Effects of Coconut Water on Reproductive Functions in Danazol Treated Wistar Rats

Abstract

Coconut water (CW) has been reported to improve semen quality and testosterone levels in male rats and to possess estrogen‐like substances which can impact positively on female fertility. The mechanisms through which CW may perform these actions are yet to be fully elucidated. This study explored the effects of CW on the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal axis (HPG) using Danazol (a GnRH antagonist). Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 7 male and 7 female groups (n = 6); Group 1: control (distilled water), group 2: 20ml/kg corn oil (vehicle for danazol), group 3: 20ml/kg CW, group 4: 40ml/kg CW, group 5: 200mg/kg danazol, group 6: 200mg/kg danazol + 20ml/kg CW and group 7: 200mg/kg danazol + 40ml/kg CW. Oral administration was done daily for 6 weeks after which the rats were sacrificed to obtain their sex organs and serum. Serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and testosterone were determined using ELISA. Sperm indices were assessed using cauda epididymal fluid. Histological and weight evaluation of all sex organs were carried out. The males showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in sperm count, sperm motility and serum estrogen concentration in groups 3, 4, 6 and 7, while a significant reduction in these variables was observed in group 5. The females showed a significant increase in serum estrogen levels in groups 3, 4, 6 and 7, with significant increases in serum LH, FSH and Testosterone concentrations in groups 6 and 7 when compared with group 5. There was a significant increase in uterine weight in group 4 and ovary weight in groups 6 and 7 when compared with group 5. Testicular and ovarian tissue appeared healthier in all CW groups. The results suggest that coconut water acts on the HPG to positively influence reproductive function in both males and females.