Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Staminate Flower of <i>Cocos nucifera</i> L

Abstract

Background: Despite the medicinal value of the staminate flower of coconut (Cocos nucifera L) there is no data available in the archives for botanical as well as chemical standardisation of flowers of C. nucifera. Aim: Pharmacognostic characters and a phytochemical parameter can be used as a quality standard for authentication of the flower of C. nucifera and detection of adulteration. Methods: Pharmacognostic and phytochemical standardisation of the staminate flower of Cocos nucifera L. was performed as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. It includes studies like morpho-anatomical, powder analysis, preliminary phytochemical evaluation and HPTLC fingerprinting of the flower of C. nucifera. The solvent system in HPTLC studies was Toluene: Chloroform: Ethanol (4:4:1 v/v/v) powder analysis, histochemical test, and preliminary and phytochemical screening were carried out as per standard protocol. Results: Microscopic studies of petal sepals and anther show distinct characteristics that help in the evaluation of the genuine quality of flowers. Physicochemical parameters like loss on drying, total ash, and acid insoluble ash should not be more than 5.58%, 6.8061% and 0.223% respectively. However, water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extractives should not be more than 12.544% and 2.498% respectively. Six prominent bonds of Rf value (0.12, 0.37, 0.48, 0.52, 0.67 and 0.91) were visualised. This Rf value imparts significant quality control data in chromatographic (HPTLC) fingerprinting. Conclusion: Current findings will be helpful in plant authentication, assurance of quality and adulteration detection for staminate flower of C. nucifera.