Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of polyphenolics from Cocos nucifera Linn. (Palmae) husk fiber extract

Res Microbiol. 2002 Dec;153(10):647-52. doi: 10.1016/s0923-2508(02)01377-3.

Abstract

The decoction of Cocos nucifera L. husk fiber has been used in northeastern Brazil traditional medicine for treatment of diarrhea and arthritis. Water extract obtained from coconut husk fiber and fractions from adsorption chromatography revealed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The crude extract and one of the fractions rich in catechin also showed inhibitory activity against acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1-ACVr). All fractions were inactive against the fungi Candida albicans, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cryptococcus neoformans. Catechin and epicatechin together with condensed tannins (B-type procyanidins) were demonstrated to be the components of the water extract.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Catechin / pharmacology
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Cocos* / chemistry
  • Flavonoids*
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Phenols / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Polymers / pharmacology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polymers
  • Catechin