Biological activity of the Cocos Nucifera l. and its profile in the treatment of diseases : a review

The Cocos nucifera is a palm tree known as coconut. This review has analyzed the scientific production on the biological activity of this plant species in the treatment of diseases. We have included 14 papers through search in databases, in the period from 2002 to 2011. The results have indicated that most of the studies were published in international journals, however, produced by Brazilian citizens. In the analysis, it was found that nine papers describe the biological activities of bark fibers and fruit peels of the C. nucifera. This plant has the following therapeutic indications: antioxidant, antimicrobial, leishmanicide, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antineoplastic, pro-inflammatory and non-toxic in addition to treating diabetes and prostatic hyperplasia. Future investigations should be developed in the search for further biological activities and consolidation of the previously reported, aiming applicability of this plant, with a view to obtaining less aggressive treatments for the human being