Coconut Water as a Neuroprotective Agent: Mitigating Lead-Induced Cognitive and Motor Deficits through Antioxidant and Phytochemical Mechanisms

Background: Exposure to lead is a significant public health problem since it has neurotoxic effects resulting in cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Objectives: The study investigated the phytochemical composition of coconut water, establish its effect on cognitive and motor functions, and evaluate its effect on oxidative stress biomarkers in lead-exposed Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were assigned into six groups: Control, Lead-only, Low-dose Coconut Water, High-dose Coconut Water, Lead + Low-dose coconut water, and Lead + High-dose Coconut Water. Lead acetate (10 mg/kg) was orally administered for 28 days to induce neurotoxicity, and coconut water (1 mL or 2 mL) was administered. Neurobehavioral experiments like the navigation maze test, elevated plus maze, and hand grip test were conducted. Oxidative stress indicators like Malondialdehyde, catalase, and glutathione were estimated in brain tissue homogenates. Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis were conducted to identify bioactive compounds in coconut water. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides, with antioxidant and neuroprotective potential, in coconut water. GC-MS screening showed the presence of nitrogenous compounds, which increase cognitive function as well as synaptic plasticity. Lead exposure severely impaired cognition and motor behavior, while supplementation with coconut water improved performance in a dose-dependent fashion. Coconut water reduced MDA levels and increased CAT and GSH activity, indicating enhanced antioxidant defense against oxidative stress. Conclusion: Coconut water displayed significant neuroprotective action. Due to its high content of phytochemicals, it is a potential natural, low-cost drug for the prevention of neurotoxicity.