




































_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
*Corresponding author: E-mail: doyinsolajayeju90@gmail.com; 
 
 
 

Asian Journal of Immunology 
 
2(1): 11-17, 2019; Article no.AJI.52193 
 

 
 

 

 

Haematological Assessments of Cocos nucifera 
Linn. Water and Oil on Apparently Healthy Wistar 

Albino Rats 
 

D. O. Akinjayeju1* and T. T. Adebolu1 
 

1
Department of Microbiology, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. 

 
Authors’ contributions 

 
This work was carried out in collaboration between both authors. Both authors read and approved the 

final manuscript. 
 

Article Information 
 

Editor(s): 
(1)Dr. Darko Nozic, Professor, Higher Medical School in Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Serbia. 

Reviewers: 
(1) Karen Cordovil, Brazil. 

(2)Camilo Torres-Serna, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Colombia. 
(3)Debarshi Kar Mahapatra, Dadasaheb Balpande College of Pharmacy, India. 
Complete Peer review History: http://www.sdiarticle4.com/review-history/52193 

 
 
 
 

Received 11 August 2019  
Accepted 21 October 2019 
Published 28 October 2019 

 
 

ABSTRACT 
 

In this study, the effects of the consumption of Cocos nucifera L. water and oil on the 
haematological parameters of apparently healthy wistar albino rats were investigated using 
standard methods. The albino rats (n= 100) were divided into 8 groups (A-H) of 12 rats each while 
the remaining four rats were put in another group to serve as control. The first four groups(A-D) 
were daily orogastrically administered different volumes of coconut oil, 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml 
respectively for 4 weeks while groups E-H were daily orogastrically administered different volumes 
of coconut water, 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml respectively for four weeks. The control rats (Group 
l) however were not administered either coconut water or coconut oil. All the rats were allowed free 
access to rat chow and water. The administration of either of the coconut water or oil caused a 
significant increase (p≤0.05) in the PCV, WBC and the differential leukocytes counts within the four 
weeks of this study with coconut water having higher effect. It is conceivable that the consumption 
of either coconut water or coconut oil could exert both hematinic and immuno-stimulatory effects in 
the consumers to checkmate low PCV and also boost innate immunity. 

 

Original Research Article 



 
 
 
 

Akinjayeju and Adebolu; AJI, 2(1): 11-17, 2019; Article no.AJI.52193 
 

 

 
12 

 

Keywords: Coconut water, coconut oil; immuno-stimulatory potential; haematological parameters; 
differential leukocytic count; haematinic potential. 

 
1. INTRODUCTION 
 

Coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) fruit, is egg-
shaped or elliptic. It consists of a fibrous outer 
layer called coconut husk (mesocarp), which 
covers a hard layer called shell (endocarp). 
Inside the shell is a kernel (endosperm), which is 
considered the most important part of the fruit. 
Coconut water is sterile, does not produce heat, 
does not destroy red blood cells and is readily 
accepted by the body. It makes the absorption of 
drugs easier by its electrolytic effect, urinary 
antiseptic and eliminates poisons in case of 
mineral poisoning [1]. Small amounts of amino 
acids are also present in coconut water. The 
percentage of arginine, alanine, cystine and 
serine in the protein of tender coconut water are 
higher than those in cow’s milk. Trace amount of 
amino acid such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, 
histidine, leucine, lysine, proline, phenylalanine 
and tyrosine are also reported in tender coconut 
water [2]. Coconut water is readily available, 
economically reasonable, and traditionally 
tolerable besides having various general and oral 
health benefits without any side effects with 
numerous amino acids needed by the human 
immune system to boost immunity. Coconut oil is 
an edible oil extracted from the “meat” of 
matured coconuts [3]. Coconut oil is a mild 
flavored, mostly colorless oil produced from 
mature coconuts. It is a clear liquid above 76°F 
(24°C) and a white or light brown solid at lower 
temperatures. It has several applications in the 
food industry. It is used in processed foods 
because it is relatively inexpensive and can 
provide crisp texture to foods. Coconut oil is a 
safe and effective moisturizer, produces a high-
lather soap due to is solubility in hard water, and 
can be used in cosmetics, toothpaste, lotions, 
sunscreens, laundry detergents, as well as 
several other self-care and household items [4]. 
It has a high smoke point, the temperature where 
it starts to break down, which makes it shelf 
stable and ideal for foods that need a longer 
shelf-life. Coconut oil is considered a saturated 
fat and contains 9 calories per gram. Therefore           
it should be consumed only in small amounts 
because it can raise the LDL (bad) cholesterol 
alongside HDL (good) cholesterol level.                
One tablespoon of coconut oil contains 117 
calories, 14 grams of fat, 12 grams of saturated 
fat and therefore must be taken in moderation 
[5].  
 

