Monolaurin and HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
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Monolaurin &
HPV
What is Monolaurin?
Monolaurin is a dietary supplement which can be derived from coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It has been the subject of various laboratory studies exploring its potential immune supporting properties in vitro and in vivo. A number of the published research and potential clinical applications seem to focus on encapsulated viruses like Herpes Simplex Virus, among others, but monolaurin may warrant some additional attention in supporting the immune response in the presence of HPV (Human papillomavirus), a non-enveloped, icosahedral DNA virus (Ref #10).
Monolaurin Research - Viruses
Monolaurin has been shown in laboratory studies to disrupt viruses by attacking the protective lipid sheath of a virus' DNA & RNA, effectively disintegrating the virus. Some research suggests that monolaurin further prevents the replication of viruses by binding to this lipid coat and making replication and infection impossible [Ref # 1, 2, 3].
"Medium-chain saturated and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, on the other hand, were all highly active against the enveloped viruses, although the fatty acid concentration required for maximum viral inactivation varied by as much as 20-fold. Monoglycerides of these fatty acids were also highly antiviral, in some instances at a concentration 10 times lower than that of the free fatty acids. 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 #1)
Monolaurin was shown to be significantly potent against 14 types of enveloped viruses in one study (Ref #11). During an in vitro experiment, a monolaurin solution used in the study inactivated more than 99.9% of the different viruses by dissolving the lipids in the protective envelope surrounding the cell of the viruses. The potency of monolaurin, however, is best shown if it is mixed with other compounds such as tert‐butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), Methylparaben, or sorbic acid. The study explains:
“Each of the monolaurin mixtures effected a>99.9% killing of the 14 viruses tested in the study….Our data suggest that solubilization of the lipids and phospholipids in the envelope by the monolaurin and additives is a key factor in the virucidal activity of these test substances.” [Ref #11]
Although these studies provide interesting in vitro observations, additional research is required to determine if there is a connection, if any, between monolaurin and HPV.
Monolaurin Research - Bacteria
Monolaurin is naturally derived and listed on the FDA's "Generally Regarded as Safe" (GRAS) list [Ref #8]. Monolaurin been tested in laboratory studies to impact certain bacterias without causing resistance like some pharmaceuticals might [Ref #6].
Monolaurin has statistically significant in vitro broad-spectrum sensitivity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolates from superficial skin infections. Most of the bacteria did not exhibit resistance to it. Monolaurin needs further pharmacokinetic studies to better understand its novel mechanisms of action, toxicity, drug interactions, and proper dosing in order to proceed to in vivo clinical studies. [Ref #6]
Monolaurin has been shown in some in vivo studies that when taken before exposure to certain microbes it may help prevent illness [Ref #7].
"Table 1 showed that the reduction in trophozoite forms of G. lamblia in intestinal contents was 67.0% in group (3) treated with monolaurin pre-infection and 87.34% in the group (4) treated with monolaurin post-infection compared to infected control group (1). The reduction in the cysts of G. lamblia treated with monolaurin pre and post infection (group 3 and 4) was 73.96 and 91.15%, respectively (Table 2)." [Ref #7]
These study excerpts focus on bacterial studies not viral studies. HPV is a viral infection, and no correlation has been shown between monolaurin and this viral strain. A list of select monolaurin studies and respective excerpts can be found on the monolaurin Research Page.
Monolaurin as a Dietary Supplement
Monolaurin can be taken at different dosages and intervals depending on the individual and the level of immune support required. If this is your first time taking monolaurin, you may want to review some of the important considerations when selecting your first monolaurin product in the Buying Guide.
Larger or smaller doses can be used depending on unique needs of the individual and under the direction of a medical professional. See additional detailed dosing information in the Dosing Guide .
Monolaurin Side Effects
Given its natural source, monolaurin has limited literature with regard to documenting side effects. Monolaurin has no defined "upper limit", but if taken too quickly at high doses may contribute to a rapid viral or bacterial die-off commonly known as the herxheimer reaction. The result of the herxheimer reaction is an abundance of dead virus or bacteria by-products in the body which may inadvertently cause an immune response similar to the flu.
Monolaurin has a naturally soapy taste if the capsule is opened or chewed, and some may experience stomach upset if large doses are taken on an empty stomach. Synthetic fillers or excipients added by some manufacturers may contribute to digestion issues, which include magnesium stearate (might slow absorption), glycerol (could upset the stomach), or silica (may cause cell inflammation). When looking for a monolaurin, try and avoid synthetic fillers, surfactants, or excipients
Conclusion
Monolaurin is a promising supplement, and if used correctly and in conjunction with other supplements or lifestyle changes may help support a healthy immune response. Additional research is needed to support any connection with HPV or other infections. As with any new dietary supplement, monolaurin should be taken under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional.
For additional research, please view the Essential Guide to Monolaurin.
Looking to try monolaurin? Consider some of the products located on this external site: Shop Monolaurin.
References
Thormar, H.; Isaacs, C. E.; Brown, H. R.; Barshatzky, M. R.; Pessolano, T. (1987-01-01). "Inactivation of enveloped viruses and killing of cells by fatty acids and monoglycerides". Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 31(1): 27–31.
Arora, Rajesh; Chawla, R.; Marwah, Rohit; Arora, P.; Sharma, R. K.; Kaushik, Vinod; Goel, R.; Kaur, A.; Silambarasan, M. (2011-01-01). "Potential of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Preventive Management of Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Pandemic: Thwarting Potential Disasters in the Bud". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011: 1–16
Isaacs, C. E.; Kim, K. S.; Thormar, H. (1994-06-06). "Inactivation of enveloped viruses in human bodily fluids by purified lipids". Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 724: 457–464.
Lieberman S, Enig MG, Preuss HG. A review of monolaurin and lauric acid: natural virucidal and bactericidal agents. Alternative & Complementary Therapies 2006;12(6):310-314.
Fife, B. "Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut". Piccadilly Books, Ltd. October 27, 2011
Carpo, Beatriz G.; Verallo-Rowell, Vermén M.; Kabara, Jon (2007-10-01). "Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from skin infections: an in vitro study". Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD. 6 (10): 991–998
Fahmy ZH, Aly E, Shalsh I, Mohamed AH. The effect of medium chain saturated fatty acid (monolaurin) on levels of the cytokines on experimental animal in Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia infection. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. January 2014.
FDA : 21CFR184.1505 ; https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1505
Urdaneta, Sandra. “Candidate microbicides for inactivation of HIV-1 in breast milk " The Pennsylvania State University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2004. 3140089.
IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans. Human Papillomaviruses. Lyon (FR): International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2007. (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, No. 90.) 1, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321770/
Hierholzer, J. C. and kabara, j. J. (1982), In vitro effects of monolaurin compounds on enveloped RNA and DNA viruses. Journal of Food Safety, 4: 1-12. Doi:10.1111/j.1745-4565.1982.tb00429.x