Consumption of Coconut (CocosnuciferaL.) WaterImproved Fertility Parameters in Male Wistar Rats

Background: The need for fertility stimulation in men and women cannot be overemphasized
especially when a marriage is childless in some communities in Nigeria. While chemical methods
for fertility stimulation may have some side effects and are not readily available, remedy from
natural sources can be used.
Aim: This present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of coconut water on fertility in male Wistar
rats.
Materials and Methods: Coconuts of about 8 months old were harvested from Apata area of
Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria. The coconuts were dehusked, broken carefully and the liquid
endosperm was collected and preserved in the refrigerator. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing
between 180 and 200 g were used for the experiment. They were acclimatized for 7 days during
which they were fed ad libitum with standard feed and drinking water. They were randomly divided
into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Animals in groups A, B and C were administered normal saline for 10,
20 and 30 days respectively via oral route. Those in groups D, E and F were similarly treated (for 10, 20 and 30 days respectively via oral route) but with 3 mL of undiluted coconut water. At the end

of treatment, the animals were sacrificed by the cervical dislocation. The internal organs were
exposed. Testes and cauda epididymis were removed and kept in sterilized watched glass. Male
fertility parameters were determined using standard methods.
Results: Coconut water caused increased sperm count and sperm motility while mortality and
abnormality of spermatozoa decreased significantly after 10, 20 and 30 days of treatment
respectively. However, coconut water had no significant difference on seminal pH at P