ABSTRACT
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a functional food oil prepared from fresh coconut kernel either by hot-processed (HPVCO) or fermentation-processed (FPVCO). The FPVCO has been widely explored for its pharmacological efficacy; while HPVCO, which has traditional uses, is less explored. The present study compared the phenolic content and nephroprotective effect of both these oils in male Wistar rats. In vitro antioxidant activity was estimated in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power and ex vivo lipid peroxidation inhibition. In in vivo models, the rats were pretreated orally with of FPVCO or HPVCO (doses 2 and 4 mL/kg) for seven days and nephrotoxicity was induced by the single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (10 mg/kg). The results indicated significantly higher polyphenol content in HPVCO (400.3 ± 5.8 µg/mL) than that of FPVCO (255.5 ± 5.8 µg/mL). Corroborating with the increased levels of polyphenols, the in vitro antioxidant potential was significantly higher in the HPVCO. Further, pretreatment with these VCO preparations protected the rats against the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, with higher extent by HPVCO. The renal function markers like urea, creatinine and total bilirubin were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) with HPVCO pretreatment. Apart from the nephroprotective effects, HPVCO also abrogated the cisplatin-induced myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity. The restoration of hepato-renal function by the pretreatment of HPVCO was well corroborated with the improvement in functional antioxidants and subsequent reduction in renal lipid peroxidation. Supporting these observations, renal histology revealed reduced glomerular/tubular congestion and necrosis. Thus, the study concludes that HPVCO may be better functional food than FPVCO.
