Introduction: The World Health Organization has predicted that the death caused by cancer
may rise to a high rate of about 11.5 million in the year 2030. Cocos nucifera juice (Coconut
water) is a known refreshing and nutritious beverage which is widely consumed traditionally
for its nutritious and medicinal properties. Though assumptions traditionally suggest that it
may also have an anticancer property, it is important to scientifically evaluate this property.
The aim of this study is to ascertain if C. nucifera juice has an antproliferative effect.
Methods: The study was carried-out on rapid proliferating seeds (Sorghum bicolor) and the
mean radicle lengths (mm) was taken after 48 and 72 hours.
Results: The control group had an unrestricted progressive proliferation throughout the
study. Methotrexate elicited significant (P<0.001) antiproliferative effect, with percentage
inhibition of 73.9 and 87.6% after 48 and 72 hours. C. nucifera juice 20% v/v concentration
gave significant (P<0.01) inhibitory effect of 49.9% after 72 hours. C. nucifera juice 40% v/v
gave a significant (P<0.01) effect of 46% and a more significant (P<0.001) effect of 49.7%
after 48 and 72 hours. C. nucifera juice 60% v/v had high significant (P<0.001) activity after
48 and 72 hours, giving inhibitory effect of 55.3% and 80%, respectively. C. nucifera juice
and methotrexate combination had a good synergic effect, eliciting significant (P<0.001)
inhibitory effect of 73.4% and 80% after 48 and 72 hours, respectively.
Conclusion: The experimental results have unveiled that C. nucifera juice has a potential for
eliciting antiproliferative effect
