the chemical composition and biological properties of coconut (cocos nucifera l.) water椰子的化学成分和生物性质(椰子l .).pdf

Molecules 2009, 14, 5144-5164; doi:10.3390/molecule OPEN ACCESS molecules ISSN 1420-3049 /journal/molecules Review The Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Water Jean W. H. Yong, Liya Ge, Yan Fei Ng and Swee Ngin Tan * Natural Sciences and Science Education Academic Group, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616 Singapore * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: sweengin.tan@.sg; Tel.: +65-6790 3810; Fax: +65-6896 9432. Received: 3 November 2009; in revised form: 3 December 2009 / Accepted: 8 December 2009 / Published: 9 December 2009 Abstract: Coconut water (coconut liquid endosperm), with its many applications, is one of the world’s most versatile natural product. This refreshing beverage is consumed worldwide as it is nutritious and beneficial for health. There is increasing scientific evidence that supports the role of coconut water in health and medicinal applications. Coconut water is traditionally used as a growth supplement in plant tissue culture/micropropagation. The wide applications of coconut water can be justified by its unique chemical composition of sugars, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytohormones. This review attempts to summarise and evaluate the chemical composition and biological properties of coconut water. Keywords: coconut water; phytohormone; auxin; cytokinin; gibberellin; inorganic