Synergistic Effects of Combined Tiger Nut, Date Fruit and Coconut Extracts on Endogenous Antioxidant Defense Systems and Oxidative Stress Regulation in Wistar Rats

Tamuno-Boma Odinga-Israel, Iyaeneomi Daka, Christine Gabriel-Brisibe, Sarah Enebeli, Iyingiala Austin-Asomeji, Barizoge Lemii and Felicia Edward

Background and Objective: Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, aging and inflammatory conditions. Natural products rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins and bioactive lipids have attracted considerable interest as natural antioxidants. This study evaluated the biochemical antioxidant and oxidative stress-modulatory effects of a synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut), Phoenix dactylifera (date fruit) and Cocos nucifera (coconut) (STDC) in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Acute oral toxicity was assessed using Lorke’s method. Fifteen male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 5): A control group and two treatment groups receiving STDC at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight orally for 21 days. Serum antioxidant biomarkers, including reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were determined using standard biochemical methods. Results: The oral LD₅₀ of STDC was >2404.2 mg/kg, indicating relative safety. The STDC administration enhanced endogenous antioxidant defense by increasing CAT, SOD and GSH activities compared with the control group. The 200 mg/kg dose produced the highest GSH concentration (1.360 mg/dL), whereas CAT activity was greatest in the 400 mg/kg group. Furthermore, MDA levels were markedly reduced in both treatment groups, indicating decreased lipid peroxidation and attenuation of oxidative damage. Overall, STDC improved cellular redox status and free radical scavenging capacity. Conclusion: The synergistic combination of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera exhibits potent antioxidant activity by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses and suppressing lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that STDC has potential as a functional nutraceutical for the prevention and management of oxidative stress-related disorders.

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