Virgin coconut oil (VCO) can kill a large amount of SARS-CoV-2, bringing new prospects in treating patients.
The Inquirer daily reported on October 19 that new research from Ateneo de Manila University (Philippines) shows that pure coconut oil can kill a large amount of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 pandemic, under cold conditions . experimental conditions, bringing new perspectives in patient treatment.
Specifically, after 6 months of testing, results showed that compounds from virgin coconut oil (VCO) – a product almost always available in the Philippines and many other Southeast Asian countries, reduced the number of SARS . -CoV-2 from 60% to 90%, in laboratory samples.
In addition, researchers also observed that compounds in VCO also have the ability to improve cell survival when facing SARS-CoV-2, according to Inquirer .
“This result is very promising. We realized that VCO can not only destroy SARS-CoV-2, but also create an important mechanism in regulating the immune response against the virus,” said Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the Society. Philippine Council for Medical Research and Development, said.
“Currently, we are waiting for results from clinical trials on the applications of VCO as an adjuvant for the treatment of COVID-19 ,” the doctor added.
The above study was sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines to consider whether virgin coconut oil could be an anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent, because many previous studies have proven that VCO is effective in treating the virus . Kill other viruses.
Speaking about the results of this study, Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said: “Besides vaccines, there are still other alternatives that can fight COVID- 19 . And although scientists are still finalizing research results, we hope the Filipino people will have new hope,” according to Inquirer.