Thesis Abstract

Coconut water has been reported to be implicated with many nutritional and medicinal application but its effect on reproductive function is yet to be elucidated, hence this study therefore attempts to explored the possible effects of coconut water (CW) on reproductive functions in danazol treated male rats. 42 male Wistar rats weighing 100-150g were randomly assigned into 7 groups (N = 6); group 1 control, group 2 received 5ml/kg of corn oil (vehicle), group 3&4 received 20ml/kg & 40ml/kg of CW, group 5 received 200mg/kg of danazol, Group 6 Received Danazol (200mg/kg) + coconut water (20ml/kg) and Group 7 Received Danazol (200mg/kg) + coconut water (40ml/kg)  for 6weeks.Body weight were determined. Animals were sacrifice and a serum levels of LH, FSH, estrogen and testosterone, sperm indices and organ (prostate, seminal vesicles, testes) weight were determined. The results showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the value of sperm count, sperm motility and serum estrogen concentration in groups 3 and 4. The group 5 showed a significant decrease in sperm indices and in concentration of all the reproductive hormones assay when compared with group 1 and 2. There was an increase in LH, FSH, estrogen and testosterone and sperm indices in groups 6 and 7. The result also showed a significant increase in body weight in group 5 while decreases in body weight in group 6 and 7. The organ weight result showed a significant (P≤0.05) increase in group 6 and 7 when compared to group 5. Result obtained from testes histology provides an histological basis for the beneficial effect of coconut water on reproductive function. The findings suggest that coconut water exerts a possible beneficial effect on male reproductive parameters in Wistar rats and validates anecdotal reports of the beneficial effect of coconut water consumption from our environment.

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