Search

In the current study, the analgesic and free radical scavenging properties of an aqueous extract from the husk fiber of Cocos nucifera L. (Palmae) were demonstrated by the use of in vivo and in vitro models. The orally administered Cocos nucifera aqueous extract (200 or 400 mg/kg) inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice. Tail flick and hot plate assays demonstrated that treatment of animals with this plant extract at 200 mg/kg induced attenuation in the response to a heat stimulus. A LD(50) of 2.30 g/kg was obtained in acute toxicity tests. Topic treatment of rabbits with the Cocos nucifera extract indicated that it does not induce any significant dermic or ocular irritation. In vitro experiments using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) photometric assay demonstrated that this plant extract also possesses free radical scavenging properties.

The available therapy for leishmaniasis, which affects 2 million people per annum, still causes serious side effects. The polyphenolic-rich extract from the husk fiber of Cocos nucifera Linn. (Palmae) presents antibacterial and antiviral activities, also inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation, as shown by our group in previous works. In the present study, the in vitro leishmanicidal effects of C. nucifera on Leishmania amazonensis were evaluated. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the polyphenolic-rich extract from C. nucifera to completely abrogate parasite growth was 10 microg/ml. Pretreatment of peritoneal mouse macrophages with 10 microg/ml of C. nucifera polyphenolic-rich extract reduced approximately 44% the association index between these macrophages and L. amazonensis promastigotes, with a concomitant increase of 182% in nitric oxide production by the infected macrophage in comparison to nontreated macrophages. These results provide new perspectives on drug development against leishmaniasis, since the extract of C. nucifera at 10 microg/ml is a strikingly potent leishmanicidal substance which inhibited the growth of both promastigote and amastigote developmental stages of L. amazonensis after 60 min, presenting no in vivo allergenic reactions or in vitro cytotoxic effects in mammalian systems.

Background: Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of malignant tumors in humans, and its incidence is increasing. Since the intestinal microflora is directly in contact with the colonic cells, the enzymes of the bacterial microflora may also play a role in colon carcinogenesis. We studied the activity of bacterial enzymes in experimental colon cancer., Methods: Twenty milligrams per kilogram body weight of 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) was administered subcutaneously once a week for first 15 weeks and then discontinued. Coconut cake (25%) was mixed in the diet and given to 30 rats to study the diet effect throughout the experimental period. After 30 weeks, the macroscopic findings in the colon as well as the incidence of tumors in 30 rats was recorded in each group and the activity of beta-glucuronidase and mucinase was estimated in the tissues, colon and fecal contents of 10 rats per group., Results: Average number of tumors in the colon as well as the incidence of cancer was significantly increased in DMH-treated rats which was markedly reduced on supplementing coconut cake. DMH injections significantly elevated both the activities of beta-glucuronidase (distal colon, distal intestine, liver and colon contents) and mucinase (colon and fecal contents) as compared to the control rats. The increase in beta-glucuronidase activity may augment the hydrolysis of glucuronide conjugates, liberating the toxins, while the increase in mucinase activity may enhance the hydrolysis of the protective mucins in the colon. Coconut cake supplementation to DMH-treated rats significantly decreased the incidence and number of tumors as well as the activity of beta-glucuronidase and mucinase., Conclusions: Coconut cake has a protective effect against DMH induced colon cancer by virtue of its ability to lower the activities of the microbial enzymes beta-glucuronidase and mucinase.

In this study, the technical feasibility of coconut shell charcoal (CSC) and commercial activated carbon (CAC) for Cr(VI) removal is investigated in batch studies using synthetic electroplating wastewater. Both granular adsorbents are made up of coconut shell (Cocos nucifera L.), an agricultural waste from local coconut industries. Surface modifications of CSC and CAC with chitosan and/or oxidizing agents, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid, respectively, are also conducted to improve removal performance. The results of their Cr removal performances are statistically compared. It is evident that adsorbents chemically modified with an oxidizing agent demonstrate better Cr(VI) removal capabilities than as-received adsorbents in terms of adsorption rate. Both CSC and CAC, which have been oxidized with nitric acid, have higher Cr adsorption capacities (CSC: 10.88, CAC: 15.47 mg g(-1)) than those oxidized with sulfuric acid (CSC: 4.05, CAC: 8.94 mg g(-1)) and non-treated CSC coated with chitosan (CSCCC: 3.65 mg g(-1)), respectively, suggesting that surface modification of a carbon adsorbent with a strong oxidizing agent generates more adsorption sites on their solid surface for metal adsorption.

