Acid from coconut oil may help fight cancer

Unrefined coconut oil (Virgin Coconut Oil, VCO) is rich in biologically active substances — saturated fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Lauric acid (LA), the main component of the oil, exhibits selective toxicity against cancer cells, inhibits their growth, causes apoptosis and blocks signaling pathways associated with the development of tumors.

Experiments have shown that VCO can slow down the development of lung, breast, colon, oral, and liver cancers, as well as enhance the effects of certain chemotherapy drugs. In colonotests, lauric acid reduced the level of glutathione and caused the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which led to the death of cancer cells.

In addition to its direct antitumor effect, VCO is able to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, including damage to the liver, heart, kidneys, and nervous system. Animal studies have shown that coconut oil reduces the toxicity of doxorubicin, cisplatin and cyclophosphamide, as well as improves the quality of life of patients.

However, most of the data were obtained in laboratory and preclinical trials. Clinical studies in humans are still limited, and the authors emphasize the need for further work to confirm the efficacy and safety of coconut oil and lauric acid in oncology.