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Influence of coconut water on hemostasis
1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Heidelberg at Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 12, 2001
Summary
Coconut water (CNW) and saline (PS) similarly affect blood clotting when used intravenously. Both solutions reduced clot strength, with no significant difference between CNW and PS in this in vitro study.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Medical Fluid Therapy
Background:
- Coconut water (CNW) is explored for intravenous hydration and resuscitation.
- Understanding CNW's effect on plasma coagulation is crucial for its clinical application.
- Thrombelastography (TEG) is a valuable tool for assessing hemostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro influence of coconut water on plasma coagulation.
- To compare the hemostatic effects of CNW with physiological saline (PS).
Main Methods:
- Citrated plasma from 8 healthy volunteers was diluted with either CNW or PS.
- Coagulation parameters were evaluated using thrombelastography (TEG).
- Key TEG metrics analyzed included split point, reaction time, and maximum amplitude (MA).
Main Results:
- Neither CNW nor PS affected coagulation initiation (split point, reaction time) up to 50% plasma replacement.
- Both CNW and PS dose-dependently reduced fibrin clot strength (MA).
- Replacing 50% plasma with CNW reduced MA by 39%, while PS reduced it by 32%.
Conclusions:
- The impact of coconut water on hemostasis, as assessed by TEG, is comparable to physiological saline.
- CNW does not appear to possess unique pro-coagulant or anti-coagulant properties relative to PS in vitro.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the clinical implications of CNW in resuscitation.