The potential of coconut oil and its derivatives as effective and safe antiviral agents against the novel coronavirus (nCoV-2019)

Lauric acid (C12) and monolaurin, its derivative, have been known for many years to have significant antiviral activity. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a common surfactant that is made from lauric acid, has been shown to have potent antiviral properties. Lauric acid, monolaurin, and sodium lauryl sulfate (which is also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate) are used in a wide range of products for their antiviral properties. Several in vitro, animal, and human studies support the potential of coconut oil, lauric acid and its derivatives as effective and safe agents against a virus like nCoV-2019. Given the considerable scientific evidence for the antiviral activity of coconut oil, lauric acid and its derivatives and their general safety, and the absence of a cure for nCoV-2019, they urge that clinical studies be conducted among patients who have been infected with nCoV-2019.