Molluscum Contagiosum
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Monolaurin &
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum Contagiosum is a viral skin infection traditionally associated with small children, but more recently has been found in adults as an STI (sexually transmitted infection). Molluscum can affect any part of the body, and is commonly identified by its small uniform ,round, and often with an umbilication (dimpled center). In adults, it can affect the groin and upper thighs as it is typically sexually transmitted.
Molluscum is part of the pox family and is an encapsulated virus, the same classification as influenza or herpes. This means there is a fatty envelope sheath which protects the DNA and RNA of the virus. Traditional therapies for Molluscum include:
Destructive - Such as Cryotherapy, which freezes the Molluscum with liquid nitrogen
Immunotherapy - immune stimulators like Immiquimod
Time - simply letting the body’s natural defenses identify the infection and clear it over time
Because Molluscum is an enveloped virus (similar to Influenza and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)), it may respond favorably to treatments which are shown to impact other encapsulated viruses.
Monolaurin, a dietary supplement from coconut, has been the subject of several laboratory studies which explore its relationship with encapsulated viruses - those viruses which have a fatty membrane around the DNA and RNA of the virus [Refs #1, 2, 3, 4]. The studies which explicitly explore molluscum and monolaurin are limited, but some select studies and public feedback are encouraging [Ref #7]. One Argentinean study explains:
“After treatment, 15 (54%) of the 28 patients in the monolaurin group showed complete resolution of lesions, compared to 5 (18%) in the vehicle group. The monolaurin group had a significantly higher number of lesions with complete resolution (4.75±2.46 vs. 2.46±1.97, p<0.05). Likewise, the percentage reduction in number and size of lesions were higher in the monolaurin group (72±34% and 71±33%, respectively) compared to the vehicle group (40±34% and 45±34%, respectively) at p<0.05. Adverse events were similar and insignificant in the two groups.
Coconut oil extract or monolaurin cream is effective and safe in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum. Patients randomized to the monolaurin group had more lesions with complete resolution, and greater reduction in the number and size of lesions, compared to control.” [Ref #7]
Coconut oil conaints about 50% lauric acid - the base from which monolaurin is made. An additional study which tested 40 patients using coconut oil goes on to say:
"Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection. Two thirds of coconut oil consists of Medium Chain Triglycerides, these are extremely powerful antimicrobial agents. 40 pediatric patients divided into two groups, 20 patients use coconut oil and other 20 patients use olive oil. All patients use the topical therapy twice daily for two weeks and followed for another two months. Complete clearance was noticed in (40%), while in the control group only (5%) has complete clearance. Only (25%) in the first group reveal no response at all while in the control group (90%) showed no reduction in the number of lesions. Coconut oil has an acceptable effective and preventive role in management of molluscum contagiosum infection." (Ref #10)
If you are looking for an alternative to addressing Molluscum, you may consider trying a dietary supplement as a natural option. Monolaurin supplements come from natural sources such as coconut oil, and is included on the FDA's "Generally Regarded As Safe" (GRAS) list. [Ref #8]
If you're considering monolaurin as a dietary supplement for strengthening the immune system, consider starting with a modest amount to see how your body responds. For more detailed dosing instructions, see the Monolaurin Dosing Guide. As with any dietary supplement, it is best under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
References:
Projan SJ, Brown-Skrobot S, Schlievert PM, Vandenesch F, Novick RP. Glycerol monolaurate inhibits the production of beta-lactamase, toxic shock toxin-1, and other staphylococcal exoproteins by interfering with signal transduction. Journal of Bacteriology. 1994 Jul;176(14):4204-9.
Isaacs CE, Kim KS, Thormar H. Inactivation of enveloped viruses in human bodily fluids by purified lipids. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1994 Jun 6;724:457-64.
Lieberman S, Enig MG, Preuss HG. A Review of Monolaurin and Lauric Acid Natural Virucidal and Bactericidal Agents. Alternative & Complimentary Therapies, December 2006. 12(6): 310-314.
Thormar H, Isaacs CE, Brown HR, Barshatzky MR, Pessolano T. Inactivation of enveloped viruses and killing of cells by fatty acids and monoglycerides. AntimicrobialAgents and Chemotherapy. 1987 Jan;31(1):27-31.
Bergsson G, Arnfinnsson H, Karlsson SM, Steingrímsson O, Thormar H. In Vitro Inactivation of Chlamydia trachomatis by Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides. American Society for Microbiology 9 February 1998
Sands J, Auperin D, Snipes W. Extreme sensitivity of enveloped viruses, including Herpes Simplex, to long chain unsaturated monoglycerides and alcohols. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 15; 1:67-73, 1979.
Chua E, Verallo-Rowell VM. Coconut Oil Extract (2% Monolaurin) Cream in the Treatment of Molluscum Contagiosum: A Randomized Double-Blind Vehicle-Controlled Trial. WCD, October 2007, Argentina
FDA : 21CFR184.1505 ; https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1505
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.
Kattoof, W. M. (2016). Treatment of molluscum contagiosum with coconut oil. J Herb Med, 4(6), 153-157.