GRADED DOSES

Background: Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure are risk factors for various health conditions. Cocos nucifera (coconut) extract has been suggested to possess potential hypotensive and IOP-lowering properties. Purpose: This study investigated the effects of graded doses of Cocos nucifera extract on IOP, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in normotensive subjects. Methods: Forty normotensive participants were divided into four groups (n=10 per group): three receiving different doses of Cocos nucifera extract (2.86 g/kg, 5.71 g/kg, and 8.57 g/kg body weight) and a control group receiving 300 ml of water. IOP and blood pressure were measured before and hourly for four hours after administration. Statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests to compare each extract group to the control and ANOVA to assess differences across the extract dosage groups. Results: Significant reductions in mean IOP were observed in all extract groups compared to the control (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). While all doses lowered IOP compared to control, differences between the extract doses were not statistically significant (p = 0.308). For DBP, all extract groups showed significant reductions compared to the control (p < 0.01 for the 2.86 g/kg group, p < 0.001 for the 5.71 g/kg and 8.57 g/kg groups), with a significant dose-dependent effect observed across the extract groups (p < 0.001). For SBP, only the 5.71 g/kg group showed a significant reduction compared to the control (p < 0.001), although the ANOVA showed a significant overall effect of the extract across the dosage groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cocos nucifera extract demonstrates potential IOP-lowering and DBP-reducing effects in normotensive subjects. The effect on DBP appears to be dose dependent. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action and long-term effects.