Evidence supporting the use of: Coconut oil
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Coconut oil has scientifically documented antifungal properties, primarily attributed to its high content of medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid and caprylic acid. Several in vitro studies have shown that coconut oil can inhibit the growth of various fungal species, most notably Candida albicans, which is responsible for many human fungal infections, including oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections. For example, a study published in the journal mSphere (2015) demonstrated that coconut oil was highly effective at reducing Candida colonization in mice. Other lab-based studies have found similar inhibitory effects against dermatophytes (fungi that cause skin infections) and other yeasts.

Despite promising laboratory findings, clinical research in humans is limited. There are a few small-scale clinical studies and case reports suggesting coconut oil may help manage mild skin and mucosal fungal infections, especially as a topical agent. However, the evidence is not robust enough to recommend coconut oil as a primary or sole therapy for serious or systemic fungal infections. Most guidelines still favor established antifungal medications, though coconut oil is sometimes used as a complementary or adjunct approach.

In summary, while scientific evidence—primarily from laboratory studies—supports the antifungal activity of coconut oil, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to fully validate its effectiveness in treating fungal infections in humans. The current evidence base rates a 3 out of 5 on the strength scale.

More about coconut oil
More about Fungal Infections

Other ingredients used for Fungal Infections

10-Undecenoic Acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Agarikon Mushroom
Ajoene
Ajuga
Alantolactone
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
Ampelopsis
anamu
Ardisia
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Barleria
basil
bee hive
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta-pinene
bisabolene
black nightshade
black walnut
borneol
Brazilian peppertree
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
camphor oil
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caryophyllene
Centipeda
chalcone
chamomile
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
citral
citronella
coconut oil
commiphora
copaiba oil
curry leaf
Dianthus
eucalyptus
eugenol
Euphorbia
gamma-terpinene
garlic
geranial
geraniol
geranium
Glechoma hederacea
glyceryl caprylate caprate
glyceryl monolaurate
Gnaphalium
goldenseal
green tea
Hedyotis
henna
Herb Robert
Houttuynia
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kefir
Labdanum
Lactoperoxidase
Laggera pterodonta
Lantana camara
lauric acid
Lebbek
lemongrass
Leptospermum scoparium
lichen
linalool
Litsea
liverwort
lodhtree
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
mangostin
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Menthol oil
Monolaurin
Morinda
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Naphthoquinones
Neem tree
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
oregano
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
pau d'arco
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
polyphenols
Propolis
rosemary
rue
sage
Salvia
Sandalwood
Sapindus mukorossi
schizonepeta
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Sophora
Stereospermum
Storax
Sumac
Tea Tree Oil
Terpinen-4-ol
Terpinolene
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Thymol
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Undecylenic acid
Violet
Water Pepper
Winter Savory
Wrightia tinctoria
zanthoxylum
Zingiberene

Products containing coconut oil

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.