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ABSTRACT
Cocos nucifera is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. It possesses several therapeutic properties such as antidiarrhoea, immunoprotective and many more. This study is aimed at evaluating the anti-diarrhoea activity of Cocos nucifera using animal model. Freshly prepared coconut oil was obtained from a local market in Benin City, Edo state and stored in a sterile container and kept in a refrigerator at 4oc. Female albino rats were obtained and randomly divided into four groups (n = 5). The groups received 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ml/kg body weight coconut oil orally. Castor oil and charcoal meal model were used to screen for the antidiarrhoea property of the prepared oil. The results of this study showed the significant effect of castor oil induced diarrhoea. The coconut oil at 0.5 ml/kg y body weight significantly reduced the frequency of diarrhoea, thereby reducing gastrointestinal trace motility in the castor oil model when compared with the control and loperamide. Charcoal meal test, the extract at the dose of 0.5ml and 1ml reduced the distance travelled by charcoal along the intestinal tract when compared with control and atropine. In conclusion, this suggested effect derived from Cocos nucifera oil as antidiarrheal potential, validating its traditional use.
