This is a balanced, open-label, single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study of virgin coconut oil (VCO) among healthy Filipino male adults 18-45 years of age in Dasmariñas, Cavite. This study aims to determine the rate and extent of absorption of virgin coconut oil (VCO) administered in healthy male human study participants under fed conditions in single and multiple doses and to monitor the safety and tolerability of virgin coconut oil (VCO) following the standard protocol developed by the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI).
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) will be administered with 240 ml water and standardized food on dosing periods, with a 5-day interval between the single-dose (0.6 ml/kg body weight) and the multiple-dose (1.2 ml/kg body weight divided into three doses daily) study periods. For the single-dose study, blood for PK analysis will be collected at pre-dose (-0.5 and 0 hours), then at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, and 24 hour/s post-dose. For the multiple-dose study, blood samples will be collected on the last day of dosing before the 2nd dose (at -0.5 and 0 hours), and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, and 24 hour/s post-dose. Sample collection will be continued after the last multiple dose at the following time points: 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours. In addition, pre-dose blood samples will be collected daily from Day 8-12 to determine trough plasma concentrations and the approach to steady state. Blood samples will be sent to the Ateneo De Manila University (AdMU) for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Established primary and secondary endpoints for pharmacokinetics and safety and tolerability will be evaluated. This study is necessary to establish human data on the pharmacokinetics of virgin coconut oil (VCO).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
16
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) will be administered with 240 mL water and standardized food during dosing periods.While the participant is standing up, each dose will be administered orally with at least 240 mL of water and standardized meal after an overnight fast of at least 10 hours on each occasion. The time of dosing will be recorded to the nearest minute in the case report form (CRF). No other liquid or solid food intake is permitted during this time. Fluid intake will be ad libitum 4 hours post-dose. There will be a washout interval of 7 days between the single- and multiple-dose studies. Participants will not be permitted to take any prescribed medication or over-the-counter products (including vitamins and herbal supplements) within 14 days prior to dosing or during the course of the study.
Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI)
City of Taguig, National Capital Region, Philippines
Pharmacokinetics (AUC0-t)
Area under the concentration-time curve from administration to the last observed concentration at time t hr
Time frame: 25 days
Pharmacokinetics (Cmax)
Maximum plasma concentration
Time frame: 25 days
Pharmacokinetics (AUC0-inf)
Area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity
Time frame: 25 days
Pharmacokinetics (tmax)
Time to Cmax
Time frame: 25 days
Pharmacokinetics (Kel)
Terminal elimination rate constant
Time frame: 25 days
Pharmacokinetics (t1/2)
Terminal half-life
Time frame: 25 days
Vital Signs (Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure)
This measures the force of blood against artery walls and can indicate cardiovascular health, risk of stroke, and other conditions like hypertension or hypotension.
Time frame: 25 days
Vital Signs (Pulse rate)
This measures the heart rate and rhythm, indicating the heart's health and overall circulatory system efficiency. An irregular or abnormal pulse can indicate cardiac issues or other systemic health problems.
Time frame: 25 days
Vital Signs (Body temperature)
Body temperature is a crucial indicator of metabolic and thermoregulatory function. Abnormal temperatures can indicate infections, inflammations, hormonal imbalances, or reactions to medication.
Time frame: 25 days
Vital Signs (Respiratory rate)
Observing the rate, depth, and pattern of breaths, respiration rate can reveal issues related to lung function and oxygenation and can even signal distress or anxiety.
Time frame: 25 days
Safety and Tolerability (Adverse events)
Adverse events
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Fasting Blood Sugar Test)
Fasting Blood Sugar Test is a blood test that measures the blood sugar level in the body after at least 8 hours of fasting without food or water.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Blood Urea Nitrogen Test)
The blood urea nitrogen test also called the BUN test measures the urea nitrogen in the blood. It is recommended to diagnose kidney diseases.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Creatinine)
A Creatinine test checks the level of this chemical in either the blood or urine. Creatinine levels can provide an indicator of how well the kidneys are working.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Uric Acid)
Uric Acid test measures the levels of Uric Acid in the blood. Uric Acid is a nitrogenous compound that is formed as a by-product of metabolic activities and has been eliminated by the kidneys. This test is done to analyse gout and to measure the efficacy of medication that lowers Uric Acid.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase Test)
The Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) or Alanine Aminotransferase Test (ALT) assesses liver health, detecting liver damage, hepatitis, or monitoring conditions affecting the liver.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Serum Glutamic-oxaloacetic Transaminase Test)
A serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the levels of the enzyme AST in the blood to assess liver health. It is recommended in case of symptoms of the liver disorder, such as pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and yellow skin (jaundice).
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Alkaline Phosphatase Test)
The Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the Alkaline Phosphatase levels in the blood. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is found in various tissues throughout the body. The maximum concentrations of ALP are present in the cells of the bone and liver. Usually, raised levels of ALP are caused by liver disease or bone disorders.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (TPAG- Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin Ratio Test)
A total protein and A/G ratio test is often included as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, a test that measures proteins and other substances in the blood. It may also be used to help diagnose kidney disease, liver disease, or nutritional problems.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Indirect, Direct and Total Bilirubin)
Bilirubin test measures the levels of bilirubin in the blood. Higher than usual levels of bilirubin may indicate different types of liver or bile duct problems. Sometimes, higher bilirubin levels may be caused by an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Lipid Profile - High-density lipoprotein, Low-density lipoprotein, Cholesterol and Triglycerides)
A complete cholesterol test - also called a lipid panel or lipid profile - is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. A cholesterol test can help determine the risk of the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout the body (atherosclerosis). Results that fall outside the reference range, especially those above the upper normal level, may indicate the presence of disease or a need for further testing.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Lipase Test)
This test measures the amount of lipase in the blood. Lipase is an enzyme that is made by the pancreas. It helps the body digest fats. Higher levels of lipase may mean that one has a problem with the pancreas. Most often this means acute pancreatitis, or sudden inflammation of the pancreas.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Amylase Test)
Tests for amylase in blood or urine are mainly used to diagnose problems with the pancreas, including pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. It is also used to monitor chronic (long-term) pancreatitis.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Complete Blood Count with Platelet Count Test)
A complete blood count is a common blood test that is often part of a routine checkup. Complete blood counts can help detect a variety of disorders including infections, anemia, diseases of the immune system, and blood cancers.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Complete Urinalysis)
A urinalysis is a common test that can assess many different aspects of one's health with a urine sample. Healthcare providers often use urinalysis tests to screen for or monitor certain health conditions and to diagnose urinary tract infections.
Time frame: 25 days
Post Study Evaluation (Fecalysis)
A fecalysis is a series of tests done on a stool (feces) sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract.
Time frame: 25 days
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