Monolaurin and Respiratory Viruses
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Monolaurin and
Respiratory Infections
What is Monolaurin?
Coconut oil is an extremely versatile and edible oil that has been used for various purposes for centuries. One of the fatty acids in coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid. Once inside the human body lauric acid becomes monolaurin. Monolaurin occurs naturally in coconut oil and mother’s breast milk but can now also be taken as a dietary supplement. Studies suggest that monolaurin may have numerous health benefits and has been researched with respect to a number of ailments. [Ref #1]
For more in-depth information on monolaurin, visit the Complete Guide to Monolaurin.
Monolaurin and Antiviral Research
Studies suggest that monolaurin may possess antiviral properties in laboratory settings in the presence of several of viral candidates. Monolaurin does this in two ways. The first is by destroying the envelope that surrounds the viral particles. By causing these to disintegrate, monolaurin effectively kills the virus. Additionally, studies have found that monolaurin may even disrupt the assembly of virus particles and prevent viral maturation, which is the process in which viral particles become infectious. [Ref #2].
“It has been reported that certain fatty acids, primarily medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and their derivatives (e.g., monoglycerides) have potent antiviral properties. When C. nucifera oil is consumed, the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are broken down into individual medium chain fatty acids and monoglycerides, which can kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms inside the body. The antiviral action, attributed to monolaurin (the monoglyceride of lauric acid), is that of solubilizing the lipids and phospholipids in the envelope of the pathogenic organisms causing the disintegration of their outer membrane. There is also evidence that MCFA interfere with the organism's signal transduction and the antimicrobial effect in viruses is due to interference with virus assembly and viral maturation.” [Ref #2]
Respiratory Viruses
Viral infections are the primary cause of upper and lower respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infections are more common and typically less serious than lower respiratory infections. Symptoms of a respiratory infection usually include fever, headache, and a cough. There are several different viruses that can cause a respiratory infection. These include rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus, measles, mumps, adenovirus, and coronaviruses.
Monolaurin and
Respiratory Virus Research
Monolaurin and Respiratory Virus Research
Scientists have conducted several studies which demonstrate the antiviral capabilities of monolaurin. In one such study, scientists used soaps to observe the ability of a number of fatty acids to destroy influenza viral particles. One of the fatty acids they tested was lauric acid which proved effective in rendering influenza uninfectious. [Ref #3]
“The present study was undertaken to determine the capacity of various fatty acids to inactivate the virus of epidemic influenza and ascertain whether virus so inactivated is capable of functioning as an efficient antigen….Of the acids listed in Table II, it is seen that only oleic, linolic, linolenic, ricinolic, chaulmoogric, lauric, erucic, and lauryl sulfuric are effective in removing the infectiousness of influenza virus, although myristic, elaidic, and palmitic acids have a delayed effect.” [Ref #3]
Another study examined the effects of lauric acid against Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV. The study found that at a certain concentration lauric acid could inactivate the virus in only one minute. [Ref #4]
“Lipids, particularly fatty acids and monoglycerides, are known to have potent antimicrobial activity which have been thoroughly studied in vitro. Thus a recent study of the virucidal activities of fatty acids against RSV showed that the 12-carbon saturated (C12:0) lauric acid in a concentration of 10 mM inactivated the virus below a detectable level in 1 min.” [Ref #4]
Yet another study observed the effects of monolaurin mixtures on fourteen different viruses with incredible results. The mixtures killed 99.9% of the viruses tested in the study. The viruses in the experiment included influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and two different types of coronavirus. [Ref #5]
“All four test substances exhibited significant antiviral activity. For influenza A/Ann Arbor/6/60, a drop of 3.5 logarithmic dilutions of virus occurred with monolaurin, 7.1 logarithmic dilutions with Lauri- ban-M and >8 logarithmic dilutions with Lauribic-I1and LauricidinfF. Electron micrographs of the test samples before titration revealed that the M (matrix protein was apparently removed by the test substance treatment (Fig. 2B, C) whereas the solvent control virus remained un- affected (Fig. 2A). Removing the M protein from the virus envelope resulted in loss of envelope integrity, which is essential for virus infectivity. Similar results were found for coronavirus 2293. Monolaurin inactivated 3.7 logarithmic dilutions of virus, and Lauriban-M, Lauribic-11, and Lauricidini-F inactivated 4.5, 5.4, and >5.5 logarithmic dilutions of virus, respectively.” [Ref #5]
Conclusion
These studies, among others, offer a fascinating look at a natural compound and its potential impact on viruses which cause respiratory infections. These infections in humans can produce symptoms which range from a nuisance to dangerous. While the existing body of research is promising, monolaurin’s potential antiviral capabilities warrant further study and attention to learn more about possible uses for this natural compound.
Monolaurin Safety
As with all dietary supplements, monolaurin should be taken under the direction and supervision of a healthcare professional. Individuals are advised consult a medical professional to assist in the selection and use of dietary supplements.
Want to learn even more about monolaurin? Find additional research in the comprehensive guide to monolaurin benefits.
References
Ezigbo, Veronica O., Mbaegbu Emmanuella A. “Extraction of Lauric Acid from Coconut Oil, Its Applications and Health Implications On Some Microorganisms. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology.” April, 2016.
Arora, Rajesh, et al. “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 : ECAM, Oct. 2010.
Stock, C. Chester, and Thomas Francis. “The Inactivation of the Virus of Epidemic Influenza by Soaps.” Journal of Experimental Medicine, Apr. 1940.
Hilmarsson, Hilamar, et al. “Intranasal Delivery of Formulations Containing Virucidal Lipids for Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection in Rats.” Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, Dec. 2013.
Hierholzer, John C, and Jon J Kabara. “In Vitro Effects of Monolaurin Compounds on Enveloped DNA and RNA Viruses.” Journal of Food Safety, vol. 4, no. 1, Mar. 1982, pp. 1–12.