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Research Article

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of virgin coconut oil

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Pages 151-157 | Received 28 Apr 2008, Accepted 02 Jan 2009, Published online: 29 Dec 2009
 

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.

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