Comparative Benefits of Cocos nucifera L. Husk, Milk and Shell Extracts on Body Weight Changes and Haematological Indices in Male Rats

doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v4i8.22

Abstract

Medicinal plants are often used in treating life threatening ailments, hence we compared the beneficial effect of Cocos nucifera L. husk, milk and shell extracts on body weight and haematology indices in male Albino rats. Aqueous extraction of coconut husks (maceration
apparatus), milk (spray drying process), and shell (rotary evaporator) was conducted. Sixty-five (65) rats were grouped into A to L (n=5) per cage and (M) as control. Rats adapted to the sanitized animal room condition for 7 days while adequate water and pelletized rat feeds were provided. Groups: (A, E, and I received 250mg/kg); (B, F and J = 500 mg/kg); (C, G, and K =750mg/kg); and (D, H, and L = 1000 mg/kg b.w.) of husk, flesh (milk) and shell extracts respectively. Group M received distilled water while groups (A to L) were orally gavaged daily for 30 days with graded doses. Physical activities, body weight changes and daily dietary intakes were recorded. Blood samples were collected for haematology analyses before, during and after treatment and analysed with an automatic hematology analyzer. Coconut husk and shell extracts showed remarkable body weight changes with reduced feeds consumption and increased
physical activities. Coconut husks and milk improved haematology indices (WBC, RBC, PCV, Hb and platelets). Before experimentation neutrophils count was particularly higher in treated groups: 59.23±0.62%; 60.0±1.22%; 60.3±0.67%; 60.6±2.74% than controls (49.4±1.59%) but reduced markedly after experimentation (50.1±0.58%, 49.7±1.56%; 48.3±0.38%; 49.5±1.75%). Coconut husk and shell extracts facilitated body weight changes while milk and husk supported haematology indices in this study.