IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF COLD PRESSED COCONUT OIL EXTRACT ON WISTAR RAT

Coconut oil has a unique role in human nutrition, it clinical studies reveal an effect on human health. Herbal plants are traditionally used in folklore medicine for various diseases. This work aimed at investigating the immunoprotective effects of cold-pressed coconut oil in immunosupressed Wistar rat. A standard procedure was used to carry out immunomodulatory properties of the extract with modifications. The immunomodulatory properties of coconut oil were investigated by testing the immune responses to the antigen challenges with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). The animals were placed into six groups of five rats per group. Coconut oil was given orally at the dosage level of 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0ml/kg for 21 days; also 0.3ml i.p of SRBCs. Evaluation was carried out by testing the hematological parameters. The result obtained showed a significant increase in 0.25ml dose after twenty-one (21) days. White blood cell (11.70 ± 1.25) had same value with control and HGB (15.57± 0.67), increase significantly when compare with control. The CD4 and CD8 had better result with coconut oil when compared with the control. The Anti-Oxidant activities had a positive response in 0.25ml. Histological result reveals a healthy heart, lungs, spleen, liver and kidney in lower dose of oil extract. In conclusion, Coconut oil can be said to contain immunomodulatory effect in accordance with folklore report