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PubMed2004

Anti-rejection effect of ethanol extract of Poria cocos wolf in rats after cardiac allograft implantation.

BACKGROUND: A living fetus within the maternal uterus provides an example of allogene tolerance in mammals. Poria cocos Wolf is the main component of many Chinese medicinal combination drugs that have therapeutic effects on recurrent spontaneous abortion and that can maintain pregnancy until delivery. It was hypothesized that this herbal medicine can also prolong allograft survival after organ transplantation. Here, in an in vivo study, we report the anti-rejection effect of the ethanol extract of Poria cocos Wolf (EEPCW) in rats after cardiac allograft implantation. METHODS: Ten normal rats were healthy controls. Eighty rats receiving homologous heart transplants were divided into 4 groups of 20 rats each based on type of treatment: olive oil 8 ml.kg(-1).d(-1), EEPCW 25 mg.kg(-1).d(-1), EEPCW 50 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) or cyclosporin A 5 mg.kg(-1).d(-1). Allograft survival was observed in 10 rats from each group. On the seventh day post transplantation, pathological lesions and percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in peripheral blood were assessed in another 10 rats from each group and in 10 normal rats. RESULTS: The survival time of donor hearts in the two EEPCW groups was significantly prolonged, to (15.9 +/- 2.4) days and (30.0 +/- 0.0) days, respectively, compared with (6.7 +/- 0.8) days in the control group. Pathological lesions in the two EEPCW groups were also less severe, and the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were significantly lower in the EEPCW groups. CONCLUSIONS: Acute rejection of heart transplants and cellular immune reaction can be effectively suppressed using the EEPCW. Taking advantage of novel immunosuppressants derived from Chinese medicinal herbs used to treat abnormal pregnancy provides a hopeful road for future research and treatment in organ transplantation.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Growth-inhibitory effects of a beta-glucan from the mycelium of Poria cocos on human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells: cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis induction.

Because of the reported immune-enhancing and anti-tumor activities of some mushroom polysaccharides, their applications as biological response modifiers have attracted significant attention. We have purified a water-soluble beta-glucan PCM3-II, comprising mainly 1right curved arrow 3 and 1right curved arrow 4 linkages, from the mycelia of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Fu-ling). In this study, the growth-inhibitory effect of PCM3-II was further explored on the human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells in vitro. The dose effect of PCM3-II was studied by incubating the breast cancer cells with 12.5-400 microg/ml of the glucan for 72 h. The MTT study showed that PCM3-II reduced proliferation and viability of the MCF-7 cells dose-dependently, so that the cancer-cell growth was decreased by 50% of the control level at 400 microg/ml of the glucan. The time effect of PCM3-II was then investigated by treating the breast cancer cells with 400 microg/ml of the glucan for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. Results from the flow cytometry study demonstrated that PCM3-II induced cell-cycle G1 arrest time-dependently and about 90% of the cells in cell cycle were accumulated at G1 phase after 72 h of treatment. The G1 arrest was associated with downregulations of the unscheduled cyclin D1 and cyclin E expressions in the breast cancer cells. Apoptosis was also induced by PCM3-II in the MCF-7 cells, so that the subG1 cells in DNA histogram of the flow cytometry were elevated by 5-fold of the control level at 48 h and by 24-fold at 72 h of treatment. The immunoblot study also showed that the glucan induced depletion of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein, but not the proapoptotic Bax protein, so that the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was elevated in the breast cancer cells at the time when the most prominent apoptosis was also observed. In conclusion, although the detailed mechanism for the anti-tumor activity of the P. cocos beta-glucan still needs further investigation, this study provides preliminary insights into its mode of action and perspectives of its development as a water-soluble anti-tumor agent.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1993

[Studies on chemical constituents from solvent extracts of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf].

Crystals I-N were isolated from the ethereal extracts of Poria cocos and identified respectively as O-acetyl-pachymic acid (I), 3 beta-hydroxy-lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-21-oic acid (II), beta-amyrin acetate (III) and 3 beta-hydroxy-16 alpha-acetoxy-lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-21-oic acid (N). Crystal III was obtained from P. cocos for the first time, and crystal N was newly discovered.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

PubMed2003

In vitro evaluation of antioxidant properties of Cocos nucifera Linn. water.

