By David Matthew C. Gopilan, DOST-STII, S&T Media Service
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is investing about P8.4 million to explore the possible use of virgin coconut oil (VCO) as adjunctive therapy for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Adjunctive therapy is given to assist the primary treatment provided to the patients.
In one project amounting to P4.8 million, 74 eligible patients from the Philippine General Hospital will participate in a study that will monitor the safety of VCO. The patients will be randomly assigned either to a standard care or treatment group. The treatment group will receive 15 milliliters (mL) or about one tablespoon of VCO every meal, three times a day on top of standard regular care for two weeks.
During this period, their lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, creatinine, and efficacy of VCO through recovery from symptoms and virus clearance of the patients will be closely monitored. This project is under the supervision of Dr. Marissa M. Alejandria of the University of the Philippines Manila.
The results from this study will prove the efficacy of VCO in helping improve the overall health status and recovery of a COVID-19 patient.
In another project with DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), VCO is given to suspect and probable cases of COVID-19 who are quarantined in a center or hospital so the cases will not be severe.
Led by FNRI Director Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, this P3.6 million project aims to evaluate VCO’s beneficial effects in terms of C-reactive protein (CRP) level, all hematology tests (CBC differential count), pulmonary function, viral load or CD4+, lipid profile, diminishing/resolution of signs and symptoms, and the number of days spent in the center.
If the results of this study prove to be successful, VCO can be used as a potential
supplement for suspect and probable cases of COVID-19 to prevent the worsening of
the condition of the patient.
The VCO used in the DOST-FNRI’s study was analyzed by the Laboratory Services Division of the Philippine Coconut Authority. The DOST funding for VCO studies was released through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.
Derived from the kernel or white meat of the coconut fruit, VCO contains lauric acid and monolaurin. Past studies suggest that these chemical compounds can stop the replication of the COVID-19 virus and the binding of the proteins of the virus to the cell membrane of the host.
In a separate development, Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit of Ateneo de Manila University has strongly advocated the use of VCO in the treatment of COVID-19.
Dr. Dayrit is also an academician of the DOST-National Academy of Science and Technology, the highest collegial body of highly recognized scientists in the Philippines, and president of the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines, a professional organization that helps regulate the professional practice of chemistry in the country. He is also involved in the DOST-FNRI study.
If proven to be an effective adjunctive therapy, VCO can boost the coconut industry in the Philippines. And if VCO is shown to be effective in addressing COVID-19, the market for VCO will increase because it will also become affordable and easily accessible to consumers.
VCO as adjunctive therapy for COVID-19 is just one of the technologies to be presented at the “Big 21 in 2021” launch on Sept. 7,10:00 a.m., to be broadcast on PTV and livestreamed on the DOST Philippines and PTV Facebook pages. (DOST) – jlo
