Monolaurin Strep Throat — Monolaurin and

Strep Throat

Introduction to Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The primary symptoms of strep throat are a sore throat, pain when swallowing, headache, white patches on the tonsils, or red spots at on the roof of the mouth. The illness can be accompanied by a rash known as scarlet fever. Easily spread, strep throat is transmitted by respiratory droplets containing the bacteria. [Ref #1]

Intro to Monolaurin and Lauric Acid

Monolaurin is a medium-chain fatty acid that is formed from lauric acid. It occurs naturally in coconut oil and mother’s breast milk but can also be taken as a dietary supplement. Studies suggest monolaurin may exhibit numerous health benefits, including immune supporting properties in the presence of certain infections. [Ref #2]

Monolaurin and Strep Throat Research

Research has been conducted on monolaurin and its relationship with strep throat. The studies cited below are a selection of those which demonstrated positive associations of monolaurin or lauric acid and the bacteria that causes strep throat. The first study observed the effects of both lauric acid and glycerol monolaurate (the scientific name for monolaurin) against Streptococcus pyogenes in cultures of broth. Though both molecules exhibited bactericidal abilities in lab settings, monolaurin proved even more effective than lauric acid.

“GML [glycerol monolaurate] is ≥ 200 times more effective than lauric acid in bactericidal activity, defined as a ≥ 3 log reduction in colony-forming units (CFU)/ml, against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes in broth cultures. Both molecules inhibit superantigen production by these organisms at concentrations that are not bactericidal….Both GML and lauric acid significantly inhibited superantigen production by Staphylococcus aureus MN8 and Streptococcus pyogenes at sub-growth inhibitory concentrations (Figure 4). However, the GML concentration that was required for inhibition of exotoxin production in absence of growth inhibition was lower for both organisms than lauric acid.”[Ref #3]

A 1-monoglyceride, such as monolaurin, is a monoglyceride that contains a fatty acid. The study above also found that the monoglycerides were more effective than the fatty acids themselves. Several Gram-positive bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (the bacteria which causes strep throat), were studied and monolaurin was found the be the most active bactericidal compound overall in the experiment.

“The antibacterial activity of the medium chain fatty acids and their 1-monoglycerides was evaluated towards several Gram-positive strains belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Listeria and Streptococcus. The 1-monoglycerides were more active than the fatty acids with monolaurin being the most active compound. Interesting effects were observed when the streptococcal strain Streptococcus pyogenes was used as a test microorganism. First, blocking of the hydroxyl groups of the glycerol moiety of monolaurin led to a compound with remarkable antibacterial activity (MIC[minimum inhibitory concentration], 3.9 microg/ml).” [Ref #4]

Yet another study observed that monolaurin displayed strong antimicrobial activity against three different bacteria, including Streptococcus pygones which causes strep throat in humans.

“The disc diffusion method was used to test the sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and S. pyogenes towards four different concentration of monolaurin (5, 0.5, 0.05 and 0.005 %) by using the disc diffusion method. The results obtained were also compared to the sensitivity of the bacteria towards commercialised virgin coconut oil and Dettol® disinfectant liquid. The susceptibility of the organism towards each antimicrobial tested was determined using the published Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guideline. Based on the results, monolaurin exhibited antimicrobial activity on all three selected bacteria and it has the potential to be just as good as Dettol®, potentially making it a safer and more natural option as an active ingredient for antibacterial products.” [Ref #5]

These studies are a small demonstration the potential of monolaurin and its impact on bacteria including Streptococcus pyogenes in laboratory settings. Additional research is needed to determine if monolaurin has an impact in the human body.