Tender Cocos nucifera L. (Palmacea) water (CW), variety Chandrasankara, was tested for its ability to scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation and protect hemoglobin from nitrite-induced oxidation. Fresh sample of CW scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and superoxide radicals but promoted the production of hydroxyl radicals and increased lipid peroxidation. The activity was most significant for fresh samples of CW and diminished significantly upon heat, acid or alkali treatment or dialysis. Maturity of coconut drastically decreased the scavenging ability of CW against DPPH, ABTS and superoxide radicals. CW protected hemoglobin from nitrite-induced oxidation to methemoglobin when added before the autocatalytic stage of the oxidation. Acid, alkali or heat treated or dialyzed CW showed a decreased ability in protecting hemoglobin from oxidation. The scavenging ability and protection of hemoglobin from oxidation may be partly attributed to the ascorbic acid, which is an important constituent of CW. As CW is a rich source of vitamins, amino acids and enzymes, etc., more than one active principle maybe involved.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Analysis of genetic diversity and population structure within Florida coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) germplasm using microsatellite DNA, with special emphasis on the Fiji Dwarf cultivar.

Using 15 simple sequence repeat (SSR) microsatellite DNA loci, we analyzed genetic variation within Cocos nucifera germplasm collections at two locations in south Florida, representing eight cultivars. The loci were also used in a parentage analysis of progeny of the 'Fiji Dwarf' variety at both locations. A total of 67 alleles were detected, with eight the highest number at any one locus. These loci identified 83 of the 110 individual palms. Gene diversity of the 15 loci ranged from 0.778 to 0.223, with a mean of 0.574. 'Fiji Dwarf', 'Malayan Dwarf', 'Green Niño' and 'Red Spicata' cultivars resolve as distinct clusters in a neighbor joining tree using modified Rogers distance, while the tall varieties form two aggregates. The highest gene diversity was found in the tall cultivars (H = 0.583 cumulatively), and the lowest in the 'Malayan Dwarf' (H = 0.202). After the tall coconuts, the 'Fiji Dwarf' was most genetically diverse (H = 0.436), and had the largest number of unique alleles. Genetic identity is highest among the 'Malayan Dwarf' phenotypes, and between the tall varieties. The 'Red Malayan Dwarf' is genetically distinct from the 'Green' and 'Yellow Malayan Dwarf' phenotypes, which cannot be distinguished with the SSR loci used. Off-type 'Malayan Dwarf' phenotypes (putative hybrids with talls) can be identified genotypically. Parentage analyses of 30 'Fiji Dwarf' progeny propagated from five adults surrounded by other cultivars estimate that only 20% of the progeny were out-crossed to the other varieties, while 40-46% were possible selfs. This suggests that a seed-production orchard of the variety maintained at reasonable distance from other varieties, will likely yield only 'Fiji Dwarf' genotypes. Our data are discussed in the context of hypotheses of coconut dissemination around the world.

Alleles↗

PubMed2006

Unfertilized ovary: a novel explant for coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) somatic embryogenesis.

Unfertilized ovaries isolated from immature female flowers of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) were tested as a source of explants for callogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. The correct developmental stage of ovary explants and suitable in vitro culture conditions for consistent callus production were identified. The concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and activated charcoal was found to be critical for callogenesis. When cultured in a medium containing 100 microM 2,4-D and 0.1% activated charcoal, ovary explants gave rise to 41% callusing. Embryogenic calli were sub-cultured into somatic embryogenesis induction medium containing 5 microM abscisic acid, followed by plant regeneration medium (with 5 microM 6-benzylaminopurine). Many of the somatic embryos formed were complete with shoot and root poles and upon germination they gave rise to normal shoots. However, some abnormal developments were also observed. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that all the calli tested were diploid. Through histological studies, it was possible to study the sequence of the events that take place during somatic embryogenesis including orientation, polarization and elongation of the embryos.