In addition to its culinary uses, inclusion in 
cosmetics and soaps, this oil is also consumed in 
folklore medicine to treat various ailments. This 
study therefore is to assess the effects of 
consumption of coconut water and oil on the 
haematological parameters of Wistar albino rats 
as a guide to the possible effects in humans 
when consumed for a considerable period of time 
for health promoting purposes. 

 
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 
 
2.1 Coconut Water 
 
Fresh coconut water was collected from cleaned 
coconuts bought from the commercial fruit 
market in Akure, Nigeria.  
 

2.2 Coconut Oil 
 
Coconut oil (AQUILLA 100% Virgin Coconut Oil 
with NAFDAC Reg No. 08-1725L) used in this 
study was purchased from a pharmaceutical 
shop in Akure, Nigeria. Coconut oil fat is a fat 
consisting of about 90% saturated fat. The               
oil contains predominantly triglycerides with 
86.5% saturated fatty acids, 5.8% 
monounsaturated fatty acids and 1.8% 
polyunsaturated fatty acids.  

 
2.3 Experimental Design 
 
Wistar Albino rats were used for this study 
because of their close genetic structural makeup 
to humans. A total of hundred Wistar albino rats 
were used in this study and divided into were 
divided into8 groups (A-H) of 12 rats each 
whilethe remaining four rats were put in another 
group to serve as control. The first four groups 
(A-D) were daily orogastrically administered 
different volumes of coconut water, 0.5 ml, 1.0 
ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml respectively for 4 weeks while 
groups E-H were daily orogastrically 
administered different volumes of coconut water, 
0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, 2.0 ml respectively for four 
weeks.The control rats (Group l) however were 
not administered either coconut water or coconut 
oil. All the rats were allowed free access to rat 
chow and water. At intervals of 1 week, the blood 
of 3 rats randomly picked from each group was 
collected through venepuncture for the 
haematological assay. 
 



 
 
 
 

Akinjayeju and Adebolu; AJI, 2(1): 11-17, 2019; Article no.AJI.52193 
 

 

 
13 

 

2.4 Haematological Assay 
 
The blood of apparently healthy Wistar albino 
rats was collected weekly into EDTA bottles after 
which the Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total White 
Blood Cell counts and differential leukocytes 
counts of the collected blood samples were 
evaluated according to Nwangwa & 
Chukwuemeka [6].  
 

2.5 Statistical Analysis 
 
Data generated from the study were subjected  
to two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). 
Treatment means were compared using 
Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at 
5% level of significance using SPSS version 26. 
 

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
 
Main characteristics of the study population 

 

Group  Title  Number 
of rats 

Treatment  

A – D Coconut 
oil 

48 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, 
2.0 ml + distilled water 
and feed 

E – H Coconut 
water 

48 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, 
2.0 ml + distilled water 
and feed 

I Control 4 Distilled water and feed. 

 
Administration of coconut oil to apparently 
healthy albino rats caused a significant increase 
(p<0.05) in PCV from an initial value of 
48.00±0.50% to 51.00±0.00% after 28days of 
administering the rats with the oil at a 0.5ml 
dose. In the same vein, administration of coconut 
water also caused a significant increase (p<0.05) 
in the PCV from the initial value of 48.00±0.50% 
to 56.50±0.50% after 28 days of administering 
the rats with the coconut water at a dose of 0.5 
ml. However, the percentage increase in PCV 
was observed to be higher in the rats 
administered coconut water than those 
administered coconut oil at all doses and the 
higher the dose of the different component of 
coconut used, the higher the PCV of the rats 
except in a few cases (Table 1). 

