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Summary
A Facebook group, Natural Remedy Home, shared a video claiming that mixing coconut water with bitter leaf juice can help boost ovulation. While both bitter leaf and coconut water offer general nutritional benefits to the body, medical research is uncertain about their effects on ovulation.
Claim
On Oct. 26, 2024, a Facebook group user, Natural Remedy Home, claimed that drinking the mixture of bitter leaf juice and coconut water for three days following menstruation can boost ovulation, thereby aiding fertility. The post had a significant engagement, receiving 77 likes and 22 comments. While ovulation and fertility are sensitive issues, fact-checking is crucial to prevent misinformation, ensure health safety, and avoid giving false hope to women seeking reliable fertility solutions.
NFM Checks
Ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, typically occurs 12–16 days before the next period. At this time, some women may experience pain in their lower abdomen or a change in discharge colour and consistency.
During ovulation, part of the ovary called the ovarian follicle discharges an egg. The egg is also an ovum, oocyte, or female gamete. It is only released on reaching maturity. The egg then travels down the fallopian tube, where it may encounter a sperm and become fertilised. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus controls ovulation and the release of hormones during the menstrual cycle. The hypothalamus sends signals instructing the anterior lobe and pituitary gland to secrete luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Bitter leaf, scientifically known as vernonia amygdalina, is a plant native to tropical Africa and is particularly common in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Uganda. It contains vitamins A, C, E, B1 and B12. It is also rich in quinine, a compound demonstrated to cure malaria and clean the liver, lymphatic system, and lungs. The antioxidant in bitter leaf contributes to positive gastric effects that protect from stomach ulcers. Historically, it is used in traditional medicine to treat the bacterial infection typhoid fever.
In a study on the effect of supplementing diets of scent leaf and bitter leaf on hormonal levels and reproductive performance of rabbits, it was found that diets supplemented with scent leaf and bitter leaf improved reproductive performance in rabbits by regulating hormones like luteinising hormone (LH) and testosterone, which are essential for ovulation, sexual activity, and sperm production. Female rabbits showed increased sexual receptivity, higher conception rates, and larger litter sizes, while male rabbits exhibited enhanced sperm production and sexual behaviour. However, no such research exists for women. Also, some traditional beliefs suggest that bitter leaf can support reproductive health, but no clinical research conclusively links bitter leaf consumption to enhanced ovulation.
On the other hand, coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, which can support hydration and overall well-being. Coconut water is the liquid in the centre of a young, green coconut that helps nourish the fruit. As the coconut matures, which takes around 10–12 months, some liquid remains while the rest ripens into the solid white flesh known as coconut meat. Coconut water contains several nutrients beyond potassium, including calcium and magnesium. Research shows that coconut water contains many nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phyto-hormones. It also highlights its antioxidant, medicinal, and potential anti-cancer properties, making it a promising option for improving human health and combating the effects of modern diets.
While further studies are needed to fully understand its components and applications, coconut water remains a versatile and beneficial remedy for hydration and overall well-being. A study on female rats found that coconut water may support more regular reproductive cycles, possibly enhancing fertility by making eggs more available for fertilisation. While it’s often recommended for hydration and may support general health, coconut water has not been proven to affect ovulation or increase fertility in women.
NFM also contacted healthcare practitioner Nike Oshidipe, who gave her expert opinion.
“Before modern medicine was introduced, our forefathers took care of their health using traditional remedies. These concoctions may contain constituents that help balance female hormones, but research is still needed to understand the right quantities and how they might affect the liver or kidneys.”
While she acknowledges the potential for beneficial ingredients in traditional practices, she emphasises the need for more scientific research to avoid risks such as organ damage from overuse.
NFM also consulted Dr Favour Nwafor, who shared her expert insights on ovulation and fertility:
“Ovulation is the process where an egg is released into the fallopian tube. If you’re menstruating regularly, it generally means you’re ovulating. However, stress, lifestyle, diet, and hormonal imbalances can affect ovulation. To address hormonal issues, doctors typically recommend specific medications to boost hormone production.
“Traditional remedies like bitter leaf or coconut water are not effective. This is because ovulation is driven by hormones that are naturally produced by humans or animals and not substances found in plants. Issues with ovulation often arise in women who aren’t menstruating. For those who are menstruating, these remedies aren’t necessary.”
Conclusion
There is currently no scientific evidence that directly links drinking a mixture of coconut water and bitter leaf juice to improved ovulation or increased fertility. While some traditional beliefs suggest potential benefits for reproductive health, these claims lack support from clinical studies, making them unverified by evidence-based medicine. Experts also reveal that the claim is false.
When it comes to health issues relating to fertility, it is advisable to consult a doctor, health professional or qualified fertility specialist. Eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, having regular medical consultations, and managing stress levels can help improve reproductive health.
Naija Feminists Media is committed to fighting gendered disinformation and misinformation that concerns women. Read more of our fact checks here.