Cell Nucleus↗

PubMed1995

In vivo magnetic resonance study of the histochemistry of coconut (Cocos nucifera).

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and localized proton MR spectroscopy (MRS) techniques have been applied for studying different maturation processes in the histochemistry of coconut (Cocos nucifera). Images of the tender and mature coconut are characterized by protons of the aqueous solution present in the cavity and from the surrounding pulp, whereas the image of the dry coconut is from the protons of the fat present in the pulp. Localized proton MR spectra of the water present in the cavity from the tender and the mature coconut show several resonances due to different chemical constituents of coconut water, whereas typical spectra of the pulp from dry coconut reveal a profile of the hydrogens present in the saturated and unsaturated fatty acid chains. In addition, images obtained from a rancid coconut show the extent of internal damage and degradation due to fungal growth; the corresponding localized MR spectra of the coconut water reveal that several proton resonances are absent.

Cocos↗

PubMed2005

Profiling C6-C3 and C6-C1 phenolic metabolites in Cocos nucifera.

This paper reports the detection and identification of phenolic metabolites (C6-C3 and C6-C1 compounds) in Cocos nucifera. An HPLC/UV system was used to analyze the soluble and wall-associated phenolics in mesocarp and leaf tissues of C. nucifera. Alkaline hydrolysis of the cell wall material of the mesocarpic and leaf tissues yielded 4-hydroxybenzoic acid as the major phenolic compound. Other phenolic acids identified were ferulic acid, 4-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillic acid. No significant qualitative differences in composition were observed between leaf and mesocarp, but there were quantitative variations in the metabolite levels.

Cocos↗

PubMed2004

Leishmanicidal activity of polyphenolic-rich extract from husk fiber of Cocos nucifera Linn. (Palmae).

The available therapy for leishmaniasis, which affects 2 million people per annum, still causes serious side effects. The polyphenolic-rich extract from the husk fiber of Cocos nucifera Linn. (Palmae) presents antibacterial and antiviral activities, also inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation, as shown by our group in previous works. In the present study, the in vitro leishmanicidal effects of C. nucifera on Leishmania amazonensis were evaluated. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the polyphenolic-rich extract from C. nucifera to completely abrogate parasite growth was 10 microg/ml. Pretreatment of peritoneal mouse macrophages with 10 microg/ml of C. nucifera polyphenolic-rich extract reduced approximately 44% the association index between these macrophages and L. amazonensis promastigotes, with a concomitant increase of 182% in nitric oxide production by the infected macrophage in comparison to nontreated macrophages. These results provide new perspectives on drug development against leishmaniasis, since the extract of C. nucifera at 10 microg/ml is a strikingly potent leishmanicidal substance which inhibited the growth of both promastigote and amastigote developmental stages of L. amazonensis after 60 min, presenting no in vivo allergenic reactions or in vitro cytotoxic effects in mammalian systems.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Natural tritium levels in tender and ripe coconut fruit (Cocos nucifera L.): a preliminary examination.

Tissue Free Water Tritium concentrations (TFWT) were determined in tender coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water, ripe coconut water, and kernel milk water, and compared with the same in groundwater collected from the vicinity of the trees. Samples with a very low tritium content were enriched by the alkaline electrolysis method. All of the samples were analyzed for tritium content in an ultra-low level liquid scintillation spectrometer. The TFWT in kernel milk water was found to be approximately 20-40 times higher than that in the groundwater. The tritium concentration in descending order in these samples is: kernel milk water, ripe coconut water, tender coconut water, and groundwater. The concentration of tritium increases as the fruit grows and the significantly high concentration in the kernel milk water suggests enrichment during the growth of the fruit.

Cocos↗

PubMed1996

Immune responses following cocktails of inactivated measles vaccine and Arachis hypogaea L. (groundnut) or Cocos nucifera L. (coconut) oils adjuvant.

