Cocos nucifera (Coconut Palm): A Holistic Appraisal of Its Bioactive Compounds, Therapeutic Potential, Industrial Utility, and Role in Sustainability

Abstract

Cocos nucifera, commonly known as the coconut palm or the "tree of life," is a versatile plant with significant nutritional, therapeutic, industrial, and ecological importance. This review highlights the bioactive compounds, health benefits, industrial applications, and sustainability contributions of the coconut tree. A comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect was conducted using standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings reveal that coconut-derived phenolics, flavonoids, cytokinins, and medium-chain fatty acids contribute to robust antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anti-cancer activities, supported by assays such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and Anti-inflammatory. Virgin coconut oil demonstrates superior free-radical scavenging compared to refined oil due to its rich phenolic and lauric acid content, while coconut water shows significant cytoprotective and anti-ageing effects attributed to its cytokinins. Industrially, husk and shell by-products are valorized into bio-composites, activated carbon, biochar, and construction materials, advancing principles of the circular economy. In agriculture, coir pith enhances soil fertility and water retention, while copra meal serves as a protein-rich livestock feed. Emerging frontiers include nanotechnology, where coconut-derived carbon and nanocellulose are applied in drug delivery, water purification, and tissue engineering. Despite promising laboratory and preclinical results, translational research gaps remain, particularly in clinical validation of coconut’s anti-cancer and metabolic benefits. Overall, this review highlights the coconut tree as a holistic bioresource with potential to address global challenges in health, sustainability, and renewable innovation, underscoring its enduring role as a “tree of life.”

KEYWORDS: Antioxidant activity, circular economy, natural therapeutics, sustainable agriculture, Coconut tree