PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF COCO NUT (COCOS NUCIFERA) OIL: A REVIEW
Akah PA1*, Nwagu TS2
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 10(1): 43-60; June/July 2018
ABSTRACT
Coconut tree termed “Tree of Life” is the only palm that produces coconut and is known for its therapeutic, traditional, spiritual, nutritional, cosmetic and industrial values. In addition, coconut oil has been shown to have pharmacological benefits and nutritional values. Coconut oil is a good source of physiologically active natural compounds such as lauric acid (monolaurin), medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and polyphenols. Among the refined and unrefined coconut oil, virgin coconut oil is considered the best coconut oil because it is refined naturally and has the highest polyphenol content, and should be considered as part of a healthy balanced diet. It is pharmacologically active and has been reported to possess antibacterial, antiviral, anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-obese, anti-oxidative and anti- inflammatory and other properties. This review x-rayed some of the pharmacological and therapeutic benefits of coconut oil.
KEYWORDS: Coconut oil, Cocus nucifera, medium-chain fatty acids, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-lipidemic
Email of correspondence: peter.akah@unn.edu.ng