Phytochemical identification of bangka origin virgin green coconut oil: Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial potential

Abstract

Objective

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) has been known to have a potential antioxidant effect which was able to boost the immune system. The balanced immune system ensures a stable growth in children and prevents infection. Bangka Island one of the main green coconut plantation areas in Indonesia. However, VCO from green coconut has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to identify the types of bioactive compounds in a homemade green coconut VCO in a qualitative study.

Method

This study used the phytochemical test method mainly to identify alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoid, saponins, steroids or tri-terpenoids. The VCO was produced by heating the coconut milk for an hour with medium heat.

Results

The qualitative identification of phytochemical compounds shown that the homemade green coconut VCO positively contained alkaloids and saponins. Alkaloids and saponins are both known to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect. However, phenols, tannins, and steroids could not be found in the VCO.

Conclusion

The virgin coconut oil which was extracted from the Bangka Island's green coconut contained alkaloids and saponins. Alkaloids was known for its anti-inflammatory potential, meanwhile saponins for its anti-bacterial potential.