 
Effects of coconut oil or coconut water on the 
total White Blood Cell counts of apparently 
healthy Wistar albino rats showed the total white 
blood cell count of healthy rats fed with coconut 

oil increased from an average initial value of 
11.00±0.50 to 11.00±0.50, 11.60±0.90, 
12.60±0.60 and 13.50±0.50 after 7,14,21,28 
days of feeding the rats with coconut oil at a 
dose of 0.5 ml. In the same vein, rats fed with 
coconut water which had an initial average          
value of 11.00±0.50, increased to 11.95±0.95, 
11.15±0.25, 12.15±0.25 and 11.05±0.10 by day 
7, 14, 21 and 28 of the administration of the 
water the rats at a dose of 0.5 ml. Percentage 
increase in the total white blood cell counts was 
higher in rats administered coconut water than 
those administered coconut oil at all doses and 
the higher the dose of the different coconut 
product, the higher the WBC of the animals 
(Table 2). 

 
The administration of coconut oil to the 
apparently healthy rats at a dose of 0.5ml had no 
significant effect on the initial NEUTROPHIL 
value of 55.50±0.50 to 56.50±0.50, 55.00±0.50, 
55.00±0.33 and 53.00±0.20% after 7, 14, 21 and 
28 days. However, the administration of the 
same proportion of coconut water had a 
significant increase in the neutrophil count of the 
rats from 55.50±0.50 to 57.00±0.40, 57.00±0.33, 
58.50±0.50 and 56.00±0.40 after days 7, 14, 21 
and 28 (Table 3). 

 
The EOSINOPHIL count of the apparently 
healthy rats administered coconut oil had no 
significant increase from the intial value of 
2.50±0.00 to 2.00±0.00, 2.00±0.00, 2.50±0.50 
and 2.50±0.50 at a dose of 0.5 ml at days 7, 14, 
21 and 28. At the same proportion of coconut 
water, the eosinophil count had a slight increase 
to 3.00±0.00 and 3.00±0.00 at days 21 and               
28 respectively. An increase in the doses 
however, had slight effect on the eosinophil 
counts (Table 4). 

 
Effects of coconut oil or coconut water on the 
differential leukocytic counts of apparently 
healthy Wistar albino rats showed the 
LYMPHOCYTE counts of healthy wistar rats fed 
with coconut oil had no significant effect from the 
initial value of 32.00±0.50 to 32.50±0.50, 
30.00±0.00, 31.00±0.00 and 30.00±0.00 after 7, 
14, 21 and 28 days of administration of the oil to 
the ratsat a dose of 0.5 ml. The administration of 
coconut water to the rats however, recorded a 
significant increase in the lymphocyte count from 
32.00±0.50 to 34.50±0.50 at day 28 at same 
proportion (Table 5). 

 

 



 
 
 
 

Akinjayeju and Adebolu; AJI, 2(1): 11-17, 2019; Article no.AJI.52193 
 

 

 
14 

 

Table 1.Effects of administration of coconut oil and coconut water on PCV of apparently 
healthy Wistar albino rats (%) 

 

Sample Days of 
assay 

Doses of sample administered 

0.0ml  0.5ml  1ml  1.5ml  2.0ml 

Coconut 
oil 

Day 0 48.50±0.50
a
 48.50±0.50

a
 48.50±0.50

b
 48.50±0.50

b
 48.50±0.50

a
 

Day 7 48.50±0.50 51.50±0.50
c
 51.00±0.33

c
 53.50±0.50

c
 54.00±0.30

c
 

Day 14 48.50±0.50 49.50±0.50
b
 49.00±0.00

b
 62.50±0.50

e
 56.50±0.50

e
 

Day 21 
Day 28 

48.50±0.50 
48.50±0.50 

52.50±0.50
d
 

51.00±0.00
c
 

50.50±0.50
c
 

46.50±0.50
a
 

46.00±0.00
a
 

56.00±0.00
d
 

55.00±0.00
d
 

53.00±0.20
b
 

Coconut 
water 

Day 0 48.50±0.50
a
 48.50±0.50

a
 48.50±0.50

a
 48.50±0.50

a
 48.50±0.50

a
 

Day 7 48.50±0.50 56.50±0.50
c
 56.00±0.50

cd
 58.00±0.00

d
 58.50±0.50

d
 

Day 14 48.50±0.50 56.50±0.50
c
 55.50±0.00

c
 56.50±0.50

c
 57.50±0.43

c
 

Day 21 
Day 28 

48.50±0.50 
48.50±0.50 

54.50±0.50
b
 

56.50±0.50
c
 

54.00±0.50
b
 

56.50±0.50
d
 

55.50±0.50
b
 

57.50±0.33
d
 

56.50±0.50
b
 

58.50±0.33
d
 

Data represent the average for 3 replicates + S.E.M and those with different alphabet superscripts along columns 
for each treatment are statistically significant at p<0.05 

