Coconut Oil Group Research Articles

Positive effects of a mixture of fish oil and soybean oil as a dietary lipid source on the ovarian development and health of female giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock

Lipids are key nutrients that affect the development of the ovary in aquatic animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different lipid sources on the ovarian development and health of Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock. The M. rosenbergii broodstock, with an initial body weight of 8.07±0.74 g, were fed diets containing 5 % fish oil (FO), soya bean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), coconut oil (CO), and a 1:1 mixture of fish oil and soybean oil (MO) as lipid sources for a period of 56 days. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in survival rate (SR) and hepatopancreatic index (HSI) among the different groups (P > 0.05). However, the specific growth rate (SGR) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) in the MO group were significantly higher than other groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, fatty acid levels in diets directly influenced the fatty acid composition of prawn hepatopancreas, showing a similar trend to that observed in the diet itself. Furthermore, compared to the other trial groups, haemolymph levels of 17-β estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) were significantly increased in the MO group (P < 0.05). The ovarian section also exhibited better histomorphology and larger oocyte diameter in this group. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the MO group (P < 0.05). Saturated fatty acids in RO and CO groups could promote the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes fatty acid synthase (fas) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc), concurrently suppressing the expression of lipid catabolism-related genes acyl-CoA oxidase-1 (acox-1) and AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (ampkα) (P < 0.05). Conversely, polyunsaturated fatty acids in the MO group significantly up-regulated the expression levels of fatty acid binding protein-3 (fabp-3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (pparγ) (P < 0.05). Based on the findings of hepatopancreatic tissue structure, it was determined that the use of a single vegetable oil resulted in some damage to the hepatopancreatic tissue structure of M. rosenbergii broodstock, leading to increased oxidative stress. In conclusion, it is recommended that a 1:1 mixture of fish oil and soybean oil be used as a dietary lipid source to effectively meet the nutritional requirements during the ovarian development period of M. rosenbergii broodstock. This combination also enhances antioxidant properties, promotes the synthesis of haemolymph steroid hormones and lipid metabolism in female prawns, thereby facilitating ovarian development and overall health of M. rosenbergii broodstock.

Coconut oil affects aging-related changes in Mongolian gerbil liver morphophysiology

Aging causes changes in liver morphophysiology, altering hepatocyte morphology and organ function. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil has been used as a therapeutic agent in diets, in an attempt to attenuate alterations in the liver naturally caused by aging. Herein, we evaluated the effects of coconut oil consumption during aging on Mongolian gerbil liver morphophysiology. The animals were divided into three experimental groups: the gerbils in the Adult Control Group (AC) were euthanized at 3 months of age, the gerbils in the Old Control Group (OC) at 15 months of age, and the gerbils in the Coconut Oil Group (CO) received 0.1 ml/day of coconut oil for 12 months and were euthanized at 15 months of age. Prolonged consumption of coconut oil during aging prevented the animals and the liver from gaining mass. However, the other results showed that coconut oil intensified the morphophysiological alterations of aging, promoting an increase in the hepatocyte cytoplasm and nuclei. In addition, an increase in blood vessels, reticular fibers, lipid droplets, and lipofuscin granules were observed in the CO group. Finally, the results also demonstrated that coconut oil promotes an increase in lipid peroxidation, indicated by an increase in MDA levels. We therefore conclude that coconut oil has the potential to intensify the morphophysiological alterations that occur in the liver during aging.

