Exploring the Potential of Cocos nucifera Phytochemicals in the Effective Management of Breast Cancer via ER-Alpha Targeting

Cocos nucifera L., commonly referred to as the coconut tree, is a vital plant in tropical and subtropical regions and is often called the "tree of life" due to its many uses and health benefits. Historically, coconut products have played a key role in traditional Indian medicine for treating conditions like bronchitis, gingivitis, and tumors. Known for its rich content of medium-chain fatty acids, coconut exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. This study investigates the potential of coconut-derived phytochemicals as inhibitors of Estrogen Receptor-Alpha (PDB ID: 3ERT), a key target in breast cancer therapy, through molecular docking techniques. The results identified Ar-turmerone (CID: 558221) as having a binding affinity of -5.7 kcal/mol, closely aligning with the standard breast cancer treatment drug Tamoxifen (CID: 637517), which showed a slightly higher affinity of -6.1 kcal/mol. Additionally, other coconut-based compounds, such as lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, demonstrated potential anticancer activity. These findings suggest that phytochemicals from Cocos nucifera L., particularly Ar-turmerone, hold promise for breast cancer treatment and could be further developed as therapeutic agents. Furthermore, the study also hints at possible antiviral properties of these compounds. While the docking results are encouraging, they require further validation through in vitro and in vivo research to confirm their safety, efficacy, and practical application. Overall, this research highlights the potential of coconut-derived compounds in modern medicine, especially for cancer treatment.