HR-LCMS-MS ANALYSIS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF COCONUT KERNEL AND ITS IN VITRO CYTOTOXIC EFFECT AGAINST HUMAN ORAL CANCER CELL LINE

Abstract

Cocos nucifera, a member of the palm tree family Arecaceae is considered to be rich in several biologically active
components, which are not fully elucidated. The kernel is considered to be very much effective as an anti-inflammatory,
anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor agent. This study was designed to evaluate the
chemical composition of the methanol extract of coconut kernel and its effect against the growth of human oral cancer
cell lines, KB. The methanol extract of the coconut kernel (MCK) was prepared and subjected to HR-LCMS to evaluate
the different compounds present in it. MCK was evaluated for its anti-proliferative activity and its effect on ROS and
mitochondrial membrane health of KB cell lines. The results showed that the MCK contains several compounds,
belonging to the class of phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids, hydroquinones, vitamins, aminoglycosides, etc. The extract
was also found to be cytotoxic `to the growth of KB cells, as well as induced apoptosis and increased the ROS levels
mediated by the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. The result warrants the characterization of individual
compounds and studies on the anti-cancer effects in both cell lines and in in vivo animal models be done.