It's been shown in some laboratory studies to be potentially effective in inactivating certain viruses, among them EBV.
“The body converts lauric acid into monolaurin (a Fat otherwise found in breast milk) which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Monolaurin is a monoglyceride that can actually destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, measles, influenza virus, various pathogenic bacteria, protozoa such as giardalamblia.” @1
Another study examined the effects of short-chain fatty acids on EBV vs the effects of medium-chain fatty acids or MCFAs (such as monolaurin). The results of the experiment found that MCFAs were effective in blocking the reactivation of the EBV virus.
“In fact, our data suggest that MCFAs, such as VPA and phenylbutyrate, may be used to block EBV lytic reactivation….Given the effects we observed on EBV and KSHV lytic reactivation, dietary sources of fatty acids may also be considered for treating virus-associated cancers.” @2
@1. Ezigbo, Veronica O., Mbaegbu Emmanuella A. “Extraction of Lauric Acid from Coconut Oil, Its Applications and Health Implications On Some Microorganisms. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology.” April, 2016.
@2. Gorres, K L, et al. “Activation and Repression of Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Cycles by Short- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids.” Journal of Virology, July 2014.
Research Monolaurin...
It's been shown in some laboratory studies to be potentially effective in inactivating certain viruses, among them EBV.
“The body converts lauric acid into monolaurin (a Fat otherwise found in breast milk) which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Monolaurin is a monoglyceride that can actually destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, measles, influenza virus, various pathogenic bacteria, protozoa such as giardalamblia.” @1
Another study examined the effects of short-chain fatty acids on EBV vs the effects of medium-chain fatty acids or MCFAs (such as monolaurin). The results of the experiment found that MCFAs were effective in blocking the reactivation of the EBV virus.
“In fact, our data suggest that MCFAs, such as VPA and phenylbutyrate, may be used to block EBV lytic reactivation….Given the effects we observed on EBV and KSHV lytic reactivation, dietary sources of fatty acids may also be considered for treating virus-associated cancers.” @2
@1. Ezigbo, Veronica O., Mbaegbu Emmanuella A. “Extraction of Lauric Acid from Coconut Oil, Its Applications and Health Implications On Some Microorganisms. African Journal of Education, Science and Technology.” April, 2016.
@2. Gorres, K L, et al. “Activation and Repression of Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Cycles by Short- and Medium-Chain Fatty Acids.” Journal of Virology, July 2014.