1. Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae): A phytochemical and pharmacological review.
- Author
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Lima EB, Sousa CN, Meneses LN, Ximenes NC, Santos Júnior MA, Vasconcelos GS, Lima NB, Patrocínio MC, Macedo D, and Vasconcelos SM
- Subjects
- Analgesics pharmacology, Animals, Anti-Inflammatory Agents pharmacology, Anticonvulsants pharmacology, Antihypertensive Agents pharmacology, Bone and Bones drug effects, Cocos toxicity, Humans, Hypoglycemic Agents pharmacology, Anti-Infective Agents pharmacology, Cocos chemistry, Phytotherapy, Plant Extracts pharmacology, Protective Agents pharmacology
- Abstract
Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the "coconut tree" and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animals have 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, and antitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C. nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using this plant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studies demonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C. nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.
- Published
- 2015
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