Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water is an aqueous product obtained from the plant of the same name Cocos nucifera L. that grows in tropical and subtropical regions and belongs to the family of Arecaceae subfamily Cocoideae.  This plant is commonly known as the coconut palm, produces a clear liquid inside its fruits called coconut water. Not to be confused with coconut milk, which is derived from the grated meat of the mature coconut, coconut water is the juice found in the center of a young, green coconut. It's a popular beverage in many tropical countries and has gained worldwide popularity in recent years for its refreshing taste and perceived health benefits.

Name breakdown and function of the components

• Cocos nucifera - This is the scientific name for the coconut, a tropical plant known for its fruits that are the source of many useful products.
• Water - Refers to coconut water, the clear liquid inside immature coconut fruits. It's used both as a drink and in cosmetics for its hydrating and nourishing properties.

Description and function of the raw materials used in production

• Cocos nucifera fruits - Young coconuts are the primary source of coconut water.

Summary of the extraction process step by step

• Collection of the fruits - Immature coconut fruits are harvested directly from the trees.
• Piercing - The outer shell of the coconut is pierced to access the coconut water inside.
• Extraction - Coconut water is directly extracted from the fruit.
• Filtration - The extracted coconut water is filtered to remove any impurities.
• Stabilization and preservation - Coconut water may be further treated or stabilized for long-term storage, or it can be consumed fresh.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it allows perfume to be enhanced, masked or added to the final product, improving its commercial viability. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant scent in a cosmetic product.

CAS       8001-31-8

EC number   232-282-8

Commercial applications

Beverages: Coconut water is often consumed as a refreshing drink, especially in tropical countries but has gained global popularity as well.

Cosmetic and Skincare Products: Due to its hydrating and nourishing properties, coconut water is incorporated into creams, lotions, toners, and masks.

Culinary: Used as an ingredient in many recipes, especially in tropical dishes and beverages.

Supplements: Sometimes sold as a supplement for its potential electrolyte and nutrient properties.

Properties

Hydrating: Provides moisture to the skin.

Rich in Electrolytes: Contains potassium, sodium, and magnesium which are vital for hydration balance.

Antioxidant: Contains antioxidants that may help combat free radicals.

Medical

Phytochemical analysis (1) of Cocos Nucifera showed interesting components such as caffeic acid and ascorbic acid with antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.

The ethanol extract at 1.5% of the coconut husk has shown an antibacterial action against dental biofilm and can be used as an irrigation solution to overcome bacterial resistance with synthetic agents (2).

Some components of green dwarf coconut water, mainly caffeic acid and ascorbic acid, have demonstrated antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity and reduce DNA damage, thus reducing oxidative stress induced by ethanol metabolism in steatosis and alcoholic steatohepatitis (3).

Coconut water has been used as an intravenous solution in surgery (4).

This study believes that the fiber extract from the lemon peel acts, in certain amounts, on the central nervous system. The resulting anxiolytic and antidepressant effect is related by interaction with the serotonergic system (5).

The most relevant studies have been selected to explore this in more depth:

Coconut studies

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): in health promotion and disease prevention.  DebMandal M, Mandal S.  Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2011 Mar;4(3):241-7. doi: 10.1016/S1995-7645(11)60078-3.

(2) Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial susceptibility and cytotoxicity of husk extract of Cocos nucifera and chlorhexidine as irrigating solutions against Enterococcus Faecalis, Prevotella Intermedia and Porphyromonas Gingivalis - An in-vitro study.  Kohli D, Hugar SM, Bhat KG, Shah PP, Mundada MV, Badakar CM.  J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2018 Apr-Jun;36(2):142-150. doi: 10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_1176_17

(3) Reduction of the DNA damages, Hepatoprotective Effect and Antioxidant Potential of the Coconut Water, ascorbic and Caffeic Acids in Oxidative Stress Mediated by Ethanol.  Bispo VS, Dantas LS, Chaves AB Filho, Pinto IFD, Silva RPD, Otsuka FAM, Santos RB, Santos AC, Trindade DJ, Matos HR.  An Acad Bras Cienc. 2017 Apr-Jun;89(2):1095-1109. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765201720160581.

(4) Intravenous coconut water therapy in surgical practice.  Olurin EO, Durowoju JE.  West Afr Med J Niger Med Dent Pract. 1972 Oct;21(5):124-31.

(5) Involvement of monoaminergic systems in anxiolytic and antidepressive activities of the standardized extract of Cocos nucifera L.  Lima EBC, de Sousa CNS, Meneses LN, E Silva Pereira YF, Matos NCB, de Freitas RB, Lima NBC, Patrocínio MCA, Leal LKAM, Viana GSB, Vasconcelos SMM.  J Nat Med. 2017 Jan;71(1):227-237. doi: 10.1007/s11418-016-1053-6.