Candida, Thrush, and Other Yeast Overgrowths
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Monolaurin &
Yeast Infections
Introduction
Yeast infections, or candida overgrowth, are becoming increasingly common in women, affecting up to 75% of women at some point in their lifetime (Ref #1). A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is an opportunistic human fungal infection that occurs either in the mouth and throat as thrush, the genitourinary tract as vaginal candidiasis, and the skin as cutaneous candidiasis. The fungal infection produces its symptoms by the formation of biofilms and the attacking of the immune system.
Current treatment for yeast infections include antifungal agents; however, there is a rise in antifungal resistance because of its widespread use. Furthermore, an infection is increasingly difficult to treat without the risk of chronic reinfection. Since fungal infections are becoming even more common, and there is a growing antifungal resistance, there is a need for a search in new and effective treatments (Ref #2). There is a growing interest in the investigation of natural compounds as antifungal medications because they can be found easily in food and plant sources (Ref #3). Monolaurin is a natural compound that has been found in laboratory studies to exhibit antifungal activity against candida, including candida albicans.
Candidiasis and Monolaurin: Literature Review
Candida Albicans, the fungus causing thrush and yeast infections, is opportunistic and its targets are those who have weak immune systems. In these immunocompromised individuals, the fungus creates biofilms, a closely packed community of cells that when mature, are characterized by dense communities of yeasts.
Monolaurin, the biologically active form of lauric acid, is a medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil that may help regulate immune function. One study demonstrated the use of lauric acid to be potentially effective in the inactivation of candida albicans in lab settings (Ref #4).
“The susceptibility of Candida albicans to several fatty acids and their 1-monoglycerides was tested with a short inactivation time, and ultrathin sections were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after treatment with capric acid. The results show that capric acid, a 10-carbon saturated fatty acid, causes the fastest and most effective killing of all three strains of C. albicans tested, leaving the cytoplasm disorganized and shrunken because of a disrupted or disintegrated plasma membrane. Lauric acid, a 12-carbon saturated fatty acid, was the most active at lower concentrations and after a longer incubation time.” (Ref #4)
To help promote immune response and digestive health, studies suggest monolaurin may help disrupt the protective fat coating of organisms so that they cannot attach and enter a host cell (Ref #5).
"The results obtained showed that lauric acid is highly effective against candida albicans, staphylococcus aureus and aspergillus flavus in that order but had no effect on Escherichia coli. This showed that lauric acid (or monolaurin which is lauric acid but in a different form safe for human consumption) has antimicrobial properties. It is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial" (Ref #5)
A number of studies have delved into the role of monolaurin as an alternative natural compound to support immune response and overcome antifungal resistance. The studies have found that monolaurin may support in the following:
Monolaurin research on biofilms inflamation
A study (Ref #6) found that treatment of candida biofilms with monolaurin significantly reduced yeast concentration. In addition to this, monolaurin was suggested to cause anti-inflammatory responses which may indicate the infection was being addressed by natural host defenses.
Biofilm antifungal assay showed significant reduction in Log (CFU/ml) of biofilms treated with 1,250 and 2,500 µM of 1-monolaurin when compared to the control groups . There was also a significant down-regulation of IL-1α and IL-1β in the co-culture treated with monolaurin. It can be concluded that monolaurin has a potential antifungal activity against C. albicans and can modulate the pro-inflammatory response of the host. (Ref #6)
Monolaurin research on candida albicans - lower dose
Another study (Ref #7) found that small doses of monolaurin were already effective in the killing of candida versus the use of capric acid which required a higher dose to kill candida in laboratory settings.
“The susceptibility of Candida albicans to several fatty acids and their 1-monoglycerides was tested with a short inactivation time, and ultrathin sections were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after treatment with capric acid. The results show that capric acid, a 10-carbon saturated fatty acid, causes the fastest and most effective killing of all three strains of C. albicans tested, leaving the cytoplasm disorganized and shrunken because of a disrupted or disintegrated plasma membrane. Lauric acid, a 12-carbon saturated fatty acid, was the most active at lower concentrations and after a longer incubation time.” (Ref #7)
Monolaurin research on candida albicans
Yet another study (Ref #5) found that monolaurin was most effective against Candida albicans, a species of candida, followed by Staphylococcus.
“The results obtained showed that lauric acid is highly effective against candida albicans, staphylococcus aureus and aspergillus flavus in that order but had no effect on Escherichia coli. This showed that lauric acid (or monolaurin which is lauric acid but in a different form safe for human consumption) has antimicrobial properties. It is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial but will only kill or destroy gram-positive bacteria thus it had no effect on Escherichia coli, gram-negative bacteria.” (Ref #5)
From these examples, we can can observe that monolaurin when used in laboratory settings expresses antifungal behaviors that are capable of inactivating candida albicans.
Conclusion
As antifungal resistance becomes increasingly widespread, and the growing difficulty of effectively treating fungal infections, monolaurin, a natural compound, is a potential option to further explore. It has been shown to be potentially effective in the killing of candida in these laboratory studies, but requires further research to prove its effectiveness in humans, if any. Read additional research and literature reviews exploring monolaurin and Candida albicans. More research about monolaurin can be found in the Essential Guide to Monolaurin.
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References
M. C. Stoppler. Yeast Infection (in Women and Men). MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/yeast_infection_in_women_and_men/article.htm
P. Vandeputte, S. Ferrari, & A. T. Coste. Antifungal Resistance and New Strategies to Control Fungal Infections. International Journal of Microbiology. December 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3236459/
C. V. Martins, D. L. Silva, A. T. Neres, T. F. Magalhaes, G. A. Watanabe, L. V. Modolo, M. A. Resende. Curcumin as a promising antifungal of clinical interest. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 26 November 2008. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/562e/46ba09678fdc5103b9c163d6f5386f501651.pdf
G. Bergsson, J. Arnfinsson, O. Steingrimsson, & H. Thormar. In vitro killing of Candida albicans by fatty acids and monoglycerides. Journal of Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. November 2001. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11600381
V. O. Ezigbo, E. A. Mbaegbu. Extraction of Lauric Acid from Coconut Oil, Its Applications and Health Implications On Some Microorganisms. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology. April 2016. http://www.coou.edu.ng/journals/ajest/vol_3_iss_2/extraction_of_lauric_acis_from_coconut_oil.pdf
D. Saleem, E. Chen, B. Benso, V. Pardi, & R. M. Murata. In vitro evaluation of antifungal activity of monolaurin against Candida albicans biofilms. PeerJ. 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924139/pdf/peerj-04-2148.pdf
G. Bergsson, J. Arnfinnsson, O. Steingrimsson, & H. Thormar. In Vitro Killing of Candida albicans by Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 2001. http://aac.asm.org/content/45/11/3209.full