Effect of Coconut Kernel Residues on Serum Lipid Concentrations of Rats

Abstract

The coconut kernel residues are underutilized by products in coconut milk and coconut oil industries. The residue from coconut milk (MR) and virgin coconut milk (VOR) can be used effectively for human consumption. Therefore, studying its nutritional effects on serum lipid profile is very important to promote for human consumption. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional effect of VOR and MR incorporated diets on serum lipid profile of rats. The experimental diet was prepared by incorporating 10% or 20% VOR or 10% or 20% MR. The control diet did not include VOR or MR. The blood samples were drawn at base level and thereafter at 30 days intervals. The initial concentrations were compared with the concentrations at each days using unpaired t test for testing significant differences (p=0.05). The increase of serum TC concentration of rats fed with 10 and 20% MR and 20% VOR was19%, 17% and 16% respectively while the increase shown by control group and 10% VOR group was 20% and 22% respectively at 120 days although there is no significant change. Significant increase in serum HDL-C was shown by rats fed with 20% VOR in 30 days. Triacylglyceride, TAG, concentrations of rats fed with 20% VOR significantly decreased significantly by 22% in 120 days while the control group increased significantly by 31%. However, 10% VOR and 20% MR fed group showed insignificant decrease in serum TAG. This study reveals that VOR and MR can potentially decrease the serum level of TC and TAGs in human.