, molecular biological indexes, and genes related to the inflammation of main organs were evaluated. The results of this work indicated that the amounts of the serum protein carbonyl, sGOT, sGPT, urea, creatinine, uric acid, nitrite content, MDA, serum TNF-α, and renal TNF-α gene expression were remarkably increased and the levels of the GPx, GSH, CAT, and SOD were significantly reduced in DIC-only treated animals compared to the control group. On the other hand, treatment with CAR after exposure to DIC led to significant improvements in abnormalities of DIC-induced renal injury and serum biochemical factors. The data approve that CAR diminished the deleterious effects of DIC exposure. In this regard, the findings of this study indicated that the administration of CAR could alleviate the noxious effects of DIC on the antioxidant defense system and renal tissue.

Toxic effects of fluoride in intestinal epithelial cells and the mitigating effect of methanol extract of coconut haustorium by enhancing de novo glutathione biosynthesis

Fluoride ions are an important environmental contaminant and pollutant found in a wide variety of environmental conditions. The fluoride in drinking water is evident to induce toxic effects including neurodegeneration, skeletal and dental fluorosis as well as organ damage. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are emerging as possible preventive agents against fluoride toxicity. Hence, the possible use of an emerging functional food-the coconut haustorium is being evaluated against sodium fluoride-induced toxicity in intestinal cells (IEC-6). The cells exposed to fluoride showed significant cell death mediated through the increased lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion. The glutathione biosynthetic enzymes were inhibited by the exposure to fluoride and the apoptotic genes (caspases 3/7 and apaf-1) were upregulated. The CHE pre-treatment improved the activity of enzymes involved in the de novo biosynthesis of glutathione and subsequently improved the intracellular GSH pool. The improved antioxidant defense was also evident from the reduced expression of apoptotic genes (p < 0.05). Overall, the study concludes that fluoride ions induce oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, via inhibiting glutathione biosynthesis. Methanol extract of coconut haustorium increased glutathione biosynthesis and subsequently prevented fluoride toxicity in IEC-6 cells by virtue of its antioxidant potentials.

Protective Effect of Borassus flabellifer Haustorium Extract against Alkoxyl Radical-Induced Cytotoxicity by Improving Glutathione Metabolism by Modulating Nrf2/Haeme Oxygenase-1 Expression

AIM

The study was aimed to assess the ability of Borassus flabellifer haustorium methanolic extract (BHE) on de novo glutathione biosynthesis in normal and pro-oxidant exposed cells via Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and haeme oxygenase-1 (HO1) signaling in 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) di-hydrochloride (AAPH) induced cytotoxicity in normal intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6 cells).

METHODS

The in vitro antioxidant activity was determined in terms of radical scavenging and ex vivo hemolysis. The cytoprotective effect was studied using AAP H as the alkoxyl radical inducer in IEC-6 cell model. The mechanistic basis of protection is determined by Nrf2/HO1 expression using qPCR.

RESULTS

In vitro screening observed DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and ABTS radical scavenging activity for the BHE; further, BHE also protected the oxidative hemolysis in the erythrocytes induced by AAPH. In IEC-6 cells, AAPH treatment significantly reduced the cell viability (p < 0.001) by inducing lipid peroxidation. Further, there observed a significant reduction in the activities of enzymes involved in the de novo glutathione biosynthesis (p < 0.01) and glutathione reductase in these cells. However, pretreatment with BHE (10, 25 and 50 µg/mL) dose-dependently protected from the cytotoxicity of AAPH-derived alkoxyl radicals (p < 0.05); besides, the de novo glutathione biosynthesis and regeneration of GSH from oxidized form was also increased in these cells. In corroboration with the biochemical parameters, the Nrf2/HO1 expression was upregulated by the BHE pretreatment concomitantly reducing the cellular lipid peroxidation products. The improvement glutathione biosynthesis was also observed in BHE alone treated cells.

CONCLUSION

The study indicated the potential of methanolic extract of Borassus flabellifer haustorium in enhancing the de novo glutathione biosynthesis in normal and pro-oxidant exposed cells by Nrf2/HO1 dependent manner, concomitantly mitigating the toxicity of AAPH-derived alkoxyl radicals in intestinal epithelial cells.

