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.