Effect of adding natural coconut oil on the antifungal, flexural strength, and hardness properties of heat cure acrylic resin (an in vitro study)

Purpose. This study's objective was to estimate the effect of various quantities of the addition of natural coconut oil according to concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%) on the heat cured denture base material's anti-fungal, flexural strength, and hardness properties. Material and method. A total of 120 samples were created and (divided into three groups each groups contain forty samples) built regarding the attitude test: Candida albicans adherence test, flexural strength test, and hardness test. Next, each group was subdivided into three subgroups (control 0%, 1%, 2% and 3%) based on the various quantities of the added natural coconut oil, with (n=10 samples for each subgroup). Each group was assessed at 48 hours. One-way ANOVA and other statistical methods were used to analyze the data, Duncan and Dunnett’s tests for comparison means among all groups with control at p ≤0.05. Results. A One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference in the mean values of Candida albicans adherence, with the additive of natural coconut oil groups (1%, 2%) showing the highest antifungal effect compare with (3% additive groups). Adding 1% coconut oil had no significant difference on hardness and flexural strength, while adding 2% and 3% additive of coconut oil groups showed a significantly decrease than control groups at p ≤ (0.05). Conclusion. The antifungal properties of heat-cured acrylic resin are enhanced by the addition of coconut oil. However, when used in high concentrations (greater than 1%), it can result in a decrease in hardness and flexural strength.

THE EFFECT OF COCONUT OIL INTAKE ON THE MEAT FATTY ACID PROFILE OF PIGS

The article deals with the effect of adding coconut oil to the diet of heavy pigs on the concentration of fatty acids in leg meat, back fat, and liver. Lauric acid has several positive effects on the consumer. However, the concentration of this fatty acid in pig meat is very low or absent. Coconut oil, which contains a high concentration of lauric acid, was added to the pigs´ diet (30 g per head per day) for 18 days before slaughtering. This dietary intervention increased the concentration of lauric acid in leg meat and back fat but had no effect on the lauric acid concentration in pig liver. Concentrations of margaric and arachidic acids in leg meat, oleic, arachidic, and sum of mono-unsaturated fatty acids in back fat, palmitoleic and sum of saturated fatty acids in pig liver were affected by the addition of coconut oil to the diet of pigs. The monounsaturation index C18:1/C18:0 in leg meat was higher in the coconut oil group. The intake of small amounts of coconut oil affected the concentration of some fatty acids and increased the concentration of lauric acid in the leg meat and back fat of pigs.

Dietary lipid sources affect growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The present study explored the effects of different lipid sources on growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory response and disease resistance of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four isonitrogenous (crude protein 50.46 %) and isolipidic (crude lipid 11.12 %) diets were formulated to contain 7 % of different oil sources including fish oil (FO) (control), soybean oil (SO), linseed oil (LO) and coconut oil (CO). Largemouth bass with initial body weight of 36.0 ± 0.2 g were randomly distributed into 12 tanks, with 30 fish per tank and 3 tanks per treatment. The fish were fed with the experiment diets twice daily for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the weight gain of largemouth bass fed the FO diet was significantly higher than that of fish fed the LO and CO diets. The liver crude lipid content in FO group was significantly higher than other groups, while the highest liver triglyceride content was showed in SO group and the lowest was detected in LO group. At transcriptional level, expression of lipogenesis related genes (pparγ, srebp1, fas, acc, dgat1 and dgat2) in the SO and CO group were significantly higher than the FO group. However, the expression of lipolysis and fatty acids oxidation related genes (pparα, cpt1, and aco) in vegetable oils groups were significantly higher than the FO group. As to the antioxidant capacity, vegetable oils significantly reduced the malondialdehyde content of largemouth bass. Total antioxidant capacity in the SO and LO groups were significantly increased compared with the FO group. Catalase in the LO group was significantly increased compared with the FO group. Furthermore, the ER stress related genes, such as grp78, atf6α, atf6β, chop and xbp1 were significantly enhanced in the vegetable oil groups compared with the FO group. The activity of serum lysozyme in vegetable oil groups were significantly higher than in FO group. Additionally, the relative expression of non-specific immune related genes, including tlr2, mapk11, mapk13, mapk14, rela, tgf-β1, tnfα, 5lox, il-1β and il10, were all significantly increased in SO and CO groups compared to the other groups. In conclusion, based on the indexes including growth performance, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory response, SO and LO could be alternative oil sources for largemouth bass.