Virgin Coconut Oil Resists Arsenic-Induced Cerebral Neurotoxicity and Cholesterol Imbalance via Suppression of Oxidative Stress, Adenosine Deaminase and Acetylcholinesterase Activities in Rats

Arsenic (As) is a classic neurotoxicant; its pathogenesis is associated with oxidative stress and oxidative stress-mediated cholinergic deficits. This study explored antioxidant activity of virgin coconut oil (VCO) against sodium arsenite-induced oxidative stress-mediated cerebral neurotoxicity in rats. Eighteen rats were divided into 3 groups- Normal control, As control and VCO + As. The VCO (5 mL/kg) was given once daily by oral gavage from day 1 to day 21, while As (10 mg/kg) was given once daily by oral gavage from day 15 to day 21. Cerebral superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activities were analysed. Nitric oxide (NO), lipid profile, phospholipid (PL), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also evaluated in cerebral homogenate. The cerebrum was sectioned for histological analysis. Administration of As induced significant depressions in antioxidant enzymes, GSH, PL, and HDL-c compared to normal control. Levels of MDA, NO, total cholesterol and activities of ADA, AchE in the cerebrum were markedly increased by As compared to normal rats. Lipid profile indices and PL were prominently altered by As. Histopathological study supported the biochemical findings through extensive cerebral damage. In contrast, oral supplementation of VCO prior to and along with As treatment significantly attenuated the As-induced biochemical alterations and restored near-normal histology. VCO attenuates cerebral neurotoxicity by strengthening endogenous antioxidant defence and cholinergic function via counteracting free-radical-mediated arsenic toxicity.

A comprehensive review on the techniques for coconut oil extraction and its application

Virgin coconut oil is a useful substance in our daily life. It contains a high percentage of lauric acid which has many health benefits. The current industry has developed several methods to extract the oil out from the coconut fruit. This review paper aims to highlight several common extraction processes used in modern industries that includes cold extraction, hot extraction, low-pressure extraction, chilling, freezing and thawing method, fermentation, centrifugation, enzymatic extraction and supercritical fluid carbon dioxide. Different extraction methods will produce coconut oil with different yields and purities of lauric acid, thus having different uses and applications. Challenges that are faced by the industries in extracting the coconut oil using different methods of extraction are important to be explored so that advancement in the oil extraction technology can be done for efficient downstream processing. This study is vital as it provides insights that could enhance the production of coconut oil.

Borassus flabellifer Linn haustorium methanol extract mitigates fluoride-induced apoptosis by enhancing Nrf2/Haeme oxygenase 1 -dependent glutathione metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells

Fluoride is the most common cause of drinking water-associated toxicity and is known to induce various metabolic imbalances and dental/skeletal fluorosis. The present study analyzed the protective effect of Borassus flabellifer Linn. haustorium extract (BHE) against fluoride-induced intestinal redox metabolism and apoptosis. The total polyphenols and total flavonoids present in BHE were estimated to be 39.67 ± 5.14 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and 8.59 ± 0.74 mg quercetin equivalent. In cultured intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6), sodium fluoride exposure-induced apoptosis mediated through antioxidant enzyme inhibition and subsequent oxidative damages. Further, there observed an increased expression of caspase-3, caspase-7, and apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (apaf-1) genes, increased cytochrome C release, and caspase 3/7 activity indicating the apoptosis- mediated cell death (p < 0.05). Upon pretreatment with BHE, the cytotoxic effect of fluoride was reduced by decreasing the expression of apoptotic genes and increased the cytochrome release as well as caspase 3/7 activity (p < 0.01). Providing the mechanistic basis, the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/haeme oxygenase-1 (HO1) gene was increased in the BHE pretreated cells; corroborating to these, there observed increased activity of glutathione biosynthetic enzymes (p < 0.05) and glutathione reductase. Hence, the protective effect of BHE may be mediated through Nrf2-mediated glutathione biosynthesis, the subsequent establishment of redox balance, and inhibition of apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells.