Haemagglutination inhibition (HAI), geometric mean titre (GMT) and lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) were measured following inoculation of Erythrocebus patas with inactivated measles vaccine (IMV) and oils of Arachis hypogaea L (GO), Cocos nucifera L (CO), Freund's complete and incomplete adjuvants (FCA, FIA). The GMT of HAI were: GO + IMV = 8.50 +/- 4.15: CO + IMV = 8.08 +/- 4.03; FCA + IMV = 7.67 +/- 4.08. FIA + IMV = 7.08 +/- 4.08 compared with controls of live measles vaccine (LMV) = 7.33 +/- 4.33 and IMV = 4.33 +/- 4.56. The mean stimulation ratio (SR) of lymphocyte transformation data were: GO + IMV = 109 69; CO + IMV = 58.47; FCA + IMV = 55.81. FIA + IMV = 55.48; LMV = 94.73; IMV = 55.64. The results when compared by a two-way multiple pairwise comparison of Tuskey's procedure at alpha = 0.05 showed that HAI antibody titres were not significantly different in all the groups under investigation. The lymphocyte transformation data for GO + IMV and LMV were identical but significantly different from the other groups. The study suggests that the oils under investigation, particularly the GO oil should be considered as an adjuvant with IMV after extensive study in humans; since it stimulated cellular immune response comparable to that of LMV. This is a promising alternative to the use of LMV in the tropical developing countries with poor storage facilities.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2002

Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of polyphenolics from Cocos nucifera Linn. (Palmae) husk fiber extract.

The decoction of Cocos nucifera L. husk fiber has been used in northeastern Brazil traditional medicine for treatment of diarrhea and arthritis. Water extract obtained from coconut husk fiber and fractions from adsorption chromatography revealed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The crude extract and one of the fractions rich in catechin also showed inhibitory activity against acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1-ACVr). All fractions were inactive against the fungi Candida albicans, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cryptococcus neoformans. Catechin and epicatechin together with condensed tannins (B-type procyanidins) were demonstrated to be the components of the water extract.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Glycaemic index of different coconut (Cocos nucifera)-flour products in normal and diabetic subjects.

The glycaemic index (GI) of commonly consumed bakery products supplemented with increasing levels of coconut (Cocos nucifera) flour was determined in ten normal and ten diabetic subjects. Using a randomized crossover design, the control and test foods were fed in random order on separate occasions after an overnight fast. Blood samples were collected through finger prick before and after feeding and were analysed for glucose levels using a clinical chemistry analyser. The significantly low-GI (<60) foods investigated were: macaroons (GI 45.7 (sem 3.0)) and carrot cake (GI 51.8 (sem 3.3)), with 200-250 g coconut flour/kg (P<0.05). The test foods with 150 g coconut flour/kg had GI ranging from 61.3 to 71.4. Among the test foods, pan de sal (GI 87.2 (sem 5.5)) and multigrain loaf (GI 85.2 (sem 6.8)) gave significantly higher GI with 50 and 100 g coconut flour/kg respectively (P<0.05). On the other hand, granola bar and cinnamon bread with 50 and 100 g coconut flour/kg respectively gave a GI ranging from 62.7 to 71.6 and did not differ significantly from the test foods with 150 g coconut flour/kg (P<0.05). A very strong negative correlation (r -0.85, n 11, P<0.005) was observed between the GI and dietary fibre content of the test foods supplemented with coconut flour. In conclusion, the GI of coconut flour-supplemented foods decreased with increasing levels of coconut flour and this may be due to its high dietary fibre content. The results of the present study may form a scientific basis for the development of coconut flour as a functional food. However, the fat content of coconut flour-supplemented food should always be considered to optimize the functionality of coconut fibre in the proper control and management of diabetes mellitus.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in Cocos nucifera L.

