Proximate composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties of the haustorium from Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.)

Objective Functional foods play important roles in the management of health; the haustoria from the Cocos nucifera and Borassus flabellifer are less explored for their nutritional benefits. Therefore, the study evaluated the proximate composition, biological and anti-diabetic effects of the CH and BH. Methods The total polyphenol content of coconut and palmyra palm haustorium was conducted using the standard Folin-Ciocalteu based assay. The radical scavenging properties of Coconut and Palmyra palm haustorium was analyzed by DPPH radical scavenging assay, Lipid peroxidation inhibition as well as by hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. Anti-diabetic activity of the coconut and palmyra palm haustorium extracts were analyzed in terms of the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. Results The results indicated significantly higher amounts of protein, fiber, and fat content in BH. Similarly, higher polyphenol content was present in BH. Substantiating these results, the anti-DPPH radical and anti-hydrogen peroxide radical was higher in BH (18.66 ± 2.09 and 30.73 ± 2.37 µg/mL); likewise, the BH had higher lipoygenase inhibition and nitric oxide scavenging potential (42.14 ± 3.45 and 72.12 ± 4.02 µg/mL). Both the extracts exhibited anti-diabetic activity (58.61 ± 2.98 and 91.17 ± 3.52 µg/mL), however a higher concentration was required for CH compared to the BH. Conclusion The Palmyra palm and coconut haustorium are highly nutritional in terms of the various components. By virtue of these compounds, the BH and CH may evolve as possible functional foods over time.