VCO showed potential vs. COVID-19, according to DOST
The virgin coconut oil (VCO) showed potential against coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
This, as the Department of Science and Technology shared the findings of a study on the antiviral effects of compounds from coconut oil and virgin coconut oil.
The said study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and led by the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU).
In a report on GMA News Online, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) revealed that experiments had found that compounds from coconut oil and virgin coconut oil decreased coronavirus count by 60% to 90% at low viral load.
Also, the researchers observed that those compounds helped improve cell survival. However, researchers stressed that more experiments were needed in order to see if higher concentrations of coconut oil compounds would further decrease the replication rate of the virus that caused the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
DOST-PCHRD chief Dr. Jaime Montoya said in a statement that the results were “very promising” as not only did it showed that the virgin coconut oil could destroy the virus, but it also had a “key mechanism” in upregulating the immune response against COVID-19.
READ ALSO: Results Of VCO Clinical Trials Expected To Be Released 2nd Week Of November — DOST
Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said that there were still alternative solutions against COVID-19 aside from vaccines, adding that further investigation was needed before they developed a possible prevention or treatment option.
He also said that they aimed to give Filipinos hope through their ongoing local research initiatives.
The Department of Science and Technology said that it’s also working with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and the University of the Philippines Manila in order to explore the capabilities of virgin coconut oil in upregulating the immune system.
The results of VCO clinical trials, which were expected to be released by the 2nd week of November, would determine whether it can be used as an adjunct therapy for COVID-19 patients.
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