Ameliorative Effect of Tender Coconut Water on Benzene Induced Lymphoid Malignancy in Wistar Rat

Background and Objective: Coconut water is used for the treatment of various forms of cancer. The dose of administration and mechanism of action are not known and much attention has not been given to benzene-induced lymphoid malignancy. This work aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of tender coconut water in benzene-induced lymphoid malignancy in Wistar rats to ascertain the potential therapeutic effect of coconut water in this disease condition. Materials and Methods: Lymphoid malignancy was induced intraperitoneal in Wistar rats by administering 0.14 mL kg^-1 b.wt., of benzene solution 48 hrs for 4 weeks. General tissue structures, the p53 gene and Bcl-2 were used to confirm the malignant condition. As 10, 20 and 30 mL kg^-1 b.wt., of fresh coconut water were given daily via orogastric intubation for 4 weeks for treatment. The data obtained were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: This induction of lymphoid malignancy was successful in Wistar rats. The histology reports in inguinal lymph node, spleen and bone marrow in a positive control group with overexpression of p53 and Bcl-2 cancer biomarkers. However, treatment with 10, 20 and 30 mL kg^-1 b.wt., of Malayan green dwarf hybridized immature (HI) coconut water showed restoration of normal histology of the lymph node, spleen and bone marrow with negative nuclear immunohistochemistry reaction of p53 and negative cytoplasmic staining pattern Bcl-2. Conclusion: This study has shown that benzene-induced lymphoids were ameliorated with Malayan green dwarf hybridized immature (HI) coconut water.