Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid most abundant in coconut oil, has demonstrated antifungal properties in laboratory studies. The main scientific rationale for its use against fungal infections is its ability to disrupt the lipid membranes of certain fungi, notably species from the genus Candida, which are common causes of human fungal infections. In vitro (test tube) studies have shown that lauric acid and its derivative, monolaurin, can inhibit the growth and reduce the viability of Candida albicans and some other fungal pathogens. The proposed mechanism involves solubilization and disintegration of the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death.

However, direct human clinical trials examining lauric acid as a treatment for fungal infections are scarce. Most of the existing evidence is preclinical and based on cell culture studies or animal models. There are anecdotal and traditional uses of coconut oil, which contains high amounts of lauric acid, for skin health and as a folk remedy for fungal skin infections, but these are not well-documented in the scientific literature. As a result, while the laboratory evidence is promising, the clinical efficacy of lauric acid for treating fungal infections in humans has not been firmly established. Therefore, the evidence rating is moderate (2 out of 5), reflecting a need for more robust human studies before lauric acid can be confidently recommended for this purpose.

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