Singapore University to Test VCO as Potential Antiviral Agent Against COVID-19

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the National University of Singapore has agreed to determine the efficacy of virgin coconut oil to combat the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  “As to the efficacy of virgin coconut ol (VCO) in combating COVID-19, a leading proponent - an academician in one of our top universities is spearheading this initiative and the National University of Singapore has accepted to test VCO against COVID-19,” Nograles said in a Malacañang Palace press briefing.

Ateneo de Manila University Professor Emeritus Fabian Dayrit recently raised the potential use of coconut oil as a safe antiviral agent against the new coronavirus.  The research paper was done with Dr. Mary Newport of Spring Hill Neonatology, Inc.  They noted that lauric acid (C12) and monolaurin, its derivative, have been known for many years to have significant antiviral activity.  “Coconut oil and its derivatives have been shown to be safe and effective antiviral compounds in both humans and animals,” the research paper read.  Dayrit and Newport have also proposed clinical studies among patients infected with the coronavirus given the scientific evidence for the antiviral activity of coconut oil, lauric acid, and its derivatives.  

The new coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has continued to spread across several countries, including the Philippines.  It has left more than 2,000 people dead and infected more than 78,000 globally.  Nograles said that to date, 132 patients under investigation are admitted in local hospitals.  At least 474 patients have been discharged after testing negative for COVID-19.