This study was undertaken to investigate adsorption behavior of Hg (II) from aqueous systems on activated carbon in static and dynamic mode by varying initial Hg (II) concentration, adsorbent dose and pH. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm were applied to model the adsorption data. Removal of mercury obeyed the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. The extent of removal of Hg (II) was found to be dependent on sorbent dose, pH and initial Hg (II) concentration. Mercury uptake increased from 72 to 100 percent with increasing pH from 2 to 10. A set of desorption studies was also performed for the metal ions with the aim of investigating the mechanism involved. Moreover, the competing effects of various ions like Pb (II) and Cu (II) is also described. The column capacity for a column diameter of 20 mm, bed height of 0.4 m, hydraulic loading rate of 7.5 m3 h(-1) m(-2) and a feed concentration of 3 mg l(-1) were found to be 3.02 mg g(-1). Breakthrough curves were plotted for the adsorption of mercury on the adsorbent using continuous-flow column operation by varying different operating parameters like hydraulic loading rate (3-10.5 m3 h(-1) m(-2)), bed height (0.3-0.5 m), and feed concentrations (2-6 mg l(-1)). The aim was to assess the effect of bed height, hydraulic loading rate and initial feed concentration on breakthrough time and adsorption capacity, which helped in ascertaining the practical applicability of the adsorbent. At the end an attempt has been made to develop empirical relationship from the data generated from column studies for designing the adsorption column, based on the Bohart-Adams model.

The maintenance of follicle quality during the transportation of ovaries is essential for the successful cryopreservation and in vitro development of preantral follicles. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cooling ovarian tissue on the conservation of zebu cow preantral follicles. Ovarian pieces were immersed in saline or coconut water (CW) solutions and maintained at 4 or 20 degrees C for 6, 12, or 18 h. Preantral follicles were evaluated by histology and transmission electron microscopy. Storage of ovarian pieces at 20 degrees C for 12 or 18 h significantly reduced the percentage of morphologically normal follicles compared to controls. In contrast, conservation at 4 degrees C for up to 18 h and at 20 degrees C for up to 6 h kept the percentage of normal follicles similar to controls. However, the type of solution that the ovaries were immersed in had little effect on the results. Decreased cellular metabolism probably accounted for better preservation of preantral follicles at 4 degrees C. In conclusion, zebu cow ovaries were successfully stored at 4 degrees C for up to 18 h with no morphological damage to preantral follicles. However, at 20 degrees C, ovaries could only be stored for 6 h.

Pared, comminuted and blanched coconut meat was freeze-dried at 25 degrees C for 24 hours and pulverized. Whole coconut meal was solvent extracted with n-hexane to yield a defatted meal while full-fat coconut protein concentrate (FFC-PC) containing 27.60% protein was prepared by alkali extraction of undefatted meal followed by isoelectric precipitation. Defatted coconut meal had a significantly (p < or = 0.05) lower crude fat but higher protein content than whole coconut meal. Similarly, FFC-PC had a significantly (p < or = 0.05) higher protein but lower carbohydrate content than whole coconut meal and defatted coconut meal. Whole coconut meal, defatted coconut meal and FFC-PC had PERs of 1.98, 2.18 and 2.48 respectively, with NPRs of 2.86, 3.28 and 3.92, respectively. Protein digestibility values of 88.75%, 89.30% and 94.02% were obtained for whole coconut meal, defatted coconut meal and full-fat coconut protein concentrate, respectively. Growth response of animals showed that FPC-PC was superior to all other test diets.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of tender coconut water (TCW) were investigated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-intoxicated female rats. Liver damage was evidenced by the increased levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and decreased levels of serum proteins and by histopathological studies in CCl4-intoxicated rats. Increased lipid peroxidation was evidenced by elevated levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) viz, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroperoxides (HP) and conjugated dienes (CD), and also by significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and glutathione reductase (GR) and also reduced glutathione (GSH) content in liver. On the other hand, CCl4-intoxicated rats treated with TCW retained almost normal levels of these constituents. Decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes in CCl4-intoxicated rats and their reversal of antioxidant enzyme activities in TCW treated rats, shows the effectiveness of TCW in combating CCl4-induced oxidative stress. Hepatoprotective effect of TCW is also evidenced from the histopathological studies of liver, which did not show any fatty infiltration or necrosis, as observed in CCl4-intoxicated rats.

Myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol results in increased mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, decreased activities of carnitine acetyl transferase, acyl CoA dehydrogenase, TCA cycle enzymes and decreased rate of palmitate oxidation into CO2 and ATP formation in the heart in rats. Isoproterenol-induced rats when fed with tender coconut water (West coast tall variety, 5-6 months age) showed improved activities of these mitochondrial enzymes and higher rate of palmitate oxidation into CO2 and ATP production. These results indicate that intake of TCW has a significant beneficial effect on mitochondrial activities.

Biofiltration is the most commonly used biological gas treatment technology and is extensively used for the treatment of polluted air with gas flow rates of up to 2 x 10(5) m(3)/h. It involves a filter bed of organic matter serving both as carrier for microorganisms and as nutrient supplier. Polluted gas passes through the filter bed and is cleaned by biological activity. Biofiltration is not being developed in Latin America as in the USA, Canada or Europe; the main reason probably being the absence of specific technology and of potential organic carriers locally available. Five different agriculture by-products available in Latin America: peanut shells, rice husk, coconut shells, cane bagasse and maize stubble, were chemically, physically and structurally characterized for their potential use as biofilter carrier. It was found that peanut shells could be used as biofilter carrier and therefore would have potential biological application.

