Big Time Disruption
Monolaurin has been shown to have anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Monolaurin is a derivative of coconut oil that has been prepared into a monoester of lauric acid. This natural compound has been found to have germ killing, immune boosting and disinfecting properties and is safe and non-toxic. In babies, monolaurin helps support their immune system while it is not strong enough to fight off infections. More important to us, it can support the immune system in adults too against candida yeast infections!
Keep in mind that monolaurin is a component of breast milk. It is part of Mother Nature’s immune support that is passed from mother to child and vital to the survival of the human race. Anything in breast milk must be very gentle on the baby, yet effective at boosting immunity. This helps you to understand the safety and non-toxicity of this simple fatty acid nutrient. Well, if it is nothing but a fatty acid with no toxicity then how on earth does it defeat candida and a host of other infections? How does Mother Nature do this?
Monolaurin works directly on the envelope (skin) of the virus. By disrupting the lipid bi-layer of the virus, Monolaurin inactivates the virus by preventing attachment (absorption) to susceptible host cell walls. This prevents the un-coating of viruses needed for replication and infections. It also works against candida!
Research has found over the last 30 years that monolaurin is very effective against candida and other yeasts as well as bacteria and viruses. This is why we use it, in combination with other anti-fungal and candida nutrients, for candida defense.
Monolaurin does not attack the same way as other anti-fungal agents. It actually works on the skin of the virus, fungus or bacteria and prevents them from attaching to host cells. Because of the way it works it is not just confined to bacteria or just fungi, it works on them all. So when candida first begins to overgrow, taking monolaurin against candida will prevent them from finding a place in the host to overgrow any further.
Big Time Signal Sap
Monolaurin also has other abilities. For example, in the October 31, 2008 issues of the journal Cell, scientists report that bacteria spores grow and spread by ‘talking’ to dormant bacteria nearby.(1) In essence this motivates them to come join their cause (which is to infect your body). This turns harmless digestive contents into active combatants. The hostile bacteria release fragments from their cell membranes called muropeptides – a carbohydrate based communication molecule that signals dormant “friends” to join the battle. The researchers believe this is a universal principle of bacterial infections. We already know that Candida albicans behaves this way.(2)
Research dating back 30 years first identified that monolaurin was highly effective at combating gram positive bacteria and yeasts (like Candida albicans). The Candida killing ability of monolaurin has been established.(3) The most research has been done on gram positive bacteria, as the compound can be used to reduce infections on poultry and help clean equipment involved in the production of food. Monolaurin has been found to incorporate itself into the cell membrane of gram positive bacteria.(4) This has the net effect of disturbing the integrity of its cell membrane, blocking replication and making it an easier enemy for your immune system to take care of.
(It has also been found to increase the levels of tyrosyl protein sulfotransferase, an enzyme that is vital for intestinal function – but that is another story.)
There are no known reactions to other drugs and it does not kill friendly bacteria.
Monolaurin is also effective against many viruses. The nutrient has been in widespread use as an immune support dietary supplement for several decades.
(Note: There are 3 main locations candida is usually referred to:
1. Systemic (body wide) – Monolaurin pellets work great here.
2. Vaginal – The CAY (with applicator) works great here.
3. Digestive – Not so well here because the monolaurin tends to get absorbed
before getting too far along the track.)
A Few Other Conditions Monolaurin Is Good For
yeast and fungi
staphylococcus aureus (staph)
streptococcus agalactiae (strep)
swine flu
chlamydia trachomatis
giardia lamblia
References
1. Bacterial Spreading Mechanism Identified.
2. Monolaurin Kills Candida and Gram Positive Bacteria Lipids. Kabara JJ, Vrable R.
3. Monolaurin and Caprylic Acid Kill Candida Antimicrob Agents Chemother. Bergsson G, Arnfinnsson J, Steingrímsson O , Thormar H.
4. Monolaurin Incorproates Into Gram Positive Bacteria Cell Membranes Appl Environ Microbiol. Tokarskyy O, Marshall DL.