What is Monolaurin?

Monolaurin is a chemical derived from lauric acid, which is a byproduct of coconut oil fatty acids. Other derivatives of Monolaurin are Distilled Monoglyceride, Glycerin Monolaurate, Glycerol Monolaurate, and Lauric Acid Monoglyceride. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that is predominantly found in coconut oil. Lauric acid is also a natural occurring chemical that is found in around 6 to 20 percent of mother’s breast milk to help protect infants from illnesses suffered by contracting viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Monolaurin, or Lauric acid, has many uses and is widely known for its use in medicine and has frequently been called nature’s antibiotic. Lauric acid has been used for sanitization and can be found in certain soaps and shampoos, and has also been used as a vegetable shortening in the manufacturing industry.

Monolaurin has many uses and is commonly used to encourage an overall immune support wellness. Monolaurin has not been reviewed by the food and Drug Administration; however studies have suggested the effect of coconut oil, lauric acid, and monolaurin have yielded antimicrobial properties to effectively help reduce the symptoms affected by a multitude of different conditions.

Antibacterial Effects

Research conducted in 2013 by the Journal of Medicinal Food confirmed that Monolaurin is an effective killer of certain antibiotic resistant illnesses such as Staphylococcus aureus. The study found that Monolaurin effectively killed Staphylococcus aureus and another study conducted by the journal of Dermatology Drugs compared Monolaurin to six other commonly used antibiotics (including penicillin, oxacillin, and vancomycin) and found that monolaurin had significant results that did not lead to resistance. In another study published in 2015 found that Monolaurin was an effective treatment against Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia garinii: spirochetes, latent rounded forms and biofilm known to cause Lyme disease. In another study, Monolaurin has been shown to alter the cells related to the contraction of gonorrhea and chlamydia, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO).

Antiviral Effects

Monolaurin has been shown to reduce the viral load and in some cases been inactivated by Monolaurin. These infections include Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Measles, Herpes Simplex 1 & 2, Herpes Zoster (Shingles), Visna virus, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Influenza, Vesicular Stomatitis, Cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis, and pnueumonovirus.

Antifungal Effects

Monolaurin, or lauric acid has also been shown to penetrate the cell walls of several fungi, yeasts, and protozoa. Some of the most common species are candida albican, which is common fungi pathogen associated with the gut, mouth, genitals, urinary tract, and skin infections that can be life threatening for immunocompromised patients. Common fungal infections and diseases are Thrush (Fungal Infections of the Mouth), Candida Albicans (Vaginal Yeast Infections), Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail infections), Tinea Versicolor (Fungal Infection of the Skin), Tinea Pedis (Athletes Foot), tinea corporis (Ringworm), Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch), Aspergillosis (Fungal infection affecting the respiratory system), Candida auris (Invasive Candidaiasis infecting many parts of the body), Pneuocystis Pneumonia (PCP), Cryptococcus Neoformans (commonly infects the lungs, brain, and spinal cord), Mucormycosis, Talaromycosis (Fungus most commonly effecting mortality amongst HIV positive patients), Fungal Eye Infections.
Yeast overgrowth is common amongst patients who have sustained long term antibiotic treatments that overall weaken their immune system making them more prone to other pathogenic infections. This is a common and crucial problem effecting hospitals around the world.

Other Uses

Users have also noted an improvement of symptoms when used for other issues such as Acne, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia (A disorder characterized by Musculoskeletal pain), Liver Cirrhosis (A late stage of scarring caused by many forms of diseases and conditions such as excessive alcohol consumption), Morgellons, Autism, and a multitude of other conditions that effect the function of the body.

Although there has not been enough scientific evidence to support it’s use by the FDA, Monolaurin has little to no contraindications or risks associated with taking it. The FDA has rated the dietary supplement as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). The only risks associated with monolaurin are those who have sensitivities and allergies to it’s derivative coconut oil, however are very rare.

Takeaway

Monolaurin has many uses however, it should not be used to substitute medical treatments. Before considering taking Monolaurin or any other derivative, consumers should consider talking to a healthcare provider to ensure that it will not effect the efficacy of any other medications that they are currently taking, or a recommendation on the dosage if they decide to incorporate this dietary supplement into their diet.

References

Bergsson G, Arnfinnsson J, Karlsson SM et al. In vitro inactivation of Chlamydia trachomatis by fatty acids and monoglycerides. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 1998;42(9):2290-
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Carpo BG, Verallo-Rowell VM, Kabara J. Novel antibacterial activity of monolaurin compared with conventional antibiotics against organisms from skin infections: an in vitro study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Oct;6(10):991-8. PMID: 17966176.

Haase, A. T., Rakasz, E., Schultz-Darken, N., Nephew, K., Weisgrau, K. L., Reilly, C. S., . . . Schlievert, P. M. (2015, June 09). Glycerol Monolaurate Microbicide Protection against Repeat High-Dose SIV Vaginal Challenge. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4461171/

Manohar V, Echard B, Perricone N, Ingram C, Enig M, Bagchi D, Preuss HG. In vitro and in vivo effects of two coconut oils in comparison to monolaurin on Staphylococcus aureus: rodent studies. J Med Food. 2013 Jun;16(6):499-503. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2012.0066. PMID: 23767861.