BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND BIOTECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF RESIDUES AND UNDERUTILIZED PARTS OF COCOS NUCIFERA L.: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH EXPLORATORY BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

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Abstract
This study aimed to conduct an integrated analysis (systematic and exploratory bibliometric) on Cocos nucifera L. residues as a source of bioactive compounds, using the Scopus and Web of Science databases and VOSviewer and bibliometrix software. A total of 27 documents were identified between 2008 and 2024, reflecting research interest in this scope. The highest number of publications occurred in 2023 (5 articles), reflecting the strengthening of the circular bioeconomy and the valorization of residues, associated with the use of more sustainable extractive technologies and experimental optimization strategies. The term "Cocos nucifera" was central to the network, integrating studies on chemical characterization, bioactivities, and potential applications of residues from the species. The results presented in the Sankey Diagram reinforce the interdisciplinary nature of the topic and indicate connections between authors, institutions, and journals in different application fronts. However, as it is a reduced corpus, these patterns should be interpreted only as an internal organization of the analyzed literature. Residues have evolved from environmental liabilities to valuable bioactive matrices. Underutilized parts of Cocos nucifera L., such as husk, mesocarp, testa, haustorium, and roots, have been investigated as potential sources of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and other metabolites of interest. The analyzed studies also indicate advances in the use of more sustainable extraction methods, such as ultrasound and supercritical CO₂, as well as modeling and optimization tools to improve process efficiency. The available evidence suggests antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective activities, although, for the most part, these are still associated with in vitro assays, experimental models, or laboratory applications. In this context, the extracts show potential for future applications in cosmeceuticals, functional foods, post-harvest conservation, and technological valorization of plant biomass, provided that additional studies on standardization, stability, safety, scaling, and validation in real systems are carried out.

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