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.