Abstract
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been consumed worldwide for various health-related reasons and some of its benefits have been scientifically evaluated. Medium-chain fatty acids were found to be a potential antidepressant functional food; however, this effect had not been evaluated in VCO, which is rich in polyphenols and medium-chain fatty acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antistress and antioxidant effects of VCO in vivo, using mice with stress-induced injury. The antistress effect of VCO (administered per os, at a dose of 10 ml/kg body weight) was evaluated using the forced swim test and chronic cold restraint stress models. VCO was able to reduce immobility time and restore oxidative stress in mice post-swim test. Furthermore, mice treated with VCO were found to exhibit higher levels of brain antioxidants, lower levels of brain 5-hydroxytryptamine and reduced weight of the adrenal glands. Consequently, the serum cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose and corticosterone levels were also lower in VCO-treated mice. These results suggest the potential value of VCO as an antistress functional oil.
Highlights
Living in a modern society is often associated with more stressful social conditions (1)
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) and diazepam were able to significantly reduce the time of immobility compared to the untreated control mice (Fig. 1A)
superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme level was increased and lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced in VCO‐treated mice post‐forced swim test (Fig. 1B)
Summary
Living in a modern society is often associated with more stressful social conditions (1). Stress is a feedback survival response that strengthens the physical and mental status of an individual. Extreme stress may compromise mental and somatic health and lead to depression, immunosuppression, hypertension and endocrine disorders (2). This condition has increased the number of patients who suffer Stress management through dietary modifications (1) and natural herbs (2) may be a valuable alternative to antidepressant drugs
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