Lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil, has been extensively studied for its various biomedical applications. This review summarizes the current understanding of lauric acid's properties, metabolism, and potential therapeutic uses in medicine. Lauric acid exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities, and has been explored for its role in preventing secondary diabetic complications, managing hypertension, and improving cholesterol levels. It also shows promise in protecting against benign prostatic hyperplasia, liver damage, and neuroinflammation. Lauric acid's ability to modulate cellular signaling pathways, such as those involving GPR40, suggests potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Additionally, it has been investigated for its role in cardiovascular health, with studies indicating its potential to lower blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress. However, there is ongoing debate regarding its impact on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health due to its high saturated fat content. Despite these controversies, lauric acid's unique properties make it a promising candidate for further research in biomedical applications. The review highlights the need for more clinical studies to fully understand lauric acid's potential in human health.Lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil, has been extensively studied for its various biomedical applications. This review summarizes the current understanding of lauric acid's properties, metabolism, and potential therapeutic uses in medicine. Lauric acid exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities, and has been explored for its role in preventing secondary diabetic complications, managing hypertension, and improving cholesterol levels. It also shows promise in protecting against benign prostatic hyperplasia, liver damage, and neuroinflammation. Lauric acid's ability to modulate cellular signaling pathways, such as those involving GPR40, suggests potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Additionally, it has been investigated for its role in cardiovascular health, with studies indicating its potential to lower blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress. However, there is ongoing debate regarding its impact on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health due to its high saturated fat content. Despite these controversies, lauric acid's unique properties make it a promising candidate for further research in biomedical applications. The review highlights the need for more clinical studies to fully understand lauric acid's potential in human health.