Effects of Coconut Water on Reproductive Functions of Female Wistar Rats: A Preliminary Investigation.

Abstract

Coconut water (CW) has been reported to possess sex hormone-like activity. The effects of CW on oestrus cycles and reproductive organs of female Wistar rats were investigated. Five groups (n=6) of rats were treated as follows; 0.5 ml/100 g body weight distilled water (Control), 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 ml/100 g body weight CW respectively for 21 days. Body weights and oestrus cycles were monitored daily. Animals were sacrificed in proestrus at which time; the ovary, uterus, kidney, liver, heart and brain were assessed for changes in weight. Histological analysis of the ovary, uterus and liver was carried out. CW caused significant reductions (P<0.05) in body weight gain. Oestrus cycle lengths were significantly decreased (P<0.05), showed more regular rhythms with an increase in occurrence of the proestrus phase (P<0.05) and reduced frequency of the metestrus phase (P<0.05). CW had no significant effect on organ weights, also the ovary, uterus and liver did not show any structural modifications. The results suggest that CW 1) does not have any apparent toxic effect on the reproductive and other major organs of female Wistar rats; 2) may have fertility-enhancing properties in female rats via the regularisation of irregular oestrus cycles and promotion of onset of the proestrus phase of the oestrus cycle; and 3) has a body weight reducing effect. Further studies are on-going to reveal possible mechanisms for the fertility-enhancing effects of coconut water.