The Philippine funded research for virgin coconut oil (VCO) as a potential antiviral agent against the COVID-19 has resulted to a promising result, DOST revealed on its website.
“There are still alternative solutions against COVID-19 aside from vaccines. Although further investigation is needed before we develop a possible prevention or treatment option, we aim to give Filipinos hope through our ongoing local research initiatives,” Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said.
According to the study, it shows that compound from virgin coconut oil decreased coronavirus count by 60-90% at low viral load, according the research published on October 5,2020.
Researchers also found out that the compounds were observed to improve cell survival. However, more experiments are needed to determine whether higher concentrations of these compounds will further reduce the replication rate of the virus.
"The results are very promising, as not only does it show that the VCO, by itself, can destroy the virus, but it also has a key mechanism in upregulating the immune response against COVID-19. Indeed, we look forward to the results of clinical trials on the various uses of VCO as an adjunct for the treatment of COVID-19," said Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
The locally available virgin coconut oil is currently undergoing clinical trials as DOST seeks to intensify the thrust for alternative solutions to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
No comments:
Post a Comment