Antihypertensive Potential of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Water in Wistar Rats

8 PAGES (3176 WORDS) Biochemistry Article/Essay

Background: Hypertension has become a common sickness in Nigeria especially among
population above 50 years of age. It constitutes a major riskfactor for several cardiovascular
diseases suchas atherosclerosis, heart failure, renal insufficiency, coronary artery disease and
stroke.
Aim: This study was aimed at evaluating the antihypertensive potential of coconut water in Wistar
rats.
Materials and Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups of ten each. Rats in
groups 1 and 2 received a special prepared egg feed diet (24 egg yolk mixed with 1 kg of normal rat
diet) while those in group 3 received normal feed diet and they served as the control group. Animals
in group 2 were administered 3 mL/100 g body weight of undiluted coconut water simultaneously
  with the feeding. The animals were fed orally for 21 consecutive days and had access to drinking

water ad libitum. Blood pressure of each of these groups was determined at day 0, 7, 14 and 21
respectively using standard methods.
Results: A significant increase was observed in the blood pressure of animals fed with egg
formulated diet without coconut water treatment when compared with those fed with egg formulated
diet and treated with coconut water and control group respectively at P