Adsorption of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) by coir pith carbon was carried out by varying the parameters such as agitation time, 2-CP concentration, adsorbent dose, pH and temperature. Adsorption equilibrium reached at 40, 60, 80 and 100 min for 2-CP concentration of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/l, respectively. Adsorption followed second-order kinetics. The adsorption equilibrium data obeyed Freundlich isotherm. Acidic pH was favorable for the adsorption of 2-CP. Desorption studies showed that chemisorption plays a major role in the adsorption process., (Copyright 2003 Elsevier Science B.V.)

Semen was collected by digital manipulation from six adult dogs. The second fraction of the ejaculate was used in this study. The semen was assessed by macroscopic and microscopic criteria 1 min after collection, first dilution, cooling, glycerol addition and thawing. Experiments were conducted to compare the effect of three different concentrations of glycerol in coconut water extender. The freezing method employed was that one described for caprine semen with slight changes. Semen was thawed at 37 degrees C for 1 min. Spermatozoal motility after thawing was 49.2+/-26, 44.2+/-18.3 and 35.8+/-26.8% for groups with 4, 6 and 8% glycerol, respectively. The vigor after thawing was 2.6+/-1.1, 2.7+/-1.0 and 2.1+/-1.2 for these groups, respectively. There was no difference among groups in motility and vigor. However, a smaller percentage of total and secondary abnormalities was observed using 6% glycerol in coconut water extender. In conclusion, the three glycerol concentrations (4, 6 or 8%) can be used successfully in cryopreservation of canine semen using a coconut water extender.

The decoction of Cocos nucifera L. husk fiber has been used in northeastern Brazil traditional medicine for treatment of diarrhea and arthritis. Water extract obtained from coconut husk fiber and fractions from adsorption chromatography revealed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The crude extract and one of the fractions rich in catechin also showed inhibitory activity against acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1-ACVr). All fractions were inactive against the fungi Candida albicans, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cryptococcus neoformans. Catechin and epicatechin together with condensed tannins (B-type procyanidins) were demonstrated to be the components of the water extract.

Cocosin is a legume class reserve protein found in coconut endosperm. Using coconut endosperm, two methods of purification were done. Crystallization was achieved by vapor diffusion (hanging drop) method using MPD, PEG 3350 and PEG 4000 as precipitants. X-ray diffraction data to 3.5-A resolution were collected using Mar345 image plate detector system. Crystals of cocosin grown under 20% MPD, are rhombohedral with space group R3 and cell dimensions a=92.829 A, b=92.829 A, c=215.290 A.

A simple and inexpensive method for immobilizing alpha-amylase from Bacillus circulans GRS 313 on coconut fiber was developed. The immobilization conditions for highest efficiency were optimized with respect to immobilization pH of 5.5, 30 degrees C, contact time of 4 h, and enzyme to support a ratio of 1:1 containing 0.12 mg/mL of protein. The catalytic properties of the immobilized enzyme were compared with that of the free enzyme. The activity of amylase adsorbed on coconut fiber was 38.7 U/g of fiber at its optimum pH of 5.7 and 48 degrees C, compared with the maximum activity of 40.2 U/mL of free enzyme at the optimum pH of 4.9 and 48 degrees C. The reutilization capacity of the immobilized enzyme was up to three cycles.

Two simple methods were developed to determine 11 pesticides in coconut water, a natural isotonic drink rich in salts, sugars and vitamins consumed by the people and athletes. The first procedure involves solid-phase extraction using Sep-Pak Vac C18 disposable cartridges with methanol for elution. Isocratic analysis was carried out by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection at 254 nm to analyse captan, chlorothalonil, carbendazim, lufenuron and diafenthiuron. The other procedure is based on liquid-liquid extraction with hexane-dichloromethane (1:1, v/v), followed by gas chromatographic analysis with effluent splitting to electron-capture detection for determination of endosulfan, captan, tetradifon and trichlorfon and thermionic specific detection for determination of malathion, parathion-methyl and monocrotophos. The methods were validated with fortified samples at different concentration levels (0.01-12.0 mg/kg). Average recoveries ranged from 75 to 104% with relative standard deviations between 1.4 and 11.5%. Each recovery analysis was repeated at least five times. Limits of detection ranged from 0.002 to 2.0 mg/kg. The analytical procedures were applied to 15 samples and no detectable amounts of the pesticides were found in any samples under the conditions described.

Oral submucous fibrosis is perhaps a disease of multifactorial aetiology, of which areca nut usage is definitely a causative factor. We disagree with the previous reports in that the action of areca quid on the oral mucosa is not that simplistic and is not dictated solely by the duration of exposure to it or by simple process of passive diffusion. We noted that the role of copper cannot be segregated from that of zinc, the biochemical relatedness of these two elements is well elucidated. The transport of copper in to the oral epithelium may be dictated more by the composition of the quid rather than the time of exposure. Zinc is implicated in the modulation of mucosal metallothionein, thereby interfering with copper absorption. The bioavailability of zinc in its turn depends on elements like calcium and iron present in oral fluid. The usage of slaked lime(calcium hydroxide) as as ingredient of betel quid, thereby causing an interference with zinc bioavailability is a matter of concern. Of practical importance is the processing of raw areca nut and the various proprietary forms (sachets) available in the market, the toxic effects of which varies depending on its contents. Studies on the role of geochemical factors in modulating the chemical composition of the various nut forms, thereby altering its toxic effects will be an interesting pursuit.