Variations in natural polyphenols determine the anti-inflammatory potential of virgin coconut oils

Virgin coconut oil (VCO), an edible oil prepared from fresh coconut kernel by natural or mechanical means without undergoing chemical refining, has been in the limelight of research as functional food oil. The phenolic components in VCO have been accredited with these pharmacological benefits. The present study compared the phenolic constituents of freshly prepared fermentation processed (FVCO) and hot-pressed VCO (HVCO) and their anti-inflammatory efficacies. The biochemical analysis documented quantitative variation in the phenolic content, being higher in HVCO than FVCO (40.03 ± 5.8 µg and 25.55 ± 5.8 µg/mL of oil, respectively). In vitro studies observed nitric oxide radical scavenging efficacy (IC₅₀ value of 14.84 ± 0.81 µg/mL) for HVCO polyphenols, which shows higher inhibition efficacy than FVCO (29.41 ± 1.7 µg/mL). In dextran and formalin mediated acute and chronic inflammation in mice, HVCO displayed more protective efficacy (40.5 and 46.4% inhibition) than FVCO (33.3 and 43.8% inhibition), which is similar to the standard diclofenac (55.6 and 59.8% inhibition). The study, thus, concludes that compared to FVCO, HVCO is a more active anti-inflammatory agent. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Virgin coconut oil, a widely used edible oil in South Asian countries, has been shown to have health benefits possibly exerted by the natural phenolics it contains. However, different modes of preparations of VCO determine the phenolic combinations and efficacy as well. Our study compared two different VCO preparations and suggests that the VCO prepared by the traditional way (HVCO) is pharmacologically potent than that prepared by simple fermentation process (FVCO) in reducing inflammation. The efficacy is attributed to the variations in phenolic profile revealed by LC-MS analysis. Hence, the current study suggests HVCO as a potential food supplement that can reduce the incidence of degenerative diseases.

Chemical composition and health benefits of coconut oil: an overview

Coconut oil is an integral part of Sri Lankan and many South Asian diets. Initially, coconut oil was classified along with saturated fatty acid food items and criticized for its negative impact on health. However, research studies have shown that coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain fatty acids. Thus, this has opened new prospects for its use in many fields. Beyond its usage in cooking, coconut oil has attracted attention due to its hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, antihepatosteatotic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin moisturizing properties. Despite all the health benefits, consumption of coconut oil is still underrated due to a lack of supportive scientific evidence. Even though studies done in Asian countries claim a favorable impact on cardiac health and serum lipid profile, the limitations in the number of studies conducted among Western countries impede the endorsement of the real value of coconut oil. Hence, long-term extensive studies with proper methodologies are suggested to clear all the controversies and misconceptions of coconut oil consumption. This review discusses the composition and functional properties of coconut oils extracted using various processing methods. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hot-processed virgin coconut oil abrogates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by restoring redox balance in rats compared to fermentation-processed virgin coconut oil

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a functional food oil prepared from fresh coconut kernel either by hot-processed (HPVCO) or fermentation-processed (FPVCO). The FPVCO has been widely explored for its pharmacological efficacy; while HPVCO, which has traditional uses, is less explored. The present study compared the phenolic content and nephroprotective effect of both these oils in male Wistar rats. In vitro antioxidant activity was estimated in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power and ex vivo lipid peroxidation inhibition. In in vivo models, the rats were pretreated orally with of FPVCO or HPVCO (doses 2 and 4 mL/kg) for seven days and nephrotoxicity was induced by the single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (10 mg/kg). The results indicated significantly higher polyphenol content in HPVCO (400.3 ± 5.8 µg/mL) than that of FPVCO (255.5 ± 5.8 µg/mL). Corroborating with the increased levels of polyphenols, the in vitro antioxidant potential was significantly higher in the HPVCO. Further, pretreatment with these VCO preparations protected the rats against the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, with higher extent by HPVCO. The renal function markers like urea, creatinine and total bilirubin were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with HPVCO pretreatment. Apart from the nephroprotective effects, HPVCO also abrogated the cisplatin-induced myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity. The restoration of hepato-renal function by the pretreatment of HPVCO was well corroborated with the improvement in functional antioxidants and subsequent reduction in renal lipid peroxidation. Supporting these observations, renal histology revealed reduced glomerular/tubular congestion and necrosis. Thus, the study concludes that HPVCO may be better functional food than FPVCO.

