Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Potential of Coconut Inflorescence Sap

Abstract

Background: The coconut palm is so much more than just a tree; because all of this is essential with medicinal benefits. Coconut inflorescence sap (CIS) is the sweet, oyster-white colored, non-fermented juice tapped from the immature coconut spadix. Coconut products are widely used in Indian folk medicine for their effects on hemorrhaging, bronchitis, antimicrobial, radical scavenging, analgesics, anti-inflammation, anthelmintics, and immunotherapies. Many studies reported the fantastic health benefit of the coconut palm tree. The coconut inflorescence has cytoprotective and antihyperglycemic properties [Renjith, R.S. et al., 2013]. But not many systematic studies have been conducted on Coconut Inflorescence Sap. The objective of the present study is to analyze the nutritional components, detect the mineral composition, perform preliminary phytochemical screening, and find out biologically active compounds using FTIR Spectrum analysis and LCMS analysis. Materials and Methods: CIS’s nutritional components and mineral content analysis were done following the standard procedures. The phytochemical screening, FTIR Spectrum analysis, and LCMS analysis are also done to confirm the health benefits of CIS. Results: CIS exhibited a significant amount of micro and macronutrients. The Phytochemical analysis also showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, steroids, phenols, and glycosides. The LCMS Spectrum analysis of CIS shows the presence of biologically significant compounds, namely 4-HydroxyCoumarin, P-Coumaric acid, Mellein, Leucopelargonidin, Coumarin, 3 Caffeoylquinic acid, Ferulic acid 4-O-Glucosidase and also three essential aminoacids L-Phenylalanine, L-isoleucine and D-Tryptophan. Conclusion: The nutritional composition, active phytochemical constituents, and polyphenolic compounds of CIS showed that CIS has a significant beneficial effect in upgrading the antioxidant status. CIS is a natural drink with effective antioxidant potential. Concerning the nutrient composition, mineral and amino acid composition, and scavenging assays, it would be possible to exploit this natural drink in clinical therapy.