EC Gynaecology

Objective: This research investigates the preventive and therapeutic effects of coconut water on potash-induced perturbations in female reproductive hormones.

Materials and Methods: Coconuts aged 7 to 8 months were harvested from Obinze, Owerri, Nigeria, and coconut water was collected. Potash was locally sourced in Owerri and carefully preserved. Thirty healthy female Wistar rats were acclimatized and divided into five groups: Group A (Untreated), Group B (1 g/kg Potash only), Group C (1 g/kg Potash + 3 mL/100g Coconut Water), Group D (1 g/kg Potash + 5 mL/100g Coconut Water), and Group E (1 g/kg Potash + 10 mL/100g Coconut Water). Treatment lasted 28 days, administered orally. Animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for hormone analysis.

Results: Coconut water demonstrated a dose-dependent protective effect on potash-induced perturbations in female reproductive hormones. Compared to the normal control, potash alone significantly elevated levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (Pg), and prolactin but decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen. In contrast, the co-administration of coconut water with potash mitigated these effects. Notably, the 10 mL/100g dose of coconut water exhibited the most significant protective impact, normalizing hormone levels closer to the untreated (control) group.

Conclusion: Coconut water exhibits both preventive and therapeutic potential against potash-induced disruptions in female reproductive hormones. The protective effects are dose-dependent, with the highest dose showing the most pronounced impact. This indicates a nuanced relationship between coconut water concentration and hormonal regulation. These findings suggest a potential role for coconut water in mitigating hormonal imbalances caused by potash exposure. While the study provides valuable insights, further research, including clinical trials and mechanistic studies, is necessary to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: Coconut Water; Potash; Female Reproductive Hormones; Hormonal Perturbations; Dose-Dependent Protection

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