No evidence, coconut water, bitter leaf, cures kidney other diseases

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Lilian Adaora Udodi

 Claim: A social media user alleges coconut water and fresh bitter leaf juice cure kidney and liver disease and low sperm count.

Verdict: Insufficient evidence. Even though coconut water and bitter leaf have nutritional and health value, there is no sufficient evidence they can be relied on as medication for treating renal and liver failure or low sperm count in humans.  

Full Text

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the back on either side of the spine. The kidneys clean waste products from the blood by making urine. They are responsible for balancing certain elements in the blood, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium, and they produce hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cells. Kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition impairs kidney function, causing kidney damage to worsen over time. 

Similarly, liver disease is any condition that damages the liver and prevents it from functioning well. The liver is one of the largest internal organs in the body. It is located above the stomach in the upper right portion of the stomach area. 

Low sperm count is one of many factors involved in reproduction, and the number of sperm in your semen is only one. Even if you have enough sperm, other factors are important to achieve a pregnancy, such as normal sperm movement (motility). Men with low sperm counts are usually unable to father children. 

A Facebook page, Natural Remedy Home, claimed that coconut water and bitter leaf juice can cure kidney and liver disease. The post made on March 2, 2024, also alleged that the remedy can cure low sperm count in three weeks or less. The video, which has garnered 1400 views and 79 likes, had comments like, “Thanks for sharing, dear,” from followers.

Considering the post’s virality and its implication on public health, DUBAWA sought to verify it.

Verification

Can coconut water and bitter leaf juice cure kidney, liver disease and low sperm count? What research says:

According to Jo Williams, a registered nutritionist, in an article titled “The benefits of coconut water,” states that research on animals suggests that coconut water contains compounds that have protective antioxidants known as phytonutrients, which benefit animals, ranging from decreased cholesterol markers to improved liver health. 

Williams, however, warns: “If you have renal failure or kidney condition that requires you to manage your potassium intake, it may not be a regular source of hydration.”

Similarly, a study found that the bitter leaf used in experimental animals could be used in managing diabetes mellitus. Traditional medical practitioners, herbalists, and local healers in West Africa recommend bitter leaves for their patients. The beneficial use of bitter leaf extract in animal nutrition in Nigeria has been well documented. 

However, according to the National Library of Medicine, the unrefined nature of the herbal preparations, coupled with the apparent lack of specificity or precision in the application of the plant in traditional medicine, could lead to overdosage of the herbal medicine, which can result in the accumulation of essential and non-essential plant ingredients in the human system. The accumulation can reach a toxic level, especially in the systems of people who rely heavily on unrefined herbal products, with severe consequences on their biochemical and genetic systems.

Experts opinion 

Dr Johnson Udodi, a senior registrar at National Hospital, Abuja, states that although the International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine has acknowledged many anecdotal claims of the therapeutic effects of bitter leaf as well different products derivable from coconuts, there is no readily available direct evidence from a well-structured scientific study to prove that these items cure kidney or any disease and low sperm count. 

He also adds that further research along this line could hold promise for the possibility of human tests in future. 

Dr David Agbawan, who is also a senior registrar and chief resident Doctor in the department of anaesthesia at National Hospital, Abuja, alluded that:

“There may be many claims of cure of diseases using herbal products, but they remain in the realm of speculation until scientific evidence of health benefit is provided. Indeed, some of these herbal products may be harmful to the liver and kidneys. There is no evidence that coconut water and bitter leaf can cure liver, kidney and low sperm count. I urge the public to be aware of the source of their health information.” 

Conclusion

While research has shown that coconut and bitter leaves may cure high blood pressure, kidney disease and other related ailments in animals, there is no scientific evidence about their potency in humans or in improving low sperm count.

*The researcher produced this fact-check per the DUBAWA 2024 Kwame Karikari Fellowship, in partnership with Premium Times/UNILAG, to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.