Efficacy of probiotics and coconut oil-based mouthrinses to improve oral health

Objectives: We analyzed the relative beneficial impacts of probiotics and coconut oil-based mouth rinses on oral health. Methods : A total of 33 subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups. Coconut oil and probiotics were given to the experimental group, and distilled water to the control group. We evaluated the possession site of Gingival index, CPITN index, BOP, Pocket depth, and PHP index. Results: In the coconut oil and probiotic groups, Gingival index significantly decreased on both days 15 and 30. CPITN significantly decreased on days 15 and 30 in the coconut oil group (p&lt;0.01), and on day 30 in the probiotic group (p=0.002). There was a significant interaction between group and time for BOP and PHP index (p&lt;0.001), and the coconut oil group was more effective in improving BOP and PHP index. Conclusions: The above results showed that the mediation effect of coconut oil and probiotics was more effective with coconut oil.

Intermittent fasting associated with coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) alters gut-liver axis parameters in diet-induced obese rats

ObjectiveThe aim of this article is to investigate the effect of intermittent fasting, associated or not with coconut oil intake, on the gut-liver axis of obese rats. MethodsA total of 50 rats were divided into five groups: control, obese, obese with intermittent fasting, obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil, and obese with caloric restriction. The rats were induced to obesity with a high-sugar diet for 17 wk. The respective interventions were carried out in the last 4 wk. ResultsThe groups with intermittent fasting protocols had reduced total cholesterol (on average 54.31%), low-density lipoprotein (on average 53.39%), and triacylglycerols (on average 23.94%) versus the obese group; and the obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil group had the highest high-density lipoprotein compared with all groups. The obese with intermittent fasting plus coconut oil and obese with caloric restriction groups had lower metabolic load compared with the other groups. The obese group had high citric and succinic acid concentrations, which affected the hepatic tricarboxylic acid cycle, while all the interventions had reduced concentrations of these acids. No histologic changes were observed in the intestine or liver of the groups. ConclusionIntermittent fasting, especially when associated with coconut oil, had effects comparable with caloric restriction in modulating the parameters of the gut-liver axis.

Comparative efficacy of Moringa oleifera and coconut oil-based mouthwashes versus chlorhexidine in reducing human oral microbial populations in healthy adults: a single blind clinical trial

IntroductionDentists have considered chlorhexidine as the gold standard antimicrobial solution against oral microbes for decades. The side effects of chlorhexidine and our historical reliance on natural remedies create the need for herbal alternative. This study evaluated the effectiveness of chlorhexidine, coconut oil, and moringa on the prevalence of human oral bacteria using a single-blind, randomised, clinical trial method. MethodsA total of 90 oral swabs were collected from consenting human participants on day 0 of the clinical trial. The participants were given either chlorhexidine (group A), coconut oil (group B), or Moringa oleifera (group C) mouthwashes and instructed to rinse for 14 days, twice daily. The participants were sampled again on day 14. Total plate count (TPC) and differential plate count (DPC) were done on both samples of each participant collected on day 0 and day 14. Bacteria were identified by standard biochemical tests. ResultsStreptococcus mitis, Veillonella parvula, Klebsiella aerogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Bacteroides fragilis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetecomitans, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from the plaque. All 3 types of mouthwash exhibited statistically significant differences in TPC and DPC of day 0 and day 14 when compared using a paired t-test (P value = 0.03, 0.01, and <0.01 respectively). No statistically significant difference was noted in the antimicrobial activity of the three mouthwashes when compared using one-way ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey’s test. ConclusionOur results show that M. oleifera and coconut oil have a bactericidal effect on oral microbial populations associated with caries and periodontal disease, comparable to chlorhexidine.

