Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

  • Active Compounds: Lauric acid, caprylic acid
  • Antifungal Activity: Coconut oil has shown broad-spectrum antifungal activity, particularly against Candida albicans and other yeasts and dermatophytes.
  • Mechanism of Action: The medium-chain fatty acids (MCTs) in coconut oil, particularly lauric acid and caprylic acid, are effective at disrupting fungal cell membranes, causing cell death.
  • Traditional Uses: Coconut oil is used in topical treatments for skin infections, including fungