Tender Coconut Water: An ideal fluid for parenteral substitute

Abstract

In this study tender coconut water was studied for biochemical, microbiological, pharmacological properties and for its effect of infusion in dogs. The high nutritive content, sterile, pyrogen-free, non-haemolysing in dogs and humans and free from acute and sub-acute toxicity suggest its valuable therapeutic applications. Autoclaving increases the shelf life without affecting its nutritive value. Intravenous administration of tender coconut water (100 ml/kg) in dogs decreased serum Na+ and increased serum K+ & Ca2+ levels immediately after stopping infusion; it came back to baseline after 1 hour of stopping infusion. Electrocardiogram did not show any evidence of hyperkalemia as high content of magnesium in tender coconut water acts as physiological antagonist to potassium. Tender coconut water showed no effect on psychomotor behaviour and analgesic activity of animals. Repeated administration of tender coconut water did not reveal any anaphylaxis or allergic reaction. It is naturally available, cost effective, highly nourished ideal fluid for parental substitute.