Health and Fitness

Virgin Coconut Oil: A Potential antiviral agent against coronavirus, experiment shows




After six months of experiments, evidence has revealed that Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is a potential antiviral against coronavirus after the funded study of the Department of Science Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has shown that compounds from coconut oil and VCO decreased coronavirus count by 60-90%  at the low viral count.

“After six months of experiments, results showed that compounds from coconut oil and virgin coconut oil, or VCO, a readily available commodity in the Philippines, decreased coronavirus count by 60-90% at low viral load.” 

DOST-PCHRD

Furthermore, the researchers also discovered that said compounds from VCO were observed to improve cell survival. 


The report, “VCO a potential antiviral agent against COVID-19 — Filipino Research”, was published by the DOST-PCHRD on October 5, 2020 (Monday). 

In addition, the research was led by Dr. Fabian Dayrit of Ateneo De Manila University. It is sought to investigate if coconut oil compounds are effective antiviral agents to prevent or reduce coronavirus infection, following reports of previous research that VCO compounds are effective at killing other viruses.

Promising Results

According to Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, the results of the VCO experiment is very promising 

The results are very promising, as not only does it show that the VCO, by itself, can destroy the virus, but it also has a key mechanism in upregulating the immune response against COVID-19. Indeed, we look forward to the results of clinical trials on the various uses of VCO as an adjunct for the treatment of COVID-19.”

-Dr. Jaime C. Montoya

More Experiments Needed 

However, it is stated in the report that to determine whether higher concentrations of the compounds will further reduce the replication rate of the virus more experiments will be needed. 

Here’s the statement of Secretary Fortunato de la Peña of the Department of Science and Technology:

“There are still alternative solutions against COVID-19 aside from vaccines. Although further investigation is needed before we develop a possible prevention or treatment option, we aim to give Filipinos hope through our ongoing local research initiatives.”

VCO to Upregulate Immune System

In the report, it is stated that DOST and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, and the University of the Philippines – Manila is currently exploring the capability of VCO to upregulate the immune system.

Additionally, the results from the ongoing VCO Clinical trials will determine whether VCO can be used as an adjunct therapy for coronavirus patients.

Source: DOST-PCHRD

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