 
Table 2. Effects of administration of coconut oil and coconut water on the WBC counts of 

apparently healthy Wistar albino rats (%) 
 

Sample Days of 
assay 

Doses of sample administered 

0.0ml  0.5ml 1ml 1.5ml  2.0ml 

Coconut oil Day 0 11.00±0.00
a
 11.00±0.00

a
 11.00±0.00

ab
  11.00±0.00

a
 11.00±0.00

a
 

 Day 7 11.00±0.00 11.00±0.50
a
 10.70±0.70

a
 14.50±1.50

c
 16.55±0.50

c
 

 Day 14 11.00±0.00 11.60±0.40
a
 12.50±1.50

bc
 12.00±1.00

ab
 15.95±0.65

bc
 

 Day 21 
Day 28 

11.00±0.00 
11.00±0.00 

12.60±0.60
b
 

13.50±0.50
c
 

11.50±0.50
abc

 
12.65±0.65

c
 

12.35±0.95
ab

 
13.00±1.00

bc
 

13.70±0.70
b
 

16.05±0
.
95

c
 

Coconut water Day 0 11.00±0.00
a
 11.00±0.00

a
 11.00±0.00

a
 11.00±0.00

a
 11.00±0.00

a
 

 Day 7 11.00±0.00 11.95±0.95
c
 11.20±0.20

a
 11.05±0.15

a
 15.60±0.40

b
 

 Day 14 11.00±0.00 11.15±0.25
ab

 11.00±1.00
a
 14.00±1.00

c
 19.15±0.25

d
 

 Day 21 
Day 28 

11.00±0.00 
11.00±0.00 

12.15±0.25
c
 

11.05±0.15
a
 

13.10±0.20
b
 

13.00±0.20
b
 

13.15±0.25
bc

 
12.80±0.70

b
 

17.50±0.40
c
 

17.00±0.20
c
 

Data represent the average for 3 replicates + S.E.M and those with different alphabet superscripts along columns 
for each treatment are statistically significant at p<0.05 

 

Table 3. Effects of administration of coconut oil and coconut water on the neutrophil counts of 
apparently healthy Wistar albino rats (%) 

Sample Days of 
assay 

Doses of sample administered 

0.0ml  0.5ml  1ml  1.5ml  2.0ml 

Coconut 
oil 

Day 0 55.50±0.50
a
 55.50±0.50

b
 55.50±0.50

b
 55.50±0.50

a
 55.50±0.50

a
 

Day 7 55.50±0.50 56.50±0.50
c
 60.00±0.20

d
 55.50±0.50

a
 57.50±0.50

a
 

Day 14 55.50±0.50 55.00±0.50
b
 56.50±0.50

c
 55.50±0.50

a
 56.00±0.50

a
 

Day 21 
Day 28 

55.50±0.50 
55.50±0.50 

55.00±0.33
b
 

53.00±0.20
a
 

54.00±0.20
a
 

59.50±0.50
d
 

55.00±0.20
a
 

57.00±0.20
b
 

55.00±0.40
a
 

60.00±0.33
b
 

Coconut 
water 

Day 0 55.50±0.50
a
 55.50±0.50

a
 55.50±0.50

ab
 55.50±0.50

b
 55.50±0.50

a
 

Day 7 55.50±0.50 57.00±0.40
b
 57.00±0.33

c
 56.50±0.25

c
 60.00±0.33

c
 

Day 14 55.50±0.50 57.00±0.33
b
 55.00±0.33

a
 55.50±0.50

b
 58.00±0.33

b
 

Day 21 
Day 28 

55.50±0.50 
55.50±0.50 

58.50±0.50
c
 

56.00±0.40
a
 

56.00±0.40
b
 

55.00±0.40
a
 

59.00±0.33
d
 

54.00±0.33
a
 

59.50±0.50
c
 

61.50±0.50
d
 

Data represent the average for 3 replicates + S.E.M and those with different alphabet superscripts along columns 
for each treatment are statistically significant at p<0.05 

