Neuroprotective Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Against Hydrocarbon Induced Neurotoxicity ‎‎ Download PDF

There is conscious and subconscious exposure to the harmful effect of hydrocarbon like benzene daily; be it from cigarette smoke, vapor from a service station, and exhaust from moving vehicle. The toxicity of benzene exposure affects both the immune and central nervous system and this has been proposed to be due to the oxygen-free radicals liberated from benzene metabolism with a potentially damaging effect on biomolecules. In this study, we investigated the potentials of virgin coconut oil (VCO), a natural source of antioxidant to protect against neurotoxicity caused by exposure to benzene inhalation in rats. Rats were exposed to 10ppm of benzene for two hours thereafter administered with an oral dose of 600mg/kg body weight VCO. Benzene exposure resulted in increased lipid peroxidation, a decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione levels in brain tissues. Also, benzene exposure resulted in increased serum levels of urea, creatinine, and uric acid. However, treatment with VCO significantly ameliorated these effects. This study showed that VCO has neuroprotective property against benzene toxicity and has the potential to prevent renal dysfunction.