Formula C15H30O4 | Molar mass 274.4 g/mol | |
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Monolaurin, also known as glycerol monolaurate, glyceryl laurate or 1-Lauroyl-glycerol, is a monoglyceride. It is the mono-ester formed from glycerol and lauric acid. Its chemical formula is C15H30O4.
Contents
Uses
Monolaurin is most commonly used as a surfactant in cosmetics, such as deodorants. As a food additive it is also used as an emulsifier or preservative. Monolaurin is also taken as a dietary supplement.
Occurrence
Monolaurin is found in coconut oil and may be similar to other monoglycerides found in human breast milk.
Pharmacology
Monolaurin has antibacterial, antiviral, and other antimicrobial effects in vitro. It may therefore be useful in the treatment or prevention of various infections, but its clinical usefulness has not been established.
Monolaurin is currently sold as a dietary supplement under various brands, generally under the category of digestive and immune system support.
Monolaurin is believed to inactivate lipid-coated viruses by binding to the lipid-protein envelope of the virus, thereby preventing it from attaching and entering host cells, making infection and replication impossible. Other studies show that Monolaurin disintegrates the protective viral envelope, killing the virus. Monolaurin has been studied to inactivate many pathogens including Herpes simplex virus and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Monolaurin also shows promising effects against bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative), yeast, fungi, and protozoa. Bacteria including E. Coli, yeast including Candida alibcans, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), Giardia lamblia, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), and other microbials have all been neutralized by monolaurin in scientific studies.
Furthermore, monolaurin does not seem to contribute to drug resistance, may be taken as a preventative measure to avoid infection, and has been listed in the FDA's GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) list.