The fatty acid profiles and triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions of oils from the solid endosperm of different Philippine coconut hybrids and their parentals were determined by using gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In general, varietal differences in fatty acid composition were observed. Lauric acid (C12) content was significantly higher in the hybrids PCA 15-8 (50.45%) and PCA 15-9 (50.26%) by about 3.16% points as compared to other hybrids, and higher in Tacunan Green Dwarf (50.50%) among the parentals. Among the fatty acids, lauric acid exhibited the least variation. In general, none of the hybrids had higher fatty acid content than their parentals. The HPLC chromatogram of triacylglycerols (TAG) showed 8 major peaks which differ in carbon number (CN) by two: identified as TAG CN 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44. TAGs CN 30 (4.08%) and CN 34 (19.20%) were found to be significantly higher in PCA 15-9 than in the other hybrids. CN 36 was highest (21.94-23.66%) in all hybrids and parentals. The TAG CNs varied significantly among hybrids and parents, i.e., in CN 30, 32, and 34, which are high in medium chain triacylglycerols (MCTs), and in CN 30 (for parentals only), 40, 42, and 44 (the latter two for parentals only), and none in CN 36. MCTs calculated for two hybrids and their parents ranged from 13.81% to 20.55%.

Galactomannan was coupled to a protein carrier for the preparation of monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies generated bound to galactomannans from different sources as well as to glucomannan and galactoglucomannan. One monoclonal antibody, BGM C6, was characterised and found to be specific for (1-->4)-beta-linked mannopyranosyl residues; it had a binding affinity estimated at 1x10(-6) M for the (1-->4)-beta-linked mannohexaose. BGM C6 was used in immunogold labelling studies to locate galactomannans in the endosperm walls of normal coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.) and those of the mutant makapuno at two different developmental stages. The pattern and intensity of antibody labelling varied for each type of coconut at the mature and immature stages, indicating differences in the galactomannan composition of the endosperm walls.

Effect of coconut protein in rats fed high fat cholesterol containing diet on the metabolism of lipids and lipid peroxides was studied. In addition, effect of coconut protein were compared with rats fed L-arginine. The results indicate that those fed coconut protein and those fed L-arginine showed significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL+ VLDL cholesterol, Triglycerides and Phospholipids in the serum and higher levels of serum HDL cholesterol. The concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in the tissues were lower in these groups. There was increased hepatic cholesterogenesis which is evident from the higher rate of incorporation of labeled acetate into free cholesterol. Increased conversion of cholesterol to bile acids and increased fecal excretion of bile acids were observed. Feeding coconut protein results in decreased levels of Malondialdehyde in the heart and increased activity of Superoxide dismutase and Catalase. Supplementation of coconut protein causes increased excretion of urinary nitrate which implies higher rate of conversion of arginine into nitric oxide. In the present study, the arginine supplemented group and the coconut protein fed group produced similar effects. These studies clearly demonstrate that coconut protein is able to reduce hyperlipidemia and peroxidative effect induced by high fat cholesterol containing diet and these effects are mainly mediated by the L-arginine present in it.

Characterisation of a range of Victorian low-rank coal (VLRC) based and commercial adsorbents under continuous flow conditions was conducted in down flow fixed-bed columns. The effect of bed depth, hydraulic loading and initial concentration of the adsorbate 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was studied. Prediction of the performance of the columns using bed-depth/service time analysis showed good agreement with the experimental results. The VLRC-based activated carbons gave lower service times for removal of 4-NP compared with the coconut-based commercial activated carbon Picactif. However, they showed comparable efficiency in terms of bed volumes treated and carbon usage rate (CUR). The VLRC-activated power station char (APSC) showed the lowest CUR of 0.57 g/L in comparison with 0.62 and 3.61 g/L exhibited by the commercial carbons Picactif and Hydraffin, respectively. The power station char (PSC) and Auschar gave poor CUR of 11.23 and 75.36 g/L, respectively. Three adsorbents were evaluated for the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) from aqueous solution. The breakthrough behaviour indicated that the pore size distribution of the adsorbents is an important physical characteristic for the adsorption of the NOM. There was a non-adsorbable fraction of the NOM that was a function of the type of adsorbent. In the presence of NOM, Picactif gave longer service time for the removal of 4-NP compared with APSC. consistent with the trend obtained in the absence of NOM. However, lower breakthrough times (at 10% C0) of 44 and 47% were obtained for APSC and Picactif, respectively. Further removal (35%) of 4-NP was achieved over extended operation of the beds, however more frequent backwashing was required as a result of the biological growth exhibited in the presence of NOM.

