Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Extract on Areca Catechu-Induced Liver Lesions in Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

Areca catechu (also known as betel nut) is a common masticatory in tropical and subtropical countries.  Its seeds contain condensed tannins (Procyanidins) called arecatannins, which are reported to be carcinogenic. Virgin Coconut Oil is a colourless to brown-yellow edible oil obtained from fresh, mature kernel of Cocos nucifera (coconut). It has been reported to possess antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virgin coconut oil extract on Areca catechu-induced liver lesions in adult Wistar rats. This work involved the use of an experimental study design consisting of thirty (30) adult Wistar rats weighing 200-283g and sacrificed after seventy (70) days. In Group A (control group)  the rats were administered 1ml of distilled water and sacrificed after ten weeks, Group B was administered with 2000mg/kg body weight coconut oil only for five weeks, Group C was administered with 1500mg/kg body weight Areca catechu only for five weeks, Group D was administered with 1500mg/kg body weight Areca catechu in the first five weeks and then left to recover for the next five weeks, Group E was administered 1500mg/kg body weight for five weeks and then alternated with 2000mg/kg body weight coconut oil for another five weeks. Group F was administered 2000mg/kg body weight coconut oil for five weeks and then alternated with 1500mg/kg body weight Areca catechu for another five weeks. After administration, the animals were sacrificed, and organs harvested and processed for assays according to established methods. IBM SPSS statistics software (Statistical Package for Social Science) (Version 25) was used to analyze data generated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and data were presented as mean ± SEM. LSD post-hoc test was used. Values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. The statistical values obtained were converted into graphical representations in the form of bar charts. Histologically, Group A, the control group, showed normal liver tissue with distinct hepatocytes, sinusoids, portal vein, central vein and bile ducts. Group B exhibited active portal congestion with inflammatory cells but normal hepatocytes and bile ducts. Group C showed portal congestion, inflammatory cell infiltrates, bile duct epithelial proliferation and patchy hepatocyte necrosis. Group D exhibited haemorrhagic necrosis and abnormal mitosis and inflammatory cell inflammation. Group E showed normal hepatocytes, Sinusoidal congestion, inflammatory infiltrates and Kupffer cell activation.  Group F showed active vascular congestion. The results of the biochemical assays were in harmony with that of the histology. In conclusion, virgin coconut oil has a protective and ameliorative effect against Areca catechu-induced hepatic lesions, which was observed by the level of improvement in histological and biochemical markers. It was confirmed that A. catechu has an adverse effect on the liver tissues of adult Wistar rats and Virgin Coconut oil is more effective as a prophylactic agent, rather than a curative agent.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page ii

Certification  iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Abstractvi

Table of Contentviii

List of Figures xi

List of Plates xii

List of Charts xiii

List of Tables xiv

CHAPTER ONE1

Background of the Study1

Statement of Problem3

Justification of the study3

  Aim of the study 4

Specific Objectives of the study4

Significance of the study4

CHAPTER TWO6

Literature Review6

Areca catechu6

Cocos nucifera15

Liver 21

Liver lesions 30

CHAPTER THREE31

Material and method31

Areca catechu31

Cocos nucifera32

Experimental animals32

Experimental design33

Biochemical studies35

Histological studies40

Preparation of tissue for microscopy41

CHAPTER FOUR42

Results of statistical analysis42

Results of Body weight43

Aspartate aminotransferase44

Alanine aminotransferase45

Alkaline Phosphatase46

Albumin47

Bilirubin48

Protein49

Catalase50

Superoxide Dismutase51

Glutathione Peroxidase52

Methylene dioxyamphetamine (MDA)53

Histological Assessment54

CHAPTER FIVE67

Discussion67

Conclusion69

Reference70