Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae): A phytochemical and pharmacological review

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the “coconuttree” and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history,humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animalshave traditionally been the main sources of drugs. The constituents of C.nucifera have some biological effects, such as antihelminthic,anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, andantitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review thephytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C.nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using thisplant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientificdatabases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific ElectronicLibrary Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studiesdemonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic,antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such asantihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective,antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, andanti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C.nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of theplant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.