Herpes Family Viruses and Monolaurin
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Monolaurin and
Herpes
Herpes simplex viruses affect a huge part of the population, and is a lifelong disease with no known cure. The World Health Organization estimates that at least three billion people have herpes type 1 while around 400 million have herpes type 2 (Ref #1). Here are some basic herpes symptoms which may help identify the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 (Ref #2):
Herpes Type 1 or HSV1. Cold sores which appear in the mouth and lips.
Herpes Type 2 or HSV2. This type of herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes. There is inflammation in the genital area which may itch or burn. Blisters also appear near the genitals.
HSV1 and HSV2 are usually transmitted through the oral or genital contact. But there is one form of herpes that you can contract in another way: herpes zoster or shingles. You can contract herpes zoster through the respiratory tract and via direct contact with the blisters.
Herpes is a chronic disease which unfortunately has no cure (Ref #3). Common medications used to treat herpes are antivirals like Denavir, Zovirax, and Famvir. These antivirals work by inhibiting the symptoms of the herpes simplex virus. Antivirals, however, can cause various side effects like recurring headaches, dizziness, nausea, and stomach pains.
Monolaurin and Research on Viruses
Monolaurin is a natural compound synthesized from coconut oil which some researchers are investigating for its potential immune supporting function. Select research has explored monolaurin and its relationship to several viruses and have published some intriguing results. Selections from third party publications suggest that monolaurin may support:
Disintegrating viral membranes. Published research suggests monolaurin may possess the ability to prevent viruses from enveloping its hosts. This process, in turn, causes protective viral cell membranes to disintegrate (Ref #4).
“Antiviral fatty acids were found to affect the viral envelope, causing leakage and at higher concentrations, a complete disintegration of the envelope and the viral particles. They also caused disintegration of the plasma membranes of tissue culture cells resulting in cell lysis and death.” (Ref #4)
Destabilizing the viral layer. One study concluded monolaurin may incorporate itself in the structure of viruses and possibly halt replication (Ref #4).
“The fatty acids and monoglycerides which we found to be strongly antiviral were shown to induce fusion of cell membranes.” (Ref #4)
Inhibiting growth and toxin production. Scientists are exploring the capability of stopping pathogen growth and protecting the host cell membrane. An in-vivo study suggests as a topical treatment monolaurin may help prevent transmission in monkeys (Ref #5).
“Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a fatty acid monoester that inhibits growth and exotoxin production of vaginal pathogens and cytokine production by vaginal epithelial cells. GML (5% gel) does not quantitatively alter monkey aerobic vaginal microflora compared to vehicle control gel. Lactobacilli and coagulase-negative staphylococci are the dominant vaginal aerobic microflora, with beta-hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and yeasts sporadically present; gram-negative rods are not part of their vaginal flora. Colposcopy and biopsy studies indicate that GML does not alter normal mucosal integrity and does not induce inflammation; instead, GML reduces epithelial cell production of interleukin 8. The studies suggest that GML is safe for chronic use in monkeys when applied vaginally; it does not alter either mucosal microflora or integrity.” (Ref #5)
Weakening the fat-coating of viruses. Herpes viruses are known to integrate themselves with the body’s fat layer which can help explain their chronic nature. Studies suggest monolaurin may work to strip the fat coating of viruses making them susceptible against the immune system or other anti-viral treatments (Ref #4).
“Although the exact mechanism is not clear, it has been suggested that the fatty acids and their monoesters are incorporated into the the lipid membrane, causing destabilization of the bylayer. A similar mechanism might lead to the complete disintegration of cell membranes and viral enveloped we observed” (Ref #4)
Conclusion
There is no known cure for herpes, and additional research is still required to fully understand monolaurin’s immune supporting functions. This short sampling of published literature provides some insight to the potential benefits of this interesting compound. A healthcare professional should always supervise any use of dietary supplements.
References
“Globally, an Estimated Two-Thirds of the Population under 50 Are Infected with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/detail/28-10-2015-globally-an-estimated-two-thirds-of-the-population-under-50-are-infected-with-herpes-simplex-virus-type-1.
“Herpes Simplex: Herpes Type 1 and 2.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/pain-management-herpes#1.
Ayoade, Folusakin O. “Herpes Simplex: Background, Microbiology, Pathophysiology.” Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology, 6 Apr. 2018, emedicine.medscape.com/article/218580-overview. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218580-overview
Thormar, H et al. “Inactivation of Enveloped Viruses and Killing of Cells by Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides.” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 31.1 (1987): 27–31. Print.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC174645/
Schlievert, Patrick M. et al. “Glycerol Monolaurate Does Not Alter Rhesus Macaque (Macaca Mulatta) Vaginal Lactobacilli and Is Safe for Chronic Use .” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 52.12 (2008): 4448–4454. PMC. Web. 17 June 2018.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2592867/