A Comparative Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Application of Coconut Oil Versus Petroleum Jelly on Heel Fissures Among Young Women

Introduction: Heel fissure is one of the commonly existing podiatric conditions in our society. It is associated with excessive dryness leading to cracking of heels. Coconut oil is a versatile product with good moisturizing, nourishing and smoothing effect on skin. Petroleum jelly is a greasy gelatinous substance that has been promoted as a topical ointment for its healing and moisturizing properties. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of application of coconut oil and petroleum jelly on heel fissures among young women. Methods: Thirty young women between the age group 18 – 25 years with heel fissures were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (Group I – Coconut oil and Group II – Petroleum jelly) with 15 samples in each. Pre – test was done and Coconut oil/Petroleum jelly was applied once daily for 14 days on heel fissures, followed by post- test. Data was collected by observation using a self-prepared checklist and rating scale. The tool is found to be reliable by using inter- rater reliability (r = 1.0). Results: It is found that there is a statistically significant difference between pre–test mean score (7.67) and post-test mean score (5.33) of Group I (coconut oil) p value (0.0013). There is statistically significant difference between pre- test mean score (8.53) and post- test mean score (4.13) of Group II (Petroleum jelly) p value (0.0000). The difference in mean score of coconut oil Group is 2.33 and petroleum jelly is 4.4 Conclusion: This study concluded that both coconut oil and petroleum jelly are effective on heel fissures. In comparison, petroleum jelly is more effective than coconut oil in managing heel fissures. Keywords: coconut oil, heel fissures, petroleum jelly, young women

Effects of Coconut Oil and Palm Oil on Growth, Rumen Microbiota, and Fatty Acid Profile of Suckling Calves.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of coconut oil and palm oil in milk replacer (MR) on the growth performance, blood lipids, rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota, and fatty acid profile of hepatic and muscle of suckling calves. Thirty-six Holstein male calves were randomly assigned to three treatments. Three milk replacers containing different fat sources were as follows: control group (CON, milk fat), coconut oil group (CCO, coconut oil powder as fat), and palm oil group (PLO, palm oil powder as fat). Calves were weighed and blood sampled at 14, 28, 42, and 56 days old, respectively, and the feed intake and fecal score were recorded daily. Fat sources in milk replacers had no effects on body weight, ADG, DMI, fecal score, or days of abnormal fecal in suckling calves among the three groups, while the PLO group tended to decrease starter intake compared with the other groups. Serum concentrations of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C in the CCO group increased compared with those of the CON group. Palm oil also decreased the serum GLU concentration of calves but had no effects on serum lipids compared with milk fat. Coconut oil or palm oil had no effects on rumen fermentation, rumen chyme enzyme activity, rumen bacterial community richness and diversity, and dominant phyla and genera when compared with milk fat. However, compared with the CON group, the CCO group increased the proportion of MCFAs and n-6 PUFAs, and decreased the proportion of UFAs and MUFAs in liver tissue, while the PLO group increased the proportion of PUFAs and decreased the proportion of n-3 PUFAs in liver tissue. In addition, compared with the CON group, the CCO group increased the proportion of MCFAs, and decreased the proportion of UFAs and n-3 PUFAs in longissimus dorsi, while the PLO group increased the proportion of PUFAs and decreased the proportion of n-3 PUFAs in longissimus dorsi. In conclusion, compared with milk fat, coconut oil or palm oil in MR had no effects on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and rumen microflora but significantly increased serum lipids concentration and changed some proportions of MCFAs and PUFAs in liver and longissimus dorsi in suckling calves. These results indicate that coconut oil or palm oil as the sole fat source for MRs has no adverse effect on calf rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota but has a detrimental effect on n-3 PUFAs deposition in the liver and longissimus dorsi muscle.