Monolaurin Strep Throat Biofilm — Monolaurin, Strep, and

Biofilm Formation

Monolaurin, Strep, and Biofilms

Studies, including the following example, have also found that Streptococcus Group A is capable of forming biofilms. The bacteria form a colony that enables them to function as a group, interact, and aids their growth and survival. [Ref #6]

“It is now appreciated that GAS [Group A streptococci], like many other bacterial species, do not necessarily exclusively live in a planktonic lifestyle. GAS is capable of microcolony and biofilm formation on host cells and tissues. We are now beginning to understand that this feature significantly contributes to GAS pathogenesis.” [Ref #7]

Preventing and destroying biofilms is incredibly important to reducing bacterial infections. Additionally, bacteria in biofilms develop antibiotic resistance which makes them dangerous and tough to eradicate using traditional methods. [Ref #8] Research has been conducted exploring the effects of monolaurin and lauric acid on bacterial biofilms. In the study below, monolaurin and lauric acid were tested on the biofilms of two Gram positive bacteria. Here too monolaurin was more effective than lauric acid, but both inhibited the bacterial biofilms.

“Both GML and lauric acid were effective in inhibiting biofilm development as measured by decreased numbers of viable biofilm-associated bacteria as well as decreased biofilm biomass. Compared with lauric acid on a molar basis, GML (glycerol monolaurate , or monolaurin) represented a more effective inhibitor of biofilms formed by either S. aureus or E. faecalis.” [Ref #9]

Yet another study demonstrated the biofilm busting capabilities of monolaurin against one gram positive and one gram negative bacteria. Glycerol monolaurate was found to interfere with or loosen biofilms that have already formed, as well as prevent biofilm formation on certain surfaces.

“Biofilms present a challenge in infections due to antibiotic resistances within biofilm communities and inaccessibility of biofilms microbes to the immune system. In our studies, we have demonstrated that GML(glycerol monolaurate, commonly monolaurin) interferes with biofilm formation, using as test organisms one gram-positive and one gram-negative organism. We showed GML prevents biofilm formation on tampons, cellulose acetate, which is the best surface we have found for biofilm formation, and plastic 96-well microtiter plates. Additionally, GML has the ability to loosen established biofilms from surfaces, such as on the surface of microtiter plates. Importantly, the bacteria within the detached biofilms are killed.” [Ref #8]

Read more about biofilms, their formation, and associated research with monolaurin and other compounds here: https://www.monolaurinandmore.com/articles/category/Biofilms

Conclusion

Strep throat is a common bacterial illness that can be contracted more than once. Though antibiotics are available, they may contribute to undesirable side effects such as bacterial resistance or allergic reactions in people. Early research into monolaurin and its properties against the bacteria which causes strep throat and biofilms is promising and worth further exploration.

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References

“Strep Throat: All You Need to Know.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
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. 2016.
Schlievert PM, Peterson ML. Glycerol monolaurate antibacterial activity in broth and biofilm cultures. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e40350.
Batovska DI, Todorova IT, Tsvetkova IV, Najdenski HM. Antibacterial study of the medium chain fatty acids and their 1-monoglycerides: individual effects and synergistic relationships. Pol J Microbiol. 2009;58(1):43-47.
Sharkawi, Nursirhan Athirah, and Wan Razarinah Wan Abdul Razak. “Antimicrobial Activities of Monolaurin.” Junior Science Communication. 2018.
Giaouris, Efstathios et al. “Intra- and Inter-Species Interactions within Biofilms of Important Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens.” Frontiers in Microbiology 6 (2015): 841. PMC. Web. 16 June 2018.
Fiedler T, Köller T, Kreikemeyer B. Streptococcus pyogenes biofilms-formation, biology, and clinical relevance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2015;5:15. Published 2015 Feb 11.
Gebreyohannes G, Nyerere A, Bii C, Sbhatu DB. Challenges of intervention, treatment, and antibiotic resistance of biofilm-forming microorganisms. Heliyon. 2019;5(8):e02192. Published 2019 Aug 19.
Hess DJ, Henry-Stanley MJ, Wells CL. The Natural Surfactant Glycerol Monolaurate Significantly Reduces Development of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms. Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2015;16(5):538-542.