Nutritional Profiles, Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity and DNA Damage Protection of Makapuno Derived from Thai Aromatic Coconut

Abstract

Makapuno is a natural mutant coconut cultivar with jelly-like endosperm. Here, we investigated the nutritional compositions, active ingredients, and antioxidant activities of Makapuno meat and water. The contents of macronutrients, sugars, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids were reported. We found that Makapuno meat has higher dietary fiber with lower protein and fat content compared to normal coconut meat. Medium-chain fatty acids were the major fat component of Makapuno meat and water. Phytochemical analysis revealed that while flavonoid content was lower, the total phenolic, alkaloid, and tannin contents of Makapuno meat were comparable with those of mature coconut. However, Makapuno water contained higher alkaloid content when compared to mature and young coconuts. The antioxidant activities, as examined by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, showed that Makapuno meat and water had antioxidant activities, and Makapuno water exhibited protective activity against DNA damage. Hence, this research provides the nutraceutical importance of Makapuno, which could be used in the food industry.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extracts of coconut meat (Cocos nucifera L)

“…The FTIR spectra of AgNPs synthesized using coconut inflorescence sap surprisingly showed peaks in similar positions (2990 cm −1 , 2912 cm −1 , 1100 cm −1 ); these peaks were attributed to CH 2 stretching vibration of the pyrrole ring and C–C–CH 2 linkage of a long carbon 71 , 72 . Earlier studies have reported coconut meat and coconut water as rich sources of dietary fibers, proteins, amino acids, and alkaloids, which authenticates the present findings 73 , 74 .…”

“…The phytochemical analysis in this study shows the presence of phytoconstituents that have also been reported earlier 48,73,94 . In a previous study, phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of coconut endosperm showed tannins, saponins, resins, and alkaloids 73,94 .…”

“…The phytochemical analysis in this study shows the presence of phytoconstituents that have also been reported earlier 48,73,94 . In a previous study, phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extract of coconut endosperm showed tannins, saponins, resins, and alkaloids 73,94 . Another investigation also showed alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, and saponins in the cotyledons of coconut and inflorescence 48,72 .…”

“…Another investigation also showed alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, and saponins in the cotyledons of coconut and inflorescence 48,72 . Previous reports highlight the fact that AgNPs are surrounded by a fine layer of organic molecules, which substantiates the role of phytochemicals as capping ligands 30,73 . The FTIR spectrum also revealed similar bioactive molecules, which confirms the phytochemical findings.…”

“…The results of DPPH assays were quite comparable to ABTS, reducing power, and OH scavenging assays with minor differences, which is in agreement with previous antioxidant studies involving phytofabricated AgNPs 70 , 76 . The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity of young and mature coconut meat and water ranged between 32 and 91% 73 ; coconut cotyledon extracts exhibited 88% antioxidant activity at 1000 mg/ml 48 . These studies are in agreement with the present findings.…”