PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF MILLED COCONUT ENDOSPERM (Cocosnucifera L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coconut (Cocos nucifera L) belongs to the family Arecaceae and the order, arecales. It has been existing for more than 1,500 years ago. The aim of this research was to determine the phytochemical and proximate composition of coconut (Cocos nucifera). The phytochemical analyses carried out on the milled kernel showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycoside and steroids. Flavonoids and anthraquinone were not detected. The oil (Coconut) is known to be the major constituent that is necessary for the medicinal uses of coconut, though the phytochemicals alkaloids, and steroids are known to have antioxidant properties. The dried Coconut gave proximate values (%) of 10.01, 44.0, 7.35, 1.5, 6.0, and 31.14 for protein, fat/lipids, fibre, ash, moisture and carbohydrate, respectively. The extracted oil has a colourless and a nutty taste.