H+-ATPase activity in leaves and roots of coconut palms growing in 'root wilt disease-prevalent areas' was compared with that of coconut palms growing in 'disease-free areas'. The activity was found to be significantly less in the leaves and roots of palms in the disease-prevalent zone as compared to that in disease-free zone. Histochemical examination of the leaves showed results that corroborated the biochemical findings. The possible application of H+-ATPase activity as a marker for the early detection of wilt disease in coconut palms is suggested.

Intact coconuts were germinated in situ and compared with excised zygotic embryos germinated in vitro. The growth of the embryonic tissue and their fatty acid compositions were measured. Haustoria, plumules and radicles of coconuts germinated in situ grew continuously and proportionately throughout the 120 d experiment with haustauria increasing to 45 g x nut(-1) and weighing 4-5-fold more than the other two tissues. The plumules and radicles of the seedlings cultured in vitro also grew continuously but the haustoria grew sporadically between 15 d and 75 d in culture and, at 250 mg x nut(-1) after 75 d, were smaller than the other two tissues. All the tissues of the nuts grown in situ contained significant amounts of lauric acid, the acid characteristic of coconut oil, as well as longer chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The content of medium and long chain fatty acids increased in all growing tissues as the experiment proceeded, especially the haustorium which contained 24-35% of its fatty acid as lauric acid; the fat content of solid endosperm reduced during this period. Seedlings grown in vitro, on the other hand, failed to accumulate lauric acid in any of their tissues (haustorium contained 6-11% of its fatty acid as lauric acid). The results may have implications for the design of growth media for growing zygotic and somatic cultures of coconut and may provide a marker for successful germination.

The effects of fiber isolated from black gram (Phaseolus mungo) and coconut (Cocos nucifera) kernel on the metabolic activity of intestinal and fecal beta glucuronidase activity during 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinogenesis were studied. The results indicated that the inclusion of fiber from black gram and coconut kernel generally supported lower specific activities and less fecal output of beta-glucuronidase than did the fiber free diet. This study suggests that the fibers isolated from coconut or black gram may potentially play a role in preventing the formation of colon tumors induced by the carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine by reducing the activity of the intestinal as well as fecal beta-glucuronidase.

The adsorption of rhodamine-B and acid violet by coir pith carbon was carried out by varying the parameters such as agitation time, dye concentration, adsorbent dose and pH. The adsorption followed both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The adsorption capacity was found to be 2.56 mg and 8.06 mg dye per g of the adsorbent for rhodamine-B and acid violet, respectively. Adsorption of dyes followed first order rate kinetics. Acidic pH was favorable for the adsorption of acid violet and alkaline pH was favorable to rhodamine-B. Desorption studies showed that alkaline pH was favorable for the desorption of acid violet and acidic pH was favorable for the desorption of rhodamine-B.

Candida bombicola can synthesize monohydroxy fatty acid as a moiety of sophorose lipids. The hydroxy fatty acids contained in a major lactone were identified by GC-MS, after culturing with natural oils such as coconut, rapeseed, olive, and soybean oils. Hydroxy fatty acids of C18 and C16 were always synthesized, but differences were observed among the oils regarding the positions of hydroxyl groups, unsaturation, and composition of the fatty acids. A new C17 hydroxy acid was found without addition of oil.

Tissue Free Water Tritium concentrations (TFWT) were determined in tender coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water, ripe coconut water, and kernel milk water, and compared with the same in groundwater collected from the vicinity of the trees. Samples with a very low tritium content were enriched by the alkaline electrolysis method. All of the samples were analyzed for tritium content in an ultra-low level liquid scintillation spectrometer. The TFWT in kernel milk water was found to be approximately 20-40 times higher than that in the groundwater. The tritium concentration in descending order in these samples is: kernel milk water, ripe coconut water, tender coconut water, and groundwater. The concentration of tritium increases as the fruit grows and the significantly high concentration in the kernel milk water suggests enrichment during the growth of the fruit.

The value of fish oil for prevention and/or treatment of human atherosclerosis has not been fully established. This study shows that replacement of saturated fat in young chick diet with menhaden oil produced a significant reversion of the hypercholesterolemia previously induced by coconut oil feeding. Fish oil also produced a clear decrease of plasma triacylglycerol levels. Coconut oil increased the percentages of 12:0 and 14:0 fatty acids, while menhaden oil increased those of 20:5 n-3 and 22:6 n-3. Percentages of 20:4 n-6, 18:2 n-6 and 18:1 n-9 significantly decreased by fish oil addition to the diet. Total cholesterol, phospholipid and protein contents of high and low density lipoproteins increased by coconut oil feeding. When coconut oil was replaced by menhaden oil, total cholesterol was significantly reduced in high, low and very low density lipoproteins. All chemical components of VLDL were decreased by menhaden oil feeding. Our results show a strong hypocholesterolemic effect of menhaden oil when this fat was supplemented to hypercholesterolemic chicks. The clear decrease found in arachidonic acid content of chick plasma and lipoproteins may contribute to the beneficial effects of fish oil consumption by lowering the production of its derived eicosanoids.

