Virgin Coconut Oil Attenuates Deficits in Rats Undergoing Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Background and Objectives. Neuroprotection agents may help improve the outcomes of large vessel ischemic stroke. This study aims to explore role Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), with its well-documented anti-oxidant properties, in neuroprotection after transient occlusion extracranial internal carotid artery a rat model stroke.
 Methods. Twenty-three Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups: 1) control group (n=11) given distilled water, 2) treatment (n=12) virgin coconut oil at 5.15 ml/kg body weight for seven days. Subsequently, underwent right (EICAO) 5 minutes using non-traumatic aneurysm clips. At 4 24 hours EICAO, animals examined neurologic deficits by an observer blinded groups, then sacrificed. Eight brain specimens (4 from each group) subjected histopathologic examination (H & E staining) while rest processed triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining determine infarct size area hemispheric edema.
 Results. VCO significantly improved severity deficit (1.42 ± 2.31) compared water (4.09 2.59) EICAO. Whereas, percent edema did not differ between groups.
 Conclusion. Prophylactic is protective against EICAO-induced model. shows great potential as neuroprotective agent However, more studies are necessary elucidate mechanisms therapy