Effectiveness of Massage Therapy with and Without Oil on Neonatal Weight and Serum Triglycerides: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Low birth weight among preterm neonates is a crucial public health problem worldwide. Objectives: The study aimed to assess if massage therapy and coconut oil application could affect weight gain in premature neonates. Method: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of 2 educational hospitals affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from September 2019 to April 2021. Massage therapy, alongside applying coconut oil to the skin for 5 days, versus massage therapy with tepid water, was considered an intervention. Demographic data, weight gain, and serum triglycerides (TG) levels were the outcomes. First, oil was tested on the baby’s wrist skin. If there was no skin reaction or side effects, massage therapy was started using fingertips in 3 steps, and each step lasted for 5 minutes. Results: The study included 94 neonates with a gestational age of fewer than 37 weeks who were randomly assigned to 3 groups: body massage with coconut oil group (n = 33), body massage without oil (n = 30), and control group (n = 31) who did not receive any intervention. Fifty-one cases (54.3%) were male. The mean gestational age of all patients was 32.5 ± 2.24 weeks (range of 27 to 36.6), birth weight was 1769.04 ± 472.8 grams (range of 800 to 2780 grams), serum triglycerides levels before and after intervention in all patients were 0.87 ± 0.43 and 1.14 ± 0.50 mmol/L respectively (or 77.04 ± 39.7 and 100.94 ± 44.7 mg/dL respectively) (P = 0.44). The 5-day average weight gains based on the groups included: coconut oil: 49.24 ± 94.32 grams, tepid water: 27.16 ± 65.79 grams, control: 26.29 ± 77.09 grams, P = 0.49. There were no statistically significant differences among all groups for weight gain and change in serum TG levels. Conclusions: Massage therapy, alongside applying coconut oil to the skin for 5 days, could not increase weight and serum TG levels in premature neonates. Further studies with long-term intervention and a larger sample size are recommended.

Comparison ofthe effects ofAloe vera gel and coconut oil onthe healing ofopen wounds inrats.

Inthis study, the effects ofAloe vera gel and coconut oil onwound healing were investigated and compared inrats. Forty-two Wistar albino rats were used during the experiment, inwhich they were operated onunder general anaesthesia tocreate two full-thickness open skin wounds (created with a 0.5cm diameter punch biopsy apparatus) onboth back sides of the median line. Atotal of42rats were divided into three groups of14animals each toreceive the topical application ofAloe vera gel (AVgroup- n=14), coconut oil (COgroup- n=14) and cold cream (CONT group- n=14). The medical applications were performed twice aday inall thegroups. Thewound borders were marked onatransparent sheet every day. Afterwards, this sheet was transferred tothemillimetre graph paper. Ondays0, 7, and 14, the unhealed wound area was measured inall the groups. Ondays7 and 14, seven rats ineach group were euthanised. Then, skin samples including the intact skin were taken from the wound sites for histopathological and biochemical evaluations. The topical application ofAloe vera gel showed asignificant increase inthe healing process oftheopen wounds interms ofthe clinical evaluation, histopathological and biochemical data averages when compared with the coconut oil and cold cream groups ofrats (P<0.05). The results obtained inthe present study demonstrate that Aloe vera gel may provide agood alternative for thetreatment ofopen wounds.

Comparative efficacy of coconut oil-pulling therapy versus 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse on dental plaque and gingival health

