In vitro Study on the Efficacy of Lauric Acid and Derivatives against SARS-CoV-2

Following the reports of previous research that VCO compounds are effective at killing other viruses, researchers investigated if coconut oil compounds are effective antiviral agents to prevent or reduce COVID-19 infection. The team conducted in-vitro experiments on lauric acid from coconut oil as well as its derivatives, sodium salt (sodium laurate), glyceryl monolaurate (monolaurin), and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). These aimed to determine whether the compounds can prevent or diminish the infectivity of COVID-19 virus. Findings showed that the VCO compounds decrease the amount of virus by 60-90% in mild cases. Supporting the conduct of clinical trials using VCO as adjunct therapy for COVID-19 patients, the project contributes to the ongoing search for possible cures for the disease. If proven safe and effective against COVID-19, it will also benefit the coconut industry by increasing the value of their products in the market. Conducted from 1 March to 31 August, 2020, the project was led by Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit of ADMU.