Extra virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) intake shows neurobehavioural and intestinal health effects in obesity-induced rats

^a Experimental Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Cidade Universitária, s/n-Castelo Branco III, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
E-mail: jailane.aquino@academico.ufpb.br
Fax: +55 83 32167094
Tel: +55 83 32098715

^b Post Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Cidade Universitária, s/n-Castelo Branco III, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

^c Laboratory of Leishmaniasis Pathology, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

^d Laboratory of Food and Beverage Analysis, Department of Food Technology, Institute Federal of Sertão Pernambucano (IF-Sertão PE), Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil

^e Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

^f Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Biochemistry, Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

^g Laboratory of Microbial Processes in Food, Department of Food Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

^h Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Physiology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Cidade Universitária, s/n-Castelo Branco III, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of E-VCO on the neurobehaviour and intestinal health parameters of obesity-induced rats, focusing on food consumption, body composition, bacterial and faecal organic acids and histological analyses in the hippocampus and colon. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were randomized into healthy (HG, n = 16) and obese groups (OG, n = 16), which consumed a control or cafeteria diet for eight weeks, respectively. After this period, they were subdivided into four groups: healthy (HG, n = 8); healthy treated with E-VCO (HGCO, n = 8); obese (OG, n = 8); obese treated with E-VCO (OGCO, n = 8), continuing for another eight weeks with their respective diets. The treated groups received 3000 mg kg⁻¹ of E-VCO and control groups received water via gavage. Food preference, body weight gain, body composition, anxiety- and depression-like behaviour were evaluated. Bacteria and organic acids were evaluated in faeces, and histological analyses of the hippocampus and M1 and M2 macrophages in the colon were performed. E-VCO reduced energy intake (16.68%) and body weight gain (16%), although it did not reduce the fat mass of obese rats. E-VCO showed an antidepressant effect, increased lactic acid bacteria counts and modulated organic acids in obese rats. Furthermore, E-VCO protected the hippocampus from neuronal degeneration caused by the obesogenic diet, decreased the M1 macrophage and increased the M2 macrophage population in the gut. The results suggest neurobehavioural modulation and improved gut health by E-VCO, with promising effects against obesity-related comorbidities.

Food & Function

Extra virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) intake shows neurobehavioural and intestinal health effects in obesity-induced rats†

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Extra virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) intake shows neurobehavioural and intestinal health effects in obesity-induced rats

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