Abstract

Background/Aim: Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is an ancient tropical beverage whose popularity on the international market has been continuously increasing in recent years. This research was aimed to evaluate the potential effect of Coconut water of wistar albino rats exposed to stress.

Materials and Methods: Qualitative analysis was carried out on the coconut water to test for glucose, sucrose, fructose using Benedict’s test, hydrolysis test and Seliwanoff’s test respectively. Mineral elements analysis for sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were conducted using Varian AA240 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Quantitative analysis of ascorbic acid and chloride were determined using titration method. A total of twenty (20) male wistar albino rats with mean weight of 150g was used for this studies. They were divided into four groups with five rats in each. Group A, B and C are the normal control, positive control and negative control respectively. Group D was the treated group. The animals were stressed (water starved) for 48 hours before the commencement of the treatment. The coconut water was the administered to Albino rats orally for 7 days to observe its effect on the rats. These rats were starved for 48 hours as a means of inducing stress then given coconut water as well as feed.

Results: The results showed the presence of glucose, fructose, sucrose, sodium ppm 3.102, calcium ppm 19.090, potassium ppm 1.344 and magnesium ppm 18.968. It also showed the presence of ascorbic acid in the quantity 4.403 mg and the absence of chloride which can be gotten by the addition of iodized salt. There was observed weight increase as well as a significant decrease in serum level of Urea and significant decrease in serum level of creatinine (p < 0.05) using the control group as reference.

Conclusion: Coconut water is a good and healthy supplement for infusion fluids because of the sugars and nutrients it contains since an infusion fluid can only provide the body with sugars and fluid. It should be taken into consideration that the nutrient present in coconut water can differ depending on region, cultivation practices as well as condition of soil. The Young Tender Coconut market could be a solution for regional markets but research on the preservation of the fruits will need future efforts, especially in the coating and packaging fields.

Keywords: Coconut Water; Mineral Elements; Infusion; Nutrients; Kidney

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