The link between excessive consumption of dietary saturated fats and coronary heart disease (CHD) is now well established. Because of its high content of saturated fatty acids, the consumption of foods containing coconut oil may therefore be a risk factor for CHD. While the fatty acid composition of coconut oil is well established, relatively little is known about the other constituents of coconut: the milk, water, cream and meat fractions. In this study, we show that while the water fraction is low in lipid content, the milk contains about 24% of the fat content of oil and the cream and meat fractions about 34%. The other coconut constituents contain significant amounts of medium-chain triglycerides that are formed from fatty acids of chain length 8:0 to 14:0. It is these fatty acids, primarily 14:0, that are thought to be atherogenic. On the other hand, medium-chain triglycerides may be advantageous under some circumstances in that they are absorbed intact and do not undergo degradation and re-esterification processes. As a result, medium-chain triglycerides provide a ready source of energy and may be useful in baby foods or in diet therapy. Nevertheless, the possible negative effects of the saturated fatty acids and the absence of the essential fatty acid linolenic acid from all coconut constituents suggest that the coconut milk, oil and cream should not be used on a regular basis in adults.

Medical resources routinely used for intravenous hydration and resuscitation of critically ill patients may be limited in remote regions of the world. When faced with these shortages, physicians have had to improvise with the available resources, or simply do without. We report the successful use of coconut water as a short-term intravenous hydration fluid for a Solomon Island patient, a laboratory analysis of the local coconuts, and a review of previously documented intravenous coconut use.

The effect of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from coconut kernel (Cocos nucifera L) in rats fed 5%, 15% and 30% level on the concentration of blood glucose, serum insulin and excretion of minerals was studied. Increase in the intake of fiber resulted in significant decrease in the level of blood glucose and serum insulin. Faecal excretion of Cu, Cr, Mn, Mg, Zn and Ca was found to increase in rats fed different levels of coconut fiber when compared to fiber free group. The result of the present investigation suggest that inclusion of coconut fiber in the diet results in significant hypoglycemic action.

The action of LY295427 [(3alpha,4alpha, 5alpha)-4-(2-propenylcholestan-3-ol)], a compound that derepresses low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) expression in a cell-based model, was examined in hamsters. It was found that the compound does not have an effect in normal chow-fed hamsters, in which LDL-R levels are not repressed, but exerts a marked hypocholesterolemic effect (>70% decrease) in cholesterol-coconut oil-fed hamsters, in which LDL-R is repressed. In this model, there is a dose-response for cholesterol lowering with an approximate ED50 value of 40 mg/kg/day and an inverse relationship between serum cholesterol and serum LY295427 levels. LDL-R mRNA is increased (2-fold) and liver cholesterol ester content is decreased (>90%). Unlike the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A reductase inhibitor lovastatin, the decreased serum cholesterol is confined to the non-high-density lipoprotein fraction. Furthermore, LY295427 does not affect cholesterol biosynthesis, and it does not have a significant effect on cholesterol absorption. These data suggest that LY295427 acts in the hypercholesterolemic hamster by derepressing LDL-R transcription, thereby enhancing cholesterol clearance from the blood. The results with LY295427 suggest that compounds that act to increase LDL-R may represent a novel approach in the pharmacotherapy for hypercholesterolemia.

Tempe bongkrek is an Indonesian food made by fermentation of coconut presscake or coconut milk residue Rhizopus oligosporus. Consumption of tempe bongkrek is associated with a food-borne human intoxication and significant numbers of deaths annually. The bacterium Burkholderia cocovenenans, which is the causative organism, produces two toxins, toxoflavin and bongkrekic acid (also commonly referred to as bongkrek acid). The reasons why these poisonings occur only in a very limited number of foods and only in isolated regions of the world are unclear. Our preliminary experiments in defined media and coconut investigated several compositional and environmental factors and suggested that lipid type and/or concentration were important. The effect of lipid concentration and fatty acid type on the production of bongkrekic acid by B. cocovenenans was examined by adding different amounts of coconut fat or individual free fatty acids to defatted and sterilized Rich Coconut Media (dRCM). The dRCM with added lipid was inoculated with B. cocovenenans, incubated at 30 degrees C for 5 days and the amount of bongkrekic acid formed quantified by HPLC. Coconut fat concentrations of 10% (dry basis) or less did not result in detectable amounts of bongkrekic acid even though the B. cocovenenans grew to high levels. Forty and 50% coconut fat resulted in as much as 1.4 mg/g bonkrekic acid (dry weight) at the same level of growth. Of eight saturated fatty acids tested, only lauric (12:0), myristic (14:0), and palmitic (16:0) acids stimulated the production of detectable amounts of toxin. When four 18-carbon free fatty acids with different degrees of saturation were compared, significant amounts of bongkrekic acid (2.62 mg/g dry weight) were produced only with oleic acid (18:1). These data indicate that the concentration and type of lipid in the substrate is critical for bongkrekic acid formation. This may explain why bongkrekic acid intoxication is limited to certain foods. Outbreaks associated with foods containing less than 20% fat may be a result of toxoflavin formation and not bongkrekic acid formation.

