VCO and its antiviral property
In HIV-infected human subjects, dietary supplementation of virgin
coconut oil (VCO) for 6 weeks has improved the CD4+ T lymphocyte counts
implying immune-modulatory role of VCO consequently disrupting HIV
disease progression (Widhiarta 2016). Though WHO is wary of antiviral
therapeutic potential of VCO in the absence of scientific evidence,
Philippine’s DOST is conducting two clinical trials on COVID-19 positive
patients and COVID-19 persons under investigations (PUIs) by
incorporating VCO as a dietary supplement in addition to the current
drug regimen (https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098482). As a
consequence, antiviral properties and reduction of inflammatory
responses due to lauric acid requires to be further investigated in
human trials to further the use of coconut oil-derivatives in the
therapeutics.