Lyme Disease - Chronic and long term issues resulting from Borrelia burgdorferi
Disclaimer: The research below is offered for information and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. See Terms & Conditions
Monolaurin &
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease remains one of the most common diseases in both Europe and the United States transmitted through animals – in this case, a tick bite. The disease is caused by the transmission and infestation of bacteria in the Borrelia burgdorferi species.
This disease tends to affect the nervous system, the heart, the skin, and the musculoskeletal system (Ref #1). One of the earliest signs of an infection is a Lyme disease rash, also known as erythema migrans, a circular rash which can occur from one day to one months after a tick bite.
Other Lyme disease symptoms usually tend to include fatigue, malaise, fever, arthralgia, and headaches (Ref #3). A patient typically also develops swelling and pain in their joints.
Initial Treatment Protocols For Lyme Disease
The most common Lyme disease treatment used during the early and later stages of the infection is antibiotic therapy. This usually includes a daily dose of amoxicillin or doxycycline for up to 14 days. Erythromycin or cefuroxime may also be used, depending on the stage of the infection. When a patient does not respond well to a prescribed antibiotic, another antibiotic may be used. There is a rising concern over antibiotic resistance that physicians need to keep in mind during the prescription of these medications.
Antibiotic borrelia treatment is usually delivered through oral administration, but in more severe cases of Lyme disease, intravenous delivery of the antibiotics may be the preferred option.
Chronic Lyme Disease: A Complex Issue
While most patients tend to experience significant relief of symptoms within the first 14 days of antibiotic treatment, some continue to suffer from joint pain, cognitive impairment and other symptoms even after they have been successfully treated.
While antibiotic treatment has been suggested for the treatment of chronic Lyme disease, the dangers of excessive antibiotic use usually outweigh the potential benefits. Additionally, the infection has cleared up in most cases of chronic Lyme disease, which is why targeting the symptoms instead of Lyme disease itself in such cases may be a better solution.
The continuous use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance, as well as reactions that may include a compromised immune system. The supplementation of monolaurin has been suggested as an alternative to supporting a healthy immune system.
Monolaurin and Lyme Research
Monolaurin is a supplement naturally derived from coconut or palm oil. Monolaurin has been studied for its potential immune supporting characteristics in various laboratory studies, including some studies specifically on Borrelia sp. and B. burgdorferi - the bacteria known to cause Lyme Disease in humans.
One study (Ref #4) suggests that the antibacterial activity of monolaurin is effective in killing of the Borrelia burgdoferi bacteria that causes Lyme disease in a laboratory setting.
“Current therapeutic approach to this disease is limited to antibiotics. This study examined the anti-borreliae efficacy of several plant-derived compounds and micronutrients… The results showed that the most potent substances against the spirochete and rounded forms of B. burgdorferi and B. garinii were cis-2-decenoic acid, baicalein, monolaurin and kelp (iodine); whereas, only baicalein and monolaurin revealed significant activity against the biofilm…. The most effective antimicrobial compounds against all morphological forms of the two tested Borrelia sp. were baicalein and monolaurin. This might indicate that the presence of fatty acid and phenyl groups is important for comprehensive antibacterial activity.” [Ref #4]
The study also revealed that, when compared to certain antibacterial phytonutrients and even micronutrients, the use of monolaurin poses as a potent agent, as lower concentrations of this substance led to similar effects as with some compounds that were used at higher concentrations.
Another study by the same authors, explored the synergistic properties of monolaurin against Borrelia sp. in the lab, stating:
“The results showed that the combinations of baicalein with luteolin as well as monolaurin with cis‐2‐decenoic acid expressed synergistic anti‐spirochetal effects.” {Ref #5]
While these studies demonstrate potential in laboratory settings, additional research is needed to conclude if monolaurin has an impact on Borrelia sp. or B. burgdorferi in the human body.
Conclusion
Lyme disease is common in various areas of the world and typically resolves soon after antibiotic treatment is initiated. Some patients do, however, continue to experience symptoms after successful treatment of the infection. Long-term use of antibiotics in the treatment of chronic Lyme disease may have some drawbacks. Further research is needed to establish health impacts in human subjects, but laboratory research on monolaurin and the bacteria which cause Lyme Disease are promising.
Shop Monolaurin
Looking to try monolaurin? Consider some of the products located on this external site: Shop Monolaurin.
References
Biesiada, G. Czepiel, J. Leśniak, MR. Garlicki, A, and Mach T. Lyme disease: review. Archives of Medical Science. 8 October 2012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3542482/
I. Stock. Lyme disease – clinical manifestations and treatment. U.S. National Library of Medicine. May 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27348896
Bratton RL, Whiteside JW, Hovan MJ, Engle RL, Edwards FD.. Diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. U.S. National Library of Medicine. May 2008. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18452688
A. Goc, A. Niedzwiecki and M. Rath. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity of phytochemicals and micronutrients against Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 22 November 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4738477/
Goc, A., Niedzwiecki, A., & Rath, M. (2017). Reciprocal cooperation of phytochemicals and micronutrients against typical and atypical forms of Borrelia sp. Journal of applied microbiology, 123(3), 637-650.