Ameliorative Influence of Matured Coconut Water on Alloxan-induced Pancreatic Damage in Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease marked by sustained hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Central to its pathogenesis is damage to pancreatic ?-cells, prompting interest in natural agents capable of protecting or restoring pancreatic structure and function. This study evaluated the histological effects of matured coconut water (MCW) on the pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Twenty healthy adult male Wistar rats (150–200 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with matured coconut water, and diabetic treated with insulin. Diabetes was induced using a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate at 150 mg/kg body weight. Fresh matured coconut water from coconuts aged seven to eight months was administered freely to the treatment group for three weeks. At the end of the experiment, pancreatic tissues were harvested, fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, and processed for histological analysis using Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome stains. Histological findings revealed severe pancreatic damage in the diabetic control group, including acinar atrophy, cellular degeneration, vacuolization, and disrupted islets of Langerhans. In contrast, rats treated with matured coconut water showed improved cellular architecture, reduced vacuolization, and partial restoration of normal pancreatic organization, comparable to insulin-treated animals. These findings suggest that matured coconut water possesses protective and regenerative effects on pancreatic tissue, likely due to its antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, and may serve as a supportive natural supplement in diabetes management.

Key Words: Diabetes mellitus, alloxan, coconut water, pancreas, beta-cells