BIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS

“Virgin coconut oil is effective in lowering C-reactive protein levels among suspect and probable
cases of COVID-19”

Copy paste at least 5 phrases from the given article. Write the biological concept
emphasized in each phrase.

1. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
(Introduction page 1).
BIOLOGICAL CONCEPT: It’s clearly emphasized the main reason why VCO is effective as an
adjunct therapy for COVID-19 patients it’s because of the antiviral activity of lauric acid (C12)
and monolaurin found in VCO helps the disintegration of the virus membrane, can slow the
stage of late ripening in the replicative cycle of the virus and can prevent the bonding of viral
proteins to the host cell membrane and to the anti- inflammatory characteristic because of
the phytochemicals also found in VCO.

2. Other components of the VCO such as capric acid (C10) and monocaprin also showed
promising antiviral properties, particularly against HIV-1 infection (Kristmundsdottir,
Arnadottir, Bergsson, G.; Thormar, 1999) (Introduction page 2).

BIOLOGICAL CONCEPT: It emphasized that VCO itself has been shown to have anti-HIV
properties because VCO is rich in medium chain fatty acids, and ideal for immune
suppressed individuals. That’s why it is being studied as a treatment for HIV/AIDS patients
whose immune systems are severely compromised and it concluded that the macronutrient
intake, mostly in terms of energy, fats and protein were significantly improved among the
VCO supplemented group compared to the control group HIV/AIDS patients research
conducted by Soerjodibroto. Specifically capric acid (C10) and monocaprin found in VCO
shown promising activity against other viruses, such as HIV-1. Capric acid (C10) accounts for
about 7% of coconut oil and at least two fatty acids in VCO (C12 and C10) and their
monoglycerides- (monolaurin and monocaprin), have antiviral properties.

3. This study hypothesized that VCO could potentially be used as an adjunct prophylaxis to
prevent the progression of symptoms among suspect or probable cases of COVID-19 in
isolation facilities. (Introduction page 2).

BIOLOGICAL CONCEPT: In this phrase emphasized that Virgin Coconut oil is not a cure, but
an adjunct or an aide therapy that could prevent COVID-19 from becoming severe. It can be
used as a supplement to improve the health condition of the individuals. The study was
conducted on suspected COVID-19 patients, and not for the COVID-19 patients with a higher
viral load and more severe symptoms and to also reduce the number of days in the hospital
or quarantine facility. This study tries to determine the safety and efficacy of VCO, the safety
of VCO through clinical parameters such as lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, creatinine and
the efficacy of VCO through recovery from symptoms and virus clearances.
4. This study showed a declining trend of CRP in the VCO group which might be attributed
to the phytochemicals present in VCO.( Results page 6).

BIOLOGICAL CONCEPT: It emphasized about the participants of this study divided into two
the intervention group was given virgin coconut oil and the control group was not. It
emphasized the primary outcomes of the study were diminishing signs and symptoms such
as better breathing, and lesser frequency of coughing, as well as lower levels of C- Reactive
Protein from the intervention group compared to the control group it because of the
phytochemicals found in VCO which is an antioxidants which help scavenge free radicals and
reduce inflammation . CRP it serves as a quantitative marker used to monitor inflammation
or infection, and if the CRP of an individual equal or less than 5 milligrams per liter signifies
recovery from inflammation or infection.

5. The VCO as immunomodulator destroys microbial organisms by disturbing their membranes,

thus interfering with virus assemble and maturation, and increase macrophage activity
which increase the CD4 count ( Yuniwarti, Asmara, Artama & Tabby, 2012).( Results page 6).

BIOLOGICAL CONCEPT: It emphasized that CD4 cells it is a type of white blood cell, and also
called the T-cells that acts as a guard cells in our body that fight and desolate like viruses and
bacteria by the help of virgin coconut oil act as immunomodulator that helps increase the
CD4 count of a positive patients. By this VCO be considered as a general prophylactic against
viral and microbial infection and can help to boost the immunity of an individual.