 
3.1 Discussion 
 
In this study, the effect of Coconut oil and 
coconut water on the haematological profile of 

apparently healthy albino rats was investigated. 
The administration of either coconut oil or 
coconut water caused a significant increase 
p(<0.05) on the haematological parameters such 



 
 
 
 

Akinjayeju and Adebolu; AJI, 2(1): 11-17, 2019; Article no.AJI.52193 
 

 

 
15 

 

as PCV, total WBC, lymphocytes and neutrophil 
counts at a dose which ranged from 0.5ml-2.0ml 
administered to the rats but no effects on the 
eosinophil counts.These findings are in 
agreement with the reports of Zakaria et al. [7] 
who claimed that this improvement is due to the 
presence of medium-chain fatty acids in coconut 
oil and majorly the presence of electrolytes, 
vitamins, amino acids in coconut water. Kalman 
et al. [8] postulates that “coconut water can be 
used intravenously in humans and as a 
rehydrating drink for athletes”. 
 
Packed Cell Volume also known as Hematocrit is 
a measurement of the percentage of red blood 
cells present in the blood. PCV levels that are too 
high or too low can indicate a blood disorder, 

dehydration or other medical condition. A normal 
level of PCV indicates the capability of the red 
blood cells to deliver oxygen. The values of PCV 
obtained from this study showed that apparently 
healthy rats administered coconut water and 
coconut oil had an increase in the PCV which 
indicates an increase in the viable red blood cell 
that are capable of delivering oxygen for use in 
the body. The superior increase in PCV of rats 
administered coconut water suggests that 
coconut water has the ability to stimulate viable 
red blood cells. The significant increase in the 
packed cell volume of the rats may indicate that 
coconut water and coconut oil contain several 
compounds, such as proteins, peptides 
lipopolysaccharides and glycoproteins [6]. 

 
Table 4. Effects of administration of coconut oil and coconut water on the Eosinophil counts of 

apparently healthy wistar albino rats (%) 
 

Sample Days of 
assay 

Doses of sample administered 

0.0ml 0.5ml 1ml 1.5ml 2.0ml 

Coconut oil Day 0 2.50±0.50
a
 2.50±0.50

a
 2.50±0.50

a
 2.50±0.50

a
  2.50±0.50

b
 

 Day 7 2.50±0.50 2.00±0.00
a
 2.00±0.00

b
 2.00±0.00

b
 1.00±0.00

a
 

 Day 14 2.50±0.50 2.00±0.00
a
 2.00±0.00

b
 3.00±0.00

c
 2.00±0.00

a
 

 Day 21 

Day 28 

2.50±0.50 

2.50±0.50 

2.50±0.50
a
 

2.50±0.50
a
 

1.00±0.00
a
 

3.00±0.00
c
 

2.00±0.00
b
 

1.00±0.00
a
 

3.00±0.00
c
 

3.00±0.00
c
 

Coconut 
water 

Day 0 2.50±0.50
a
 2.50±0.50

a
 2.50±0.50

a
 2.50±0.50

b
 2.50±0.50

a
 

Day 7 2.50±0.50 1.00±0.00
a
 2.00±0.00

b
 1.00±0.00

a
 1.00±0.00

a
 

Day 14 2.50±0.50 2.00±0.00
a
 2.00±0.00

b
 1.00±0.00

a
 2.00±0.00

b
 

Day 21 

Day 28 

2.50±0.50 

2.50±0.50 

3.00±0.00
a
 

3.00±0.00
b
 

1.00±0.00
a
 

3.50±0.50
c
 

0.00±0.00
a
 

3.50±0.50
c
 

1.00±0.00
a
 

2.00±0.00
ab

 
Data represent the average for 3 replicates + S.E.M and those with different alphabet superscripts along columns 

for each treatment are statistically significant at p<0.05 

 
Table 5. Effects of administration of coconut oil and coconut water on the Lymphocyte counts 

of apparently healthy wistar albino rats (%) 
 