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory microbial disease caused by complex of microbes. Prevention and control of periodontal disease must be based on the regular and complete removal of bacterial plaque n. Various modes of mechanical and chemical means of plaque control exist Conventionally, essential oils have also been used to cure many oral conditions. Many oils have been investigated for their effectiveness as anti plaque and anti gingivitis agents. Very few studies have used coconut oil or this purpose. Aim: The present study was undertaken with the aim to investigate the efficacy of virgin coconut oil pulling therapy versus 0.2% CHX mouthrinse and their effect on clinical parameters and total microbial load in salivary sample of periodontally healthy volunteers. Material and Methods: A total of 30 periodontally healthy volunteers with the age range of 18–45 years were randomly divided into two groups:-Group 1:virgin coconut oil mouthrinse (Plant Lipids®, Cochin, India) and Group 2: 0.2% CHX mouthrinse (Clohex Plus®, Dr Reddy's, India). Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) were recorded for all the subjects. An unstimulated salivary sample was collected in a sterile calibrated bottle and sent for baseline examination of oral microbial load. Subjects were asked to perform oil pulling in (Group 1) and 0.2% CHX rinse in (Group 2) in front of the instructor and were asked to continue for rest of the trial period in the same manner. Results: The mean PI at day 10, day 21, and day 30 was significantly more among coconut oil than CHX group. The mean CFU at day 10, day 21, and day 30 was significantly more among coconut oil than the CHXgroup. Conclusion: Both the study groups showed reductions in PI, GI, and GBI scores, higher reductions were seen in the CHX group. It was observed that CHX and virgin coconut oil were effective against microorganisms, thus causes a reduction in CFU and thus serve as a good alternative.

Effects of the Type and Emulsification of Oil on Postprandial Appetite Responses in Healthy Young Adults

ObjectivesPrevious studies revealed that consuming different types of oil or the same type of oil but whether being emulsified could result in a different subsequent food intake. While these results suggest that different types of oils or emulsification could affect appetite control, very limited data exist. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of type and emulsification of oil on postprandial appetite responses.MethodsThis is a randomized, controlled, double-blinded crossover study and 16 healthy males and females aged between 21 and 29 participated in the study. All participants consumed a high-fat isocaloric breakfast meal containing 29 g of one of the following four oil: i) olive oil-water non-emulsified; ii) olive oil-water emulsified; (iv) coconut oil-water non-emulsified, v) coconut oil-water emulsified. Five hours after the test breakfast meal, subjects received a standard low-fat lunch. Six appetites components including hunger, desire to eat, prospective consumption, fullness, nausea and bloating were evaluated over a 10-hour postprandial duration by using visual analogue scales (VAS). The net incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of appetite VAS was calculated by the trapezoidal method.ResultsThe iAUC value (mean ± SE) of hunger VAS was higher with the oil emulsified group (-512.2 ± 137.4) than the oil non-emulsified group (-785.4 ± 132.9) over a 5-hour postprandial period (P < 0.05), but the difference became insignificant over a 10-hour postprandial period. On the other hand, the coconut oil group resulted in higher fullness VAS than the olive oil group (P < 0.05), for both iAUC0-5 hour (coconut oil: 813.3 ± 146.0; olive oil: 575.4 ± 139.8) and iAUC0-10 hour values (coconut oil: 1,785.9 ± 311.3; olive oil: 1,368.5 ± 306.3). There is no interaction effect of the emulsification and the type of oil on all the six subjective appetites VAS during the postprandial state.ConclusionsThe type and emulsification of oil in a high-fat meal could cause differential appetite responses over a certain postprandial duration. Physiological measures, such as appetite-regulating hormones, energy expenditure and substrate oxidation rates, are necessary to elucidate the differences in subjective appetite responses in future studies.Funding SourcesNational University of Singapore and Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Industry Alignment.

Supplementation effect of dietary flaxseed and coconut oil on antioxidant enzyme activities, LPO seminal plasma protein profiling in adult ram

