Lauric acid (Lauricidin and Monolaurin) is a 12-carbon medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) found naturally in human breast milk (6.2% of total fat) and coconut oil (47.5% by weight). Lauric acid was originally discovered when microbiologists studied human breast milk to determine the protective (antiviral and antibacterial) substances which protected the infants from microbial infections. Other fatty acids were also found to have antimicrobial actions but lauric acid was found to be the most active.
The esterification of lauric acid, that naturally occurs in our body, yields an amazing compound known as monolaurin (glycerol monolaurate). Monolaurin is a non-ionic surfactant¹, which possesses an even greater antiviral and antibacterial activity than its precursor, lauric acid. Monolaurin, when given orally, at therapeutic doses between 2,500 – 4,500 mg/day is generally well tolerated, with loose bowels as the only negative concern. Monolaurin has been studied at medical research centers, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), because of its high antimicrobial (antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-yeast and antiprotozoal) activity. These studies have provided information about the antiviral and antibacterial mechanisms of monolaurin. Monolaurin was found to be effective against certain Lipid Coated Bacteria (LCBs) and Lipid Coated Viruses (LCVs) – enveloped DNA and RNA viruses.
¹Surfactant: Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing easier spreading, and lowering of the interfacial tension between two liquids, or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants.
Microorganisms Inactivated by Monolaurin/Lauricidin under Laboratory Conditions
My standard dosage is 1 scoop of Lauricidin 3x/day. To the Lauricidin, I will add specific nutraceuticals based on the patient’s individual needs.
Viruses
- HIV type 1 (HIV-1)
- Visna virus
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2)
- Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)
- Measles virus
- Rubella virus
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Influenza virus
- Dengue virus (Type 1-4)
- Leukemia virus
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Semliki Forest virus
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis
- Human papilloma virus (HPV)
- Pneumovirus
Sadly, monolaurin had no effect on diseases caused by non-enveloped viruses such as polio virus, coxsackie virus, encephalomyocarditis virus, rhinovirus, and rotaviruses.
Bacteria
Gram-positive organisms
- Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Groups A, B, F & G streptococci
- Streptococcus agalactiae
- Mycobacteria
- Clostridium perfringens
Gram-negative organisms
- Chlamydia pneumonia
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Others bacteria can also be inactivated if a chelating agent, such as InterFase Plus, is concurrently used.
Yeasts. Fungi and Molds
- Aspergillus Niger
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Ringworm or tinea (Trichophyton)
- Malassezia (multiple species)
- Penicillium citrinum
- Torula (Candida utilis)
A number of protozoa like Giardia lamblia are also inactivated or killed by
The antiviral and antibacterial actions attributed to lauric acid (monolaurin/Lauricidin) are due to its ability to make soluble the lipids and phospholipids, in the protective envelope of these particular infective agents, causing the disintegration of the lipid envelope. Recent publications have shown that lauric acid (monolaurin/Lauricidin) inhibit the replication of viruses by interrupting the communication and binding of the virus to host cells and thus preventing the uncoating of viruses necessary for replication and infection. Other studies have shown that monolaurin is able to remove all measurable infectivity by directly disintegrating the protective bacterial and viral lipid envelope. Binding of monolaurin to the viral envelope also makes the virus more susceptible to degradation by host defenses, heat, or ultraviolet light.
Hey Marcus. Nice article. Is this more or less an advanced version of Bactor 6? But now it looks like it combats viral as well. Nice. Is it bottled the same?
Mick,,,
Mick,
Good to hear from you. It’s in capsules and can be taken with other products to work even faster. Let me know if you need anything.
Dear Dr. Ettinger,
I was told by a doctor that I have HSV 1 & 2, Epstein Barr Virus, Fibroids and H.Pylori.
I used to take a natural Progesterone cream for the fibroids. I used to be in severe pain, I’ve applied the cream as directed for a couple of weeks and I’m no longer in pain, thank God.
I’m currently taking, Vitamin d3, Mastic Gum, Selenium, MSM, Super Lysine and Colloidal Silver. I’ve read about Monolaurin and really impressed with the great reviews I came across.
I’m not a supporter of Valtrex and other medicines that will suppress the symptoms into the body.
Would like to know if it’s okay to take this along with my other products I’m taking. If so, how many dosages, how many times a day. I’m really looking forward to getting rid of these virus to bring my body back to a healthy state. I’ve also decided to give up on sugar, juices, certain meats and carbs.
