Monolaurin is a powerful antiviral, tested successfully for herpes types I and II, as well as non-specific viral infections. It contains the monoester of lauric acid. Monolaurin has had good results in studies of Shingles, Herpes virus and Epstein Bar virus. It should act against all lipid-enveloped viruses. Monolaurin-based creams are being developed.
Monolaurin works directly on the lipid envelop coat of the virus by disrupting the conformation of the lipid bilayer, preventing attachment to host cells. Not only does Monolaurin exert direct antiviral activity, it also enhances both nonspecific as well as specific host defenses against viral invasion. It potentiates immunological activity by triggering agents as mitogens, antigens, phagocytic stimuli or lymphokines. It does not have an effect on lymphocyte or macrophage functions. Although it is broad spectrum, it has no effect on polio, coxsackie, rotaviruses, Western equine, Venezuela equine or Japanese B encephalitis.
Some doctors recommend taking 6 capsules during a flare up, and 2 capsules for prevention purposes. A capsule may contain 300mg of lauric acid.
It does not upset the gastrointestinal tract and no significant side effects have been noted.