Energy based diet supplementation is responsible for body growth and plays a significant role to improve spermatogenesis, semen quality, fertility and influence livestock production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dietary flaxseed and coconut oil supplementation on semen profile, hormone level, testicular biometry, antioxidant enzyme activity and seminal plasma protein in adult rams. A total number of nine rams (Bannur crossbred rams, aged 20–23 months) were divided into three groups and each group consisted of three rams. The sheep of the control were fed a diet consisting of concentrate mixture and ragi straw in a ratio of 50:50, respectively as per ICAR 2013 standard. The sheep of the coconut oil supplemented group were fed the same basal diet as that of the control group; additionally they were supplemented with coconut oil @ 5 g/100 g concentrate mixture. The sheep of flaxseed oil supplemented group were fed the same basal diet as that of the control group, additionally they were supplemented with flaxseed oil @ 5 g/100 g concentrate mixture. A total of 45 semen samples (5 collections from each ram), were collected through electro-ejaculator method (twice in a week and in 3 days interval). The volume, initial motility, mass motility, live and dead percentage, concentration, acrosome intactness and functional membrane integrity were assessed in fresh semen. Sperm velocity and motility parameters were assessed using CASA. Antioxidant enzyme activities, LPO and seminal plasma protein profiling were estimated in seminal plasma. The results indicated that rams fed with oils (treatment groups) produced semen with higher volume, sperm concentrations, with improved membrane and acrosome integrities. The antioxidant enzyme activities were increased and the oxidative stress reduced as indicated by lowered MDA level in the treatment groups. However, the motility and velocity of spermatozoa did not improve although testosterone increased. Testicular biometric measurements did not differ between control and treatment groups. Marked changes were observed in the seminal plasma protein profile due to feeding of oils. The MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis revealed that the differentially expressed protein spots in the coconut oil group were Interleukin-2, Endothelin-1, Secreted phosphoprotein 24, Caveoilin-I, Interferon gamma and in flaxseed oil group were SRY protein. This study indicated that supplementation of flaxseed and coconut oil at 5% level to the rams improved the protective role against oxidative stress and induced over expression of certain seminal plasma proteins depending upon the oil fed.

Partial Replacement of Dietary Fat with Krill Oil or Coconut Oil Alleviates Dyslipidemia by Partly Modulating Lipid Metabolism in Lipopolysaccharide-Injected Rats on a High-Fat Diet.

This study investigated the effects of partial replacement of dietary fat with krill oil (KO) or coconut oil (CO) on dyslipidemia and lipid metabolism in rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups as follows: HFD, HFD + KO, and HFD + CO. The rats were fed each diet for 10 weeks and then intraperitoneally injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mg/kg). The KO- and CO-fed rats exhibited lower levels of serum lipids and aspartate aminotransferases than those of the HFD-fed rats. Rats fed with HFD + KO displayed significantly lower hepatic histological scores and hepatic triglyceride (TG) content than rats fed with HFD. The KO supplementation also downregulated the adipogenic gene expression in the liver. When treated with LPS, the HFD + KO and HFD + CO groups reduced the adipocyte size in the epididymal white adipose tissues (EAT) relative to the HFD group. These results suggest that KO and CO could improve lipid metabolism dysfunction.

Coconut oil consumption and bodyweight reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Due to the composition and biological properties of coconut oil, there is still considerable debate regarding potential benefits for the management of obesity, including the specific impact on body weight (BW) reduction. This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials aims to assess the impact of coconut oil on BW reduction in comparison to other oils and fats. The databases, PubMed®, Web of Science®, EMBASE®, and SciVerse Scopus® were systematically searched. A combination of medical subject headings and words linked to coconut oil and obesity parameters were utilized. Any clinical trials comparing coconut oil to any other form of oil or fat, with more than one month feeding period among adults were considered. From the 540 potentially relevant papers, 9 were included. The period of coconut oil intake varied from four to twelve weeks, apart from one long-term trial where coconut oil was consumed for two years. When compared to other oils and fats, coconut oil substantially decreased BW (N.=546), Body Mass Index (BMI) (N.=551), and percentage of fat mass (FM%) (N.=491) by 0.75 kg (P=0.04), 0.28 kg/m2 (P=0.03), and 0.35% (P=0.008), respectively. Coconut oil consumption did not result in any significant alteration in waist circumference (WC) (N.=385) (-0.61 cm; P=0.30), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (N.=330) (-0.01; P=0.39) and FM (N.=86) (-0.25 kg; P=0.29). Results indicate a small statistically significant reduction in BW, BMI, and FM% in the coconut oil group. In contrast, consumption of coconut oil had no statistically significant effect on WC, WHR, or FM.

