Lauric acid, a major component of coconut oil, has been extensively studied for its various health benefits and biomedical applications. This review aims to scientifically assess the reported data on lauric acid in medicine. Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid, is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. It has been found to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, and its monoglyceride derivative, glycerol monolaurate (GML), also exhibits significant antimicrobial activity. Lauric acid's amphipathic properties cause membrane lysis by increasing cellular permeability, disrupting electron transport chains, and inhibiting membrane enzymes.
In terms of biomedical applications, lauric acid has been studied for its potential in treating oral diseases, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It has shown promise in reducing cholesterol levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and protecting against liver damage. Additionally, lauric acid has been explored for its role in neuroinflammation, neuroprotection, and antitumor activities, particularly in oral cancer cells.
The review highlights the need for further research to translate in vitro and in vivo findings into broader human studies, especially in understanding its functions within the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The multifaceted roles and potential applications of lauric acid suggest that it could revolutionize therapeutic approaches in various medical fields.Lauric acid, a major component of coconut oil, has been extensively studied for its various health benefits and biomedical applications. This review aims to scientifically assess the reported data on lauric acid in medicine. Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid, is known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. It has been found to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, and its monoglyceride derivative, glycerol monolaurate (GML), also exhibits significant antimicrobial activity. Lauric acid's amphipathic properties cause membrane lysis by increasing cellular permeability, disrupting electron transport chains, and inhibiting membrane enzymes.
In terms of biomedical applications, lauric acid has been studied for its potential in treating oral diseases, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It has shown promise in reducing cholesterol levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and protecting against liver damage. Additionally, lauric acid has been explored for its role in neuroinflammation, neuroprotection, and antitumor activities, particularly in oral cancer cells.
The review highlights the need for further research to translate in vitro and in vivo findings into broader human studies, especially in understanding its functions within the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The multifaceted roles and potential applications of lauric acid suggest that it could revolutionize therapeutic approaches in various medical fields.