Please let me know. I’m open to hearing other suggestions you may have.
Thank you,
CJ
CJ, Monolaurin dosage is very standard at two 600mg capsules, twice a day. I would also eliminate gluten, dairy and add ascorbyl palmitate 500mg’s twice a day. Please share how you are doing in a month. Dr. Ettinger
Great blog. I figured it out now. It is the ‘non-ionic surfactant’ property of monolaurin that makes it good at dissolving biofilms presumably both in the GI tract and the bloodstream – effectively acting as a strongly antimicrobial detergent! Thanks for the tip!
You are welcome! I like washing those dirty bacteria’s mouths out with soap.
Hello Dr. Ettinger. My mother had colorectal cancer 10 or so years ago leaving her with problems with GI. Would it be ok to give her this and Elderberry to help her out with constipation? I use it and thought it may help her out.
Georgia,
A broad-spectrum, enteric coated, probiotic would be my first choice. I would also support her liver and pancreas. I’m going to recommend 3 products. Try these out and see how she feels. Message me back in 30 days. Website: http://www.caoh.org. Products: CaliTrim (2 2x/day), Probiotic Flora-Health (1/day) and Plant Enzymes (1-2 w/each meal). Phone # 800-643-7188. Ask for Lorelei and tell her Dr. Ettinger referred you. I know that this will be a better combo for her than Monoalurin and Elderberry. Lastly, if she owns a juicer, have her drink a glass of green leaf juice per day. This is fantastic for the entire body, especially her colon and liver.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ettinger
Hello Dr. Marcus I know that HPV is anaerobic with a lipid coating and it thrives in a body with depleted oxygen and dies in 14 days if in high oxygen levels.
Hello Dr Marcus
I just read some articles on monolaurin. I am a Nurse and have been suffering with buttock herpes for 20 years now which I’ve contracted fro my ex-husband. I took anti viral pills and cream with some help, it may stay away from 6 months even a year but very rarely, it may come back with a vengeance every two weeks or so. I have stopped suppressive therapy for about about a year and a half to give my body a break. I use daily lysine and the results are no different from when I was on suppressive therapy. So sick of this virus and depressed, can’t even date due to die to embarrassment and disappointment.
Most of my patients take 1 scoop of Lauracidin (monolaurin) 3x/day, along with L-lysine, vitamin C, Flax seed oil, magnesium, Vitamin D3 and BioSil caps. Juicing carrots, celery, spincach and cucumber helps to keep the liver happy. In traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Liver heat can activate the virus. No alcohol, reduce stress, get 7-8 hours of sleep, Juice and eat a paleo diet.
Hi Dr. Markus.
I have pylori, took half scoop of Lauricidin twice for 3 days but have severe herx and I feel really sick from that. What can I do? take less lauricidin, change and take ecological formulas monolaurin? stopped taking it and still herx, what is your advise? Thanks.
Diana, Herxing is a result of leaky gut and/or lack phase II liver detoxification nutrients, and/or methylation issues. It’s not the lauracidin. You should look into these three defects with a competent holistic practitioner.
Hello,
Would it not be better to get the Monolaurin and Lauric Acid directly from coconut oil?
Bella, if you don’t mind consuming 6+ tbsp’s of coconut oil per day, then coconut oil is a good option. Otherwise, Lauracidin or Monolaurin is a better option.
Hi,
I just found out about monolaurin.
Looks like it might work as I have hpv 16
With Cin2 and Cin 3.
I’m looking to be hpv free before my next biopsy in 6 months
Any other suggestions to aid me in this?
Also I’m taking 600mg of monolaurin would that
a suffiant amout for my case?
Blessings
Organic Girl, I would switch to Lauricidin. The therapeutic dosage of all monolaurin products is 1200mg’s 2x/day. I like 1 scoop of Lauricidin 3x/day.
Hi again,
What is the purpose of the BioSil, as mentioned above?
It’s a source of dietary silica. Tons of data on the internet about the benefits of silica.
Dr. Marcus,
I’ve been reading all I can on monolaurin and this website is very helpful.
i have self-diagnosed genital warts/hpv, but haven’t had a pap test to confirm. Is it safe to begin an HPV protocol without a positive pap? Could you please recommend product and dosage? thank you!!
Thank you for your question. I can not make treatment protocol recommendations through this forum. I can only do that if the commenter becomes a patient/distance-patient. Here is a link for information on that process. http://www.advancedhealing.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Distance-Patient-Program-r10-12-15.pdf