Feeding coconut kernel along with coconut oil in human volunteers has been found to reduce serum total and LDL cholesterol when compared to feeding coconut oil alone. This effect of the kernel was also observed in rats. Since many plant proteins have been reported to exert a cholesterol lowering effect, a study was carried out on the effect of isolated kernel protein in rats. Feeding kernel protein resulted in lower levels of cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides in the serum and most tissues when compared to casein fed animals. Rats fed kernel protein had (1) increased hepatic degradation of cholesterol to bile acids, (2) increased hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, and (3) decreased esterification of free cholesterol. In the intestine, however, cholesterogenesis was decreased. The kernel protein also caused decreased lipogenesis in the liver and intestine. This beneficial effect of the kernel protein is attributed to its very low lysine/arginine ratio 2.13% lysine and 24.5% arginine.

Sea Coconut is the seed of Lodoicea maldivica Persoon, palmae. It is one species in the Seychelles Islands, Africa. The drug is yellow-white in colour, slice-shaped, 12 cm in length and 4 cm in breadth. Seed-coat cell circular in shape. Under seed-coat, the cells are elliptic, and stone cells are rectangle with thick wall and large pit. Endosperm cell elongate with thick wall and large pits, the end of pits enlarge as a pearl.

The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) isolated from coconut kernel was digested with cellulase and hemicellulase and the residual fiber rich in hemicellulose (without cellulose) and cellulose (with out hemicellulose) were fed to rats and compared with a fiber free group. The results indicate that hemicellulose rich fiber showed decreased concentration of total cholesterol, LDL + VLDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol, while cellulose rich fiber showed no significant alteration. There was increased HMG CoA reductase activity and increased incorporation of labeled acetate into free cholesterol. Rats fed hemicellulose rich coconut fiber produced lower concentration of triglycerides and phospholipids and lower release of lipoproteins into circulation. There was increased concentration of hepatic bile acids and increased excretion of faecal sterols and bile acids. These results indicate that the hemicellulose component of coconut fiber was responsible for the observed hypolipidemic effect.

The effects of single and combined growth regulator treatments of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA3) and coconut milk on plant height, yield, chlorophyll and vitamin contents of Abelmoschus esculetus L and Solanum gilo L were investigated. The single growth regulator treatments consisted of 50mg/L, 100 mg/L of IAA and GA3 and 10%, 15% of coconut milk. In case of combined growth regulator treatments, the treatments were 100mg/L IAA + 100mg/L GA3, 100mg/L IAA + 15% coconut milk and 100mg/L GA3 + 15% coconut milk. Control vegetable plants were sprayed with water. Single treatments of 100mg/L IAA,100mg/L GA3. 10% and 15% coconut milk resulted in significantly increased plant height, chlorophyll contents and yield of A. esculentus, H. sabdariffa and S. gilo while only combined treatments of 100mg/L IAA + 10% coconut milk and 100mg/L GA3 + 15% coconut milk had such an effect on A. esculentus and S. gilo but not on H. sabdariffa. Moreover, singletreatments of 100mg/L GA3 and 15% coconut milk caused significantly higher vitamins A, B6 and C contents of treated plants whereas the combined treatments produced such an effect on only vitamin C contents of treated plants. Growth regulator treatments of 100mg/L GA3 and 15% coconut milk were consistently the best out of the entire growth regulator treatments tried with the treated plants having the greatest plant height, yield, chlorophyll and vitamin C contents.

A cytokinin isolated from the fluid endosperm of Cocos mucifera L. (coconut milk), accounting for more than 20% of the total cytokinin activity, was structurally analyzed by NMR techniques, mass spectrometry, and sugar analysis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The planar structure of the cytokinin was deduced from its NMR and mass spectrometric data. The structure of the sugar moiety, including its absolute structure, was determined by HPLC analysis of alditol acetates and aldononitrile acetates derived from the cytokinin. The configuration of the sugar-sugar bonds was determined by NMR, and the structure was finally identified as 14-O-(3-O-[-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-galactopyranosyl-(1--> 3)- alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl]-4-O-(alpha-L-arabino-furanosyl)-beta-D- galactopyranosyl)-trans-zeatin riboside.

A major cytokinin found in coconut milk was isolated by using the tobacco callus growth-promoting assay as a guide during purification. The structure of the factor was determined to be 14-O-(3-O-[beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-- >3)- alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl]-4-O-(alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl)-beta-D- galactopyranosyl)-trans-zeatin riboside [G3A2-ZR] by various NMR techniques, including heteronuclear multiple bond connectivity by 2D multiple quantum NMR (HMBC), as well as mass spectroscopy and sugar analysis. The optimum concentration of G3A2-ZR for cytokinin activity in the tobacco callus assay was estimated to be 5 x 10(-6) M, so that G3A2-ZR is one order of magnitude more potent than 1,3-diphenylurea and one order less potent than zeatin riboside. At least 20% of the cytokinin activity of coconut milk could be attributed to G3A2-ZR.

