EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ALKALOIDS PRESENT IN THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF COCOS NUCIFERA L

Abstract

The roots of Cocos nucifera L. are used by some native populations for medicinal purposes, possessing diverse pharmacological activities, such as antidiarrheal and antimicrobial effects. It is known that some of this plant species' actions have not yet been fully explored in scientific studies. In this context, the present study investigated the presence of alkaloids in the roots of C. nucifera. Roots were collected and subjected to extraction by decoction. Subsequently, the sample was subjected to alkaloid analysis using Dragendorff's reagent and also analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. The results revealed the presence of alkaloids in the sample, indicating the pharmacological potential of C. nucifera roots