Ethnopharmacological Insights Into Lodoicea maldivica (J. F. Gmel.) Pers: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Potential

Abstract

Lodoicea maldivica (J. F. Gmel.) Pers, commonly known as the sea coconut, is an endemic species native to the Seychelles Islands. Renowned for its unique morphology and historical significance in traditional medicine, this plant has recently garnered increasing scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological properties. To date, 129 compounds have been detected in this plant and its seeds, with 108 isolated and identified, and 21 remaining uncharacterized. The compounds consist of terpenes, fatty acids, phytosterols, alcohols, hydrocarbons, esters, ketones, aldehydes, phenols, sulfur‐containing compounds, and other chemical components. Various parts of this plant are utilized for their medicinal properties, and emerging research underscores its potential in managing diabetes, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and microbial infections. Although it is widely used and increasingly studied for its pharmacological potential, there is still no comprehensive review that systematically summarizes its botanical characteristics, ethnopharmacological relevance, bioactive components, pharmacological activities, safety profiles, and pharmacokinetic properties. This review aims to systematically examine the current scientific understanding on sea coconut, elucidating its medicinal value and identifying future research directions to support its therapeutic development. By integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific insights, this work seeks to establish a foundation for further pharmacological exploration and potential clinical applications.