A comparison of the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS), and the European Community (EC) was carried out on a batch of randomly collected copra meal (CM) samples from a selected copra miller. Only aflatoxin (AF) B1 was found in the CM sample analysed. Precision tests showed the AFB1 mean value, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV), respectively, to be 8.9 micrograms/kg +/- 1.4 and 16.5% by the AOAC method; 10.4 micrograms/kg +/- 1.1 and 10.9% by the AOCS method; and 11.3 micrograms/kg +/- 0.9 and 8.1% by the EC method. Accuracy experiments done by spiking the CM samples with 10 micrograms standard AFB1 yielded mean recovery, SD and CV, of 106% +/- 10.7 and 10.1%, respectively, by the AOAC; 96% +/- 25.4 and 26.4%, by the AOCS; 91% +/- 10.4 and 11.4%, by the EC methods. The three methods were also compared in terms of their cost, time of analysis, skills and equipment requirements. The precision, accuracy and practicality data obtained indicated that the EC and AOCS methods are more appropriate for the analysis of copra meal aflatoxin under present FNRI conditions. The EC method was also found to be comparable with the high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) (Camag TLC Scanner with Integrator) method employed by two aflatoxin laboratories, one based at the Philippine Coconut Authority in the Philippines and another at the Natural Resources Institute in the UK.

Fifty-nine species and one variety belonging to 25 genera of fungi were isolated from 25 coconut samples on glucose-Czapek's (25 genera and 55 species + 1 variety) and dichloran-glycerol (8 genera and 32 species + 1 variety) agar media at 28 degrees C. The common fungi on both media used were Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogenum and Cladosporium cladosporioides. On glucose-Czapek's agar, A. flavus var. columnaris, P. oxalicum, Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma hamatum were recorded as common fungi while A. sydowii and Eurotium chevalieri were isolated with high frequency only on dichloranglycerol medium. Chromatographic analysis of the chloroform extracts of the coconut samples revealed that 5 out of 25 samples tested were naturally contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (15-25 micrograms/kg) and 3 samples contaminated with ochratoxin A (50-205 micrograms/kg).

Coconut milk and kenkey water (a maize gruel) which are traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhoea in Ghana, were analysed to ascertain their suitability for use in rehydration. The pH, carbohydrate, and electrolyte levels of the food fluids were compared to the recommended UNICEF/WHO ORS to ascertain if these are within physiologically acceptable ranges for the treatment and prevention of dehydration in children with diarrhoea. The carbohydrate and electrolyte levels of kenkey water were found to be comparable to UNICEF/WHO ORS and is suitable for use in rehydration. Coconut milk has the advantages of being fresh, sterile and readily available in most Ghanaian communities. However, use of coconut milk for rehydration cannot be recommended on the basis of its glucose and electrolyte composition.

This study reports the chemical composition of coconut water during its maturation. Composition was measured at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 months maturation. Concentrations of sodium and glucose, and the osmolality values showed great variation throughout maturation. The concentration of sodium remained constant between the 5th and 7th months (mean 2.9 mEq/l), but increased after the 8th month (mean 12.5 mEq/l). The concentration of glucose remained constant between the 5th and 8th months (mean 3392.4 mg%), but abruptly decreased after the 9th month (mean 820 mg%). Osmolality followed the variation of the glucose concentration averaging 377.3 mOsm/l up to the 8th month, then decreasing to 310.3 mOsm/l after the 9th month. This study showed great variability in coconut water composition during maturation of the fruit. In no instance did the coconut water contain sodium and glucose concentrations of potential value as an oral rehydration solution.

Coconut, groundnut and mustard oil treated whole red gram, green gram and bengal gram were infested with Callosobruchus chinensis (L.), stored for 6 months, and observed at monthly intervals for antinutritional factors (phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) and saponins). The values of phytic acid and TIA of treated and untreated pulses were similar at month one. The saponin content of green gram and Bengal gram were, however, higher in control than the oil treated pulses at month one. From month two to six the untreated controls had progressively more antinutrients than their oil treated counterparts. In mustard and groundnut oil treated pulses, the antinutrients remained static for 6 months, however, coconut oil treated pulse had increased antinutrients from end of month four onwards. The storage period was associated with the level of insect infestation which in turn influenced the antinutrient contents of pulses.

The influence of feeding 6% hydrogenated coconut oil, corn oil or menhaden oil on hepatocyte insulin binding, receptor number and glucose use was studied. Hepatocytes isolated from rats fed menhaden oil had a significantly greater affinity for insulin than hepatocytes from rats fed hydrogenated coconut oil. Glucose use was not influenced by diet; uniformly labeled glucose was metabolized to CO2 or to lipid similarly in cells isolated from rats fed the three oils. Thus, dietary fat type in a low fat diet influenced events at the plasma membrane without influencing intracellular events.