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were isolated from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and tested for polymorphism on restricted germplasm. Sequencing of 197 clones from a cv. Tagnanan Tall-enriched genomic library showed that 75% contained a microsatellite, of which 64% were dinucleotide (GA/CT, CA/GT and GC/CG), 6% were trinucleotide, and 30% were compound repeats. Of 41 primer pairs tested on Tagnanan Tall genomic DNA, 38 gave the expected size product, two amplified two loci, and another gave a multilocus pattern. On 20 coconut samples, the 38 SSRs detected 198 alleles (average: 5.2 alleles per microsatellite). Genetic diversity (D = 1 - sigma pi2) values ranged from 0.141 to 0.809. Heterozygotes were present at high frequencies among some dwarf samples. Analysis of similarity matrices based either on shared alleles at each locus (simple matching coefficient) or on allele bands across all loci (Jaccard coefficient) showed similar results. Dwarfs grouped separately from talls and showed less genetic diversity. In a wider test on 40 samples, 8 SSRs detected 64 alleles (average: eight alleles per microsatellite). These results indicate the high potential of microsatellites to detect genetic diversity in coconut germplasm.

Cocos↗

PubMed2000

Use of microsatellite DNA markers to investigate the level of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.).

We have used eight pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers to analyse the genetic diversity in 130 individuals of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) comprising 75 tall individuals and 55 dwarf individuals, representing 94 different coconut ecotypes throughout the world. A total of 51 alleles were detected, with an average of 6.4 alleles per locus. Fifty alleles were detected in tall coconuts (talls; mean alleles/locus 6.3) compared with only 26 (mean/locus 3.3) in dwarfs, and the average diversity value in talls (0.589) was also significantly higher than that in dwarfs (0.348). Using the eight SSRs we were able to uniquely discriminate 116 of the 130 individuals. A phenetic tree based on DAD (absolute distance) values clustered individuals into five groups, each mainly composed of either talls or dwarfs. These results provide evidence in support of previous hypotheses concerning the dissemination of coconut, as well as important new information for conservation and breeding purposes.

Cocos↗

PubMed1994

Placebo-controlled immunotherapy with Cocos nucifera pollen extract.

The effectiveness of Cocos nucifera pollen extract immunotherapy (CPE-IT) was studied in 96 patients allergic to C. nucifera pollen. A placebo-controlled study was performed at random for a period of 6-12 months. The clinical status of the patients measured by the symptom-medication scores demonstrated that C. nucifera pollen-allergic patients had significant (p < 0.005) clinical improvement after CPE-IT in comparison to placebo treatment. Serological study resulted a significant reduction (p < 0.001) of specific IgE and significant elevation (p < 0.01) of specific IgG in post-therapeutic patients' sera which were correlated significantly (r = 0.45, p < 0.001); the changes of the above immunoglobulin levels in the placebo-treated patients were nonsignificant. However, there was no correlation between symptom-medication scores and changes in specific serum IgE or IgG levels.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Construction of a linkage map of the Rennell Island Tall coconut type (Cocos nucifera L.) and QTL analysis for yield characters.

AFLP and SSR DNA markers were used to construct a linkage map in the coconut (Cocos nucifera L.; 2n = 32) type Rennell Island Tall (RIT). A total of 227 markers were arranged into 16 linkage groups. The total genome length corresponded to 1971 cM for the RIT map, with 5-23 markers per linkage group. QTL analysis for yield characters in two consecutive sampling periods identified nine loci. Three and two QTLs were detected for number of bunches and one and three QTLs for number of nuts. The correlation of trait values between characters and evaluation periods is partially reflected in identical QTLs. The QTLs represent characters that are important in coconut breeding. The cosegregation of markers with these QTLs provides an opportunity for marker-assisted selection in coconut breeding programmes.

Chromosome Mapping↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and the preparation of a milk substitute].

Coconut (Cocos nucifera, L.) is an abundant product in Brazil. The authors studied the use of the protein fraction to prepare "milk-substitute" beverages. The analyses were made on albumen, copra and cake. Protein coconut extraction was tried with water; NaCl solutions in different concentrations; HCl and NaOH solutions in different concentrations; HCl and NaOH solutions at different pH values. The extracted proteins were analysed for aminoacid composition and chemical score. The best results of protein extraction were obtained with NaCl 1 M solution using the ratio 100:75 (coconut:solution). The extracted proteins were coagulated with trichloroacetic acid and separated with water and analysed for aminoacid composition and solubility.

Amino Acids↗