Comprehensive biochemical profiling of coconut haustorium for innovative food industry applications

Abstract

Coconut haustorium is a tropical delicacy that mobilizes nutrients from the endosperm to nourish the germinating embryo. This study profiles coconut haustorium for sugars, organic acids, phenolics, and flavonoids using advanced chromatographic techniques. Fructose (62.70%) and glucose (18.21%) were the major sugars with negligible lactose, suggesting potential use in baby food and for lactose-intolerant individuals. Malic acid (71.79%), citric acid (12.80%), and shikimic acid (7.59%) were the prominent organic acids, contributing to the haustorium’s unique taste and refreshing flavor. Ferulic acid (60.96%) and p-coumaric acid (22.05%) were the prominent phenolic acids, while naringenin (35.36%) and catechin (29.68%) were the primary flavonoids. Total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (61.18%) were also recorded, confirming the presence of bioactive compounds. The study reveals coconut haustorium as a rich source of readily available natural sugars, organic acids, phenols, and flavonoids offering potential for developing innovative nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Keywords

• Coconut haustorium
• flavonoids
• organic acids
• phenols
• sugars
• antioxidant activity