Monolaurin and RNA Enveloped Viruses: A Research Review
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RNA Enveloped Viruses and
Monolaurin
Enveloped RNA Viruses
Enveloped viruses contain an outer wrapping or “envelope” called a caspid – a protective outer coat which may play a role in helping the virus survive and protect other cells [Ref #1]. An RNA virus is simply one which has RNA (ribonucleic acid) as its genetic material.
Examples of Enveloped RNA viruses include influenza, hepatitis C, yellow fever, measles, Vesicular stomatitis, Zika virus, mumps, Coronaviruses (CoVs), and Ebola virus, among others. [Ref #2, Ref #3, Ref #9]
Monolaurin and
Enveloped RNA Viruses
Monolaurin Research and Enveloped RNA Viruses
There may be existing research which explores some natural compounds shown to inactivate enveloped RNA viruses in laboratory studies. One such compound is monolaurin, derived from lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid naturally found in human breast milk and coconut and palm kernel oils. Lauric acid has low toxicity levels and has been shown in some laboratory studies to exhibit potential antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Read more about Lauric Acid.
A study of RNA viruses equipped with a double outer envelope found that monolaurin had the capacity to potentially dissolve the outer envelopes thus limiting the infective capabilities of the virus. The study states:
“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 #2]
In other words, the monolaurin solution used in this study was reported to kill more than 99.9% of the different viruses by dissolving the lipids in the protective envelope surrounding the cell of the viruses. This same study found results involving a strain from the coronavirus group.
“…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 229E. 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….As with influenza virus, the loss of envelope integrity results in loss of infectious virus titer.” [Ref #2]
This study used purified preparations of coronavirus (avian flu and influenza virus) and found the monolaurin solutions to be potential antiviral agents. Other studies had similar results.
“Medium-chain saturated and long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, on the other hand, were all highly active against the enveloped viruses... 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]
This study used fatty acids in breast milk to study the effects of different types of fatty acids on viruses. Lauric acid, used to make monolaurin, is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid found in breast milk. The study found that upon complete breakdown of the viral envelope the viral particles would also disintegrate. Learn more about monolaurin and breast milk.
In addition to breaking down the viral envelope, research has suggested that monolaurin may interfere with viruses by disrupting assembly and maturation.
“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 #5]
These studies, among others, demonstrate a potential benefit of monolaurin as an antiviral agent when used in laboratory settings. However, additional studies are required to support any application outside the lab or in humans.
Monolaurin &
Immune Response
Monolaurin and Immune Response Literature Review
Some studies have focused on monolaurin as an immune system regulator against certain viruses. For example, researchers tested the effects of monolaurin on birds at risk of avian influenza – an RNA encapsulated virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family. The research found that extra virgin coconut oil, which contains approximately 50% lauric acid – the foundation of monolaurin – helped increase immunity in the test subject chickens.
“This research aimed to find [alternatives to prevent] avian influenza (AI) disease in broiler chickens through increasing [immune response in the body]. Lymphocyte T would directly react to antigen presented to the cell surface by antigen presenting cell (APC). Th-CD4 interaction functioned to maintain Th-APC bond intact during specific antigen activation. Fatty acid in virgin coconut oil (VCO) was potential as immunostimulant, which therefore could increase chicken immunity through the increase of lymphocyte T and Th-CD4.” [Ref #6]
The virgin coconut oil, which contains lauric acid – the element from which monolaurin is produced – was found effective in the study.
“Virgin coconut oil contained…lauric acid which would be turned into a monogliceryde of lauric acid or monolaurin… Monolaurin worked [against] all viruses and decreased ineffectiveness by breaking the virus envelope.” [Ref #6]
The study indicates the coconut oil / lauric acid / monolaurin supported the health of the test subject chickens in part due to its natural antiviral properties and purported ability to break down the viral envelope of the RNA virus.
A further study explored monoglycerides and fatty alcohols’ relationship with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - another encapsulated RNA virus. This study found that by varying pH levels of experimental concentrations, the virucidal activities of some of the compounds were greatly increased, i.e., they inactivated virus in a shorter time and at lower concentrations. [Ref #7]
“The most active compound tested was 1-monoglyceride of capric acid, monocaprin, which also showed activity against influenza A virus and significant virucidal activities after addition to milk products and fruit juices, even at a concentration as low as 0.06–0.12%. The significant virucidal activities of fatty alcohols and lipids on RSV and parainfluenza virus demonstrated in this in vitro study raise the question of the feasibility of using such compounds as ingredients in pharmaceutical dosage forms against respiratory infections caused by these viruses, and possibly other paramyxo- and myxoviruses.” [Ref #7]
This study provides some interesting insights into how these monoglycerides might be used in the presence of encapsulated RNA viruses. Again, additional studies are required to show if there is an application, if any, for human subjects.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Published scientific studies suggest an interesting connection between monolaurin, a supplement derived from lauric acid found in coconut oil, and its potential to impact enveloped RNA viruses in controlled lab settings. Through these in vitro and in vivo studies, monolaurin appears to exhibit potential antiviral capabilities, purportedly disintegrating the protective envelope surrounding the cell of these enveloped viruses and thus destroying the virus.
No conclusion can be drawn regarding monolaurin and its impact on human health, if any, but existing research shows promise and is worth a closer examination.
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
“Definition of Enveloped Virus.”, (n.d.). National Cancer Institute. Retrieved April 2020
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.
“Virus Classification”, (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved March 2020
Thormar, H, and et al. “Inactivation of Enveloped Viruses and Killing of Cells by Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides.” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, doi:10.1128/AAC.31.1.27.
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, 13 Oct. 2010.
Yuniwarti, E. and et al. “The Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil on Lymphocyte and CD4 in Chicken Vaccinated Against Avian Influenza Virus.” Journal of the Indonesian Tropical Animal Agriculture, 15 Mar. 2012.
Hilmarsson, H., Traustason, B., Kristmundsdóttir, T. et al. Virucidal activities of medium- and long-chain fatty alcohols and lipids against respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus type 2: comparison at different pH levels. Archives of Virology 152, 2225–2236 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-007-1063-5
National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Database. Lauric acid.
He, Feng, et al. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): What We Know?” Journal of Medical Virology, 14 Mar. 2020, doi:10.1002/jmv.25766.