PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROSPECTIVE OF ROGHAN-ENARJEEL (COCONUT OIL)

Roghan-e-Narjeel (coconut oil) is extracted from dried Maghz-e-Narjeel (coconut kernels) which is derived from coconut (Cocosnucifera L.) tree. It is used extensively in tropical countries especially India, Srilanka and Philippines. The oil contains 92% of saturates consisting of medium chain fatty acids in the form of triglycerides containing lauric acid in large amount, and about 8% of unsaturates consisting of oleic and linoleic acids as triglycerides. The oil is colourless and has odour typical of the coconuts. It plays an important role in the treatment of ischemic heart disease, infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal), wounds and obesity. These effects of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. The aim of this review paper is to highlight the physico-chemical and pharmacological properties of Roghan-e-Narjeel (coconut oil) according to modern as well as unani aspect.