A Combination of Virgin Coconut Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Elicits Superior Protection Against Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity in Rats

Objectives: The use of the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin (DOX) is associated with free radical formation that may lead to cardiotoxicity. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are plant-based oil that is rich in antioxidants. This study examined the protective effects of VCO and EVOO combination to reduce DOX acute cardiotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five male rats (180-200 g) were divided into the following groups: Group I as a control, group II was given DOX i.p. injection of 25 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), group III to V received peroral administration of either VCO, EVOO or VCO-EVOO (1:1) combination at a dose of 10 mL/kg b.w. for 6 days before receiving DOX i.p. injection. After 24 hours from DOX injection, blood samples and organs were collected. Cardiac biomarkers, such as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) were analyzed followed by histopathological examination. Results: The administration of EVOO alone was found to reduce the marked elevation of SGOT, LDH, and CKMB levels in DOX-treated rats (p<0.05), while VCO administration only significantly reduced LDH and CKMB levels. However, when both oils were used in combination, the protective effect was shown to be more powerful since all cardiac biomarker levels were maintained at near-normal levels (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis showed a significant improvement in the myocardial tissue structures after pre-treatment with VCO-EVOO combination.