LONG-TERM CONSUMPTION OF COCONUT OIL DIET EXACERBATES PAIN AND INFLAMMATION IN CD1 MICE

*Bisong S. A., Ita S. O., Mfem C. C., Nku-Ekpang O. T. and Eteng B. B.

ABSTRACT

The effect of long-term coconut oil diet on pain in CD1 mice was studied. Thirty (30) CD1 mice weighing 16.5g to 22.6g were randomly assigned into three groups. Mice in group A (control group; n=10) were given the normal rodent chow (Vital Feed) while mice in group B (low dose; n=10) and group C (high dose; n=10) were fed 5% and 20% coconut oil diets respectively for 4 weeks. Thereafter, the animals were assessed for pain and inflammation using the formalin test. The results showed that the frequency and duration of paw lick was significantly higher in the 20% diet group compared to control and 5% diet groups during acute and chronic phases of the formalin test (P< 0.05). The frequency of paw flinch was also higher in the 20% diet group compared to control and the 5% diet groups (p<0.05) in both phases of the test. The change in anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters of the paws were also significantly greater in the 20% coconut oil diet group when compared to control. The frequency of line crossed was also reduced due to the pain and inflammation showing immobility in the mice. Therefore, these result imply that the 20% coconut oil diet increase pain perception and inflammation in the mice, although the 5% diet caused a minimal effect when compared to the 20% diet.

Keywords: Coconut oil, pain, mice.