The neuroprotective effect of Coconut Oil in mice with Traumatic Brain Injury

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the possible neuroprotective effect of coconut oil in mice with traumatic brain injury. Materials and Methods: Mice were randomly divided into two groups (n=5 per group); namely, the control and coconut oil groups, which were administered 250 µl saline and 10 mg/kg body weight per os coconut oil along a week, respectively, before cold brain injury. Infarction and edema volume in the brain was measured with cresyl violet in two groups on the eighth day, 24 hours after injury. Results: Our data indicated a statistically significant decrease in the infarct and oedema volumes after coconut oil application. Conclusion: Our findings have supported that coconut oil has a potential neuroprotective effect on damaged neurons after traumatic brain injury in mice.

Consumption of soybean or olive oil at recommended concentrations increased the intestinal microbiota diversity and insulin sensitivity and prevented fatty liver compared to the effects of coconut oil

Diets rich in mono or polyunsaturated fats have been associated with a healthy phenotype, but there is controversial evidence about coconut oil (CO), which is rich in saturated medium-chain fatty acids. Therefore, the purpose of the present work was to study whether different types of oils rich in polyunsaturated (soybean oil, SO), monounsaturated (olive oil, OO), or saturated fatty acids (coconut oil, CO) can regulate the gut microbiota, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, mitochondrial function in wild type and PPARα KO mice. The group that received SO showed the highest microbial diversity, increase in Akkermansia muciniphila, high insulin sensitivity and low grade inflammation, The OO group showed similar insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling than SO, increase in Bifidobacterium, increase in fatty acid oxidation and low grade inflammation. The CO consumption led to the lowest bacterial diversity, a 9-fold increase in the LPS concentration leading to metabolic endotoxemia, hepatic steatosis, increased lipogenesis, highest LDL-cholesterol concentration and the lowest respiratory capacity and fatty acid oxidation in the mitochondria. The absence of PPARα decreased alpha diversity and increased LPS concentration particularly in the CO group, and increased insulin sensitivity in the groups fed SO or OO. These results indicate that consuming mono or polyunsaturated fatty acids produced health benefits at the recommended intake but a high concentration of oils (three times the recommended oil intake in rodents) significantly decreased the microbial alpha-diversity independent of the type of oil.

The Anti-Inflammatory Potency of Vitamin E and Coconut Oils on Ligature-induced Periodontitis in Albino Rats (Histological and Immunohistochemical Study)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potency of vitamin E and coconut oils when used for oil gum massage therapy in periodontitis and compare them to the conventionally used chlorhexidine. Methods: 105 adult male albino rats were divided into 5 groups of 21 rats each: The negative control group (group 1) receiving no intervention, the positive control group (group 2) receiving ligature induced periodontitis without any treatment, the chlorhexidine experimental group (group 3) that received ligature induced periodontitis and chlorhexidine for 10 days, the vitamin E experimental group (group 4) that received ligature induced periodontitis and vitamin E for 10 days. And the coconut oil group (group 5) that received ligature induced periodontitis and coconut oil for 10 days. Groups 2-5 were further divided into subgroups A,B, and C according to day of termination (day 3, 7, &10). After rats were terminated, maxillary molar regions were excised and stained with H&E and Masson’s trichrome stain. Specimens were also examined immunohistochemically for the expression of MMP-1 antigen. Results: Histological and immunohistochemical examination showed an inflammatory reaction with ligature induced periodontitis that decreased gradually from day 3 until day 10. Statistical analysis of immunohistochemical expression of MMP-1 showed decrease over the course of treatment in all experimental groups, chlorhexidine showing the greatest decrease in inflammation and no significant difference between vitamin E and coconut oil. Conclusion: Oil gum therapy using either chlorhexidine, vitamin E, or coconut oil was associated with variable grades of statistically significant reduction of inflammation.