Small Drupe, Big Chemical: Lauric Acid

By Brittney Cripps

“Coconut Splash” by Darren Johnson 

is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Neither a fruit, nut, nor seed; the coconut is classified as a one-seeded drupe ^[1]. This wondrous thing is the primary source of lauric acid. There are two main ways that lauric acid can be obtained from coconuts; extraction from mixed coconut and isolation from coconut oil ^[2]. Both of these methods are important, as lauric acid is a chemical abundantly found in our everyday life ^[2].

Not only is it found in many soaps and shampoos, this non-toxic fatty acid is also used to treat viral infections such as the flu and HIV/AIDS ^[3]. Lauric acid has a structure that allows it to interact with water and fats, a property deeming it useful in soaps and shampoos to remove grease from the hair and body ^[4]. In regards to treatment of viral infections, lauric acid has the ability to form monolaurin, which essentially aids in the destruction of viruses ^[5].

While lauric acid has several benefits, briefly discussed above, it is not without cons. Generally, lauric acid is regarded as a skin and eye irritant ^[6]. This provides an explanation for the irritation that occurs when you get soap in your eyes. More rare health effects include irritation to the nose and throat if inhaled in vapor form ^[6]. While these are the negative health effects of lauric acid itself, there are controversies surrounding the health effects of its main source. This being coconut oil.

I’m sure that you have all heard about cholesterol. If not, cholesterol is simply fat located in your blood that helps the body grow and carry out day-to-day functions ^[7]. In moderation, cholesterol is necessary. But since coconut oil contains lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid, there is the possibility to raise cholesterol levels in individuals ^[8]. The controversy stems from lack of research, as science has yet to identify if the benefits of coconut oil, with the “active ingredient” being lauric acid, outweigh the risks of raising cholesterol levels ^[8].

References

[1] The Library of Congress. (2010). Is a coconut a fruit, nut or seed?. Everyday Mysteries.

[2] Nyveen, L. (n.d.). How to Make Lauric Acid. eHow.

[3] Therapeutic Research Facility. (2009). Lauric Acid. WebMD.

[4] Harrison, K. (2007). Lauric Acid. 3DChem.

[5] Ettinger, M. (2010). Antiviral and Antibacterial Actions of Monolaurin and Lauric Acid. Advanced Healing: A Holistic Clinic.

[6] (1999). Lauric Acid. CAMEO Chemicals.

[7] Nemours. (2013). What’s Cholesterol? KidsHealth.

[8] Warner, M. (n.d.). The Coconut Oil Controversy. Alternative Medicine: Healthy, Happy, Holistic.