Sample Days of 
assay 

Doses of sample administered 

0.0ml 0.5ml  1ml  1.5ml  2.0ml 

Coconut oil Day 0 32.00±0.00
a
 32.00±0.00

c
 32.00±0.00

c
 32.00±0.00

b
 32.00±0.00

a
 

 Day 7 32.00±0.00 32.50±0.50
d
 31.50±0.50

c
 32.00±0.00

b
 33.00±0.00

b
 

 Day 14 32.00±0.00 30.00±0.00
a
 29.50±0.50

b
 32.00±0.00

b
 36.50±0.50

d
 

 Day 21 

Day 28 

32.00±0.00 

32.00±0.00 

31.00±0.00
b
 

30.00±0.00
a
 

27.50±0.50
a
 

29.00±0.00
b
 

29.50±0.00
a
 

29.50±0.50
a
 

35.00±0.00
c
 

37.00±0.00
e
 

Coconut water Day 0 32.00±0.00
a
 32.00±0.00

a
 32.00±0.00

a
 32.00±0.00

ab
 32.00±0.00

a
 

 Day 7 32.00±0.00 31.50±0.50
a
 33.00±0.00

b
 32.50±0.50

b
 35.50±0.50

c
 

 Day 14 32.00±0.00 32.00±0.00
a
 34.00±0.00

c
 36.50±0.50

c
 37.50±0.50

d
 

 Day 21 

Day 28 

32.00±0.00 

32.00±0.00 

31.50±0.50
a
 

 34.50±0.50
b
 

30.00±0.00
a
 

35.00±0.00
c
 

31.50±0.50
a
 

36.00±0.00
c
 

34.50±0.50
b
 

38.00±0.00
d
 

Data represent the average for 3 replicates + S.E.M and those with different alphabet superscripts along columns 
for each treatment are statistically significant at p<0.05 

 



 
 
 
 

Akinjayeju and Adebolu; AJI, 2(1): 11-17, 2019; Article no.AJI.52193 
 

 

 
16 

 

White blood cells (WBC) are known to be key 
actors in immune responses, as they are the first 
line of defense against invading microorganisms. 
An increase in WBC values usually indicates a 
boost/ increase in immune strength and a 
decrease indicates fall in immune strength [5]. 
The values of WBC obtained from this study 
showed that apparently healthy rats administered 
coconut water and coconut oil had an increase in 
WBC count which indicates an increase in 
immune strength. The greater increase observed 
with the administration of coconut water suggests 
that coconut water has the ability to stimulate the 
production of more immune cells than coconut 
oil. The significant increase in total white blood 
cell count of the rats indicate that coconut water 
and coconut oil contain several compounds, such 
as proteins, peptides lipopolysaccharides and 
glycoproteins that have immunostimulatory 
potential on the immune system [6]. 
 

Lymphocytes are non-phagocytic mononuclear 
leucocytes that have the ability to recognize 
foreign cells and initiate a chain of responses to 
get rid of foreign cells. However, the observed 
increase in lymphocyte counts in this study 
following exposure to coconut water and coconut 
oil may be one of the mechanisms used to 
defend the body against the toxic effect of 
saturated fatty acids [9]. 
 

Neutrophils usually makes up about 65% of total 
white blood cell count. They make the first line of 
action against infections and are non-specific in 
their activity. The percentage neutrophils counts 
obtained in this study was significantly higher 
when compared with the control group. This 
increase may provide better level of immunity in 
the rats [10]. 
 

Eosinophils are responsible for protection against 
parasitic infections. The eosinophils values of the 
rats fed with both coconut water and coconut oil 
were not significantly affected when compared to 
the control group. This suggests that the 
administration of either may not confer protection 
against parasitic infections [9]. 
 

This research work has broadened the fact that 
further work has to be carried out on discovering 
the mode of action of coconut oil and coconut 
water and the active components in them. This 
could possibly be used to determine the 
proportion of the coconut products, especially 
coconut oil to be consumed so as to avoid the 
reduction of beneficial bacterial flora in the gut 
which can lead to the upset in the microbial 
balance in the gut 

4. CONCLUSION 
 
In conclusion, the consumption of coconut water 
and coconut oil has haematinic potential and 
immunostimulatory potential with coconut water 
having a higher effect. The consumption of both 
especially coconut water is therefore advocated 
because it increased PCV which is a function of 
viable red cells in the blood and WBC, 
lymphocytes and neutrophils which play key 
roles in immunity.  
 

CONSENT  
 
It is not applicable. 
 

ETHICAL APPROVAL 
 
As per international standard written ethical 
approval has been collected and preserved by 
the author(s). 
 

COMPETING INTERESTS 
 

Authors have declared that no competing 
interests exist. 
 

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© 2019 Akinjayeju and Adebolu; This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons 
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