Kolaviron Diminishes Diclofenac-Induced Liver and Kidney Toxicity in Wistar Rats Via Suppressing Inflammatory Events, Upregulating Antioxidant Defenses, and Improving Hematological Indices

Diclofenac (DF) is widely used in the treatment of pain and fever. Despite it therapeutic benefits, it triggered hepatorenal injury. Thus, the present study investigated the protective roles of kolaviron (KV) against DF-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. The rats were allotted into groups: control group received propylene glycol and treatment groups received DF, which induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats and different doses of KV that prevented systemic toxicity of DF in rats. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, all the rats were killed. Pro-inflammatory levels, markers of liver and kidney functions, oxidative stress, hematological indices, and histopathological alterations were evaluated. Diclofenac caused significant increase in the plasma levels of creatinine and urea and activities of liver enzymes, including bilirubin level, pro-inflammatory markers, and plasma prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). It also caused significant alteration in renal and hepatic PGE₂, antioxidants, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), and hematological indices. These toxic effects were confirmed by histological studies and levels of inflammatory infiltration (myeloperoxidase). However, KV significantly prevented or reduced the adverse effects of DF in the plasma, liver, and kidney of the rats pretreated with KV before DF administration. This study showed the efficacy of KV as hepatic and renal protector in DF-induced hepatorenal toxicity through reduction of oxidative stress and suppression of inflammation.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects of virgin coconut oil against antibiotic drug gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity via the suppression of oxidative stress and modulation of iNOS/NF-ĸB/caspase-3 signaling pathway in Wistar rats

Gentamicin is an effective antibiotic against severe infections; however, its major side effect is oxidative nephrotoxicity. We explored whether virgin coconut oil (VCO) could mitigate gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were fed with VCO-supplemented diet for 16 days against renal toxicity induced by gentamicin (100 mg/kg bw, ip) from Day 11 to 16. Gentamicin caused marked elevated serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels, followed by considerable depletion in renal antioxidant enzymes, glutathione (GSH), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased significantly. It significantly increased renal cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) levels, confirmed by renal histopathology. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ĸB), and caspase-3 was prominently increased. VCO-supplemented diet significantly modulated the levels of biochemical indices, downregulated the expression of NO, iNOS, NF-ĸB, caspase-3, cytokines, and alleviated histopathological lesions. VCO protects against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity; thus, it could be a promising dietary supplement for patients undergoing gentamicin treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Gentamicin is an efficacious clinical antibiotic used against severe infections; however, the robust body of evidence indicates that the nephrotoxic side effect constrained its use. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is an edible oil with growing human consumption and pharmacological effects. Our study has reported herein, for the first time, that VCO diet prevented the nephrotoxicity of gentamicin. Dietary supplementation of this oil could be beneficial in alleviating the nephrotoxic side effect of gentamicin in patients.

Non-polar lipid carbonyls of thermally oxidized coconut oil induce hepatotoxicity mediated by redox imbalance

Thermal oxidation products of edible oils including aldehydes, peroxides and polymerized triglycerides formed during the cooking process are increasingly debated as contributory to chronic degenerative diseases. Depending on the oil used for cooking, the source of fatty acids and its oxidation products may vary and would have a differential influence on the physiological process. Coconut oil (CO) is a medium chain triglyceride-rich edible oil used in South India and other Asia Pacific countries for cooking purposes. The present study evaluated the biological effects of thermally oxidized coconut oil (TCO) as well as its non- polar hexane (TCOH) and polar methanol (TCO-M) sub-fractions in male Wistar rats. Results showed an increase in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and conjugated diene levels in TCO, which was extracted to TCOH fraction. The animals consumed TCO and its hexane and methanol fractions had a considerable increase in weight gain. However, serum and hepatic triglycerides were increased only in animals with TCO and TCOH administration. In these animals, the hepatic redox balance was disturbed, with a reduction in GSH and a concomitant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs). Increased incidence of microvesicles in hepatic histological observations also supported this assumption. Together, the study shows that TCO consumption is unhealthy, where the nonpolar compounds generated during thermal oxidation may be involved in the toxic insults.

Beneficial role of virgin coconut oil supplementation against acute methotrexate chemotherapy-induced oxidative toxicity and inflammation in rats

Background

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used antineoplastic and anti-rheumatoid agent whose efficacy is limited by marked organ toxicities associated with oxidative stress. The study investigated beneficial effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) supplementation on MTX-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6): Control, MTX (20 mg/kg bw), VCO (5%) + MTX and VCO (15%) + MTX. The pre-treatment with VCO for 14 days was followed by single intraperitoneal injection of MTX and the rats were sacrificed after 3 days. Serum activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were also evaluated.

Results

MTX induced a distinct diminution in serum activities of oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH), while lipid peroxidation considerably increased demonstrated by MDA level. Similarly, levels of IL-6, CRP and NO increased prominently in MTX control rats. The VCO supplementation markedly enhanced resistance to the MTX-induced biochemical alterations in rats.

Conclusion

VCO can be a useful adjuvant natural product in MTX chemotherapy by reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory responses.

Virgin coconut oil reverses hepatic steatosis by restoring redox homeostasis and lipid metabolism in male Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Hepatosteatosis, a form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is being increasingly recognized as a major health burden worldwide. Insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and imbalances in adipokine/cytokine interplay are reported to be involved in the onset and progression of this disease. Use of dietary nutraceuticals in prevention and treatment of NAFLD is emerging. Virgin coconut oil (VCO), a fermented product of fresh coconut kernel, has been shown to impede the development of hepatosteatosis in rats. This study analyzes the potential of VCO to reverse the already developed hepatosteatosis condition.

RESULTS

Hyperglycemia, reduced glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic macrovesicles in high-fructose-diet-fed rats (4 weeks) confirmed the development of hepatosteatosis. Natural reversion in these parameters was observed upon shifting to normal diet in untreated control animals. Administration of VCO, however, increased this natural reversion by improving high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (53.5%) and reducing hepatic and serum triacylglycerols (78.0 and 51.7%). Increased hepatic glutathione level (P < 0.01), antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.05) and reduced lipid peroxidation were also noticed in these animals. These observations were in concordance with reduced liver enzyme activities (P < 0.01) and restoration of altered hepatic architecture.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that VCO can be used as a nutraceutical against hepatosteatosis. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Coconut phytocompounds inhibits polyol pathway enzymes: Implication in prevention of microvascular diabetic complications

Coconut oil (CO), the primary choice of cooking purposes in the south Asian countries, is rich in medium chain saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid (50-52%). The oil has high medicinal use in Ayurvedic system and known to contain polyphenolic antioxidants. Studies have reported that CO improves insulin sensitivity and shows hypoglycemic effect. However, there is no information regarding its effect on chronic diabetic complications including retinopathy and nephropathy is available. The secondary diabetic complications are mediated by the activation of polyol pathway, where aldose reductase (AR) plays crucial role. In this study, in silico analysis has been used to screen the effect of CO as well as its constituents, MCFAs and phenolic compounds, for targeting the molecules in polyol pathway. The study revealed that lauric acid (LA) interacts with AR and DPP-IV of polyol pathway and inhibits the activity of these enzymes. Validation studies using animal models confirmed the inhibition of AR and SDH in wistar rats. Further, the LA dose dependently reduced the expression of AR in HCT-15 cells. Together, the study suggests the possible role of CO, particularly LA in reducing secondary diabetic complications.

NMR based metabolomic approach revealed cyclophosphamide-induced systematic alterations in a rat model

A ¹H NMR based metabolomics approach combined with biochemical assay had been employed to study the toxicity of CY.

Virgin coconut oil maintains redox status and improves glycemic conditions in high fructose fed rats

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), extracted from fresh coconut kernel possess similar fatty acid composition to that of Copra Oil (CO), a product of dried kernel. Although CO forms the predominant dietary constituent in south India, VCO is being promoted for healthy life due to its constituent antioxidant molecules. High fructose containing CO is an established model for insulin resistance and steatohepatitis in rodents. In this study, replacement of CO with VCO in high fructose diet markedly improved the glucose metabolism and dyslipidemia. The animals fed VCO diet had only 17 % increase in blood glucose level compared to CO fed animals (46 %). Increased level of GSH and antioxidant enzyme activities in VCO fed rats indicate improved hepatic redox status. Reduced lipid peroxidation and carbonyl adducts in VCO fed rats well corroborate with the histopathological findings that hepatic damage and steatosis were comparatively reduced than the CO fed animals. These results suggest that VCO could be an efficient nutraceutical in preventing the development of diet induced insulin resistance and associated complications possibly through its antioxidant efficacy.