Synergistic Effect of Coconut Water and Garlic Tincture on Lipids and Oxidative Profile of Albino Rats Treated with High Fat Diet and Alcohol

Aim: This study evaluated the combined effect of coconut water and garlic tincture on lipid and antioxidants profile of albino rats fed with high fat diet and alcohol.

Study Design: This study is a non-randomized experimental study design.

Place and Duration of Study: Rivers State University Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, the study was done between 20th November, 2018-30th June 2019.

Methodology: A total number of 45 Wister albino rats were used with the weight ranged from 120-200 grams. The animals were grouped into two major groups, the control Group A and the test Group B. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture into heparinized bottle for standard laboratory investigation of lipid profile, and Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Malondialdehide (MDA). Plasma SOD and MDA were determined using ELISA methods, TAC was determined using FRAP Colorimetric method while lipid profile were determined using enzymatic method.

Results: The results revealed that, alcohol induced oxidative stress group exhibited significant differences in MDA levels amongst the groups, and no significance differences in SOD and TAC levels as compared with negative control groups. There were significant differences in the Total Cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels, amongst the groups. However, these changes appear to improve with coconut water and garlic tincture treatment. Treatment with coconut water alone following 30% alcohol treatment, showed a significant decrease in MDA level, no significant increase in SOD and TAC. Similar observation was recorded for the garlic tincture treatment alone. Treatment with low dose of combined coconut water with garlic tincture following 30% alcohol treatment, shows significant decrease in MDA level, significant increase in SOD, no significant increase in TAC. Treatment with low and higher doses of combined coconut water with garlic tincture following HFD treatment showed similar results, no significant decrease in TG levels, a significant decrease in MDA, TC and LDL levels, a significant increase in TAC and HDL levels and no significant increase in SOD. However, no difference was observed at higher dose. Histological findings revealed changes in hepatocellular architecture, such as inflammatory cell aggregates, dilation of sinosidal space, fatty droplet after treatment with alcohol and high fat diet. However, upon garlic tincture and coconut water treatment, there was amelioration of these abnormalities.

Conclusion: The mixture of coconut water and garlic tincture seem to exerted an antioxidant and antiatherogenic effect on alcohol-induced oxidative stress and HFD-induced dyslipidaemia in rats.