Abstract
This study investigated some pharmacological properties of virgin coconut oil (VCO), the natural pure oil from coconut [Cocos nucifera Linn (Palmae)] milk, which was prepared without using chemical or high-heat treatment. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of VCO were assessed. In acute inflammatory models, VCO showed moderate anti-inflammatory effects on ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear edema in rats, and carrageenin- and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. VCO exhibited an inhibitory effect on chronic inflammation by reducing the transudative weight, granuloma formation, and serum alkaline phosphatase activity. VCO also showed a moderate analgesic effect on the acetic acid-induced writhing response as well as an antipyretic effect in yeast-induced hyperthermia. The results obtained suggest anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties of VCO.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) and Commission on Higher Education (CHE) for providing financial support; the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, for providing laboratory facilities; and the McCormick Faculty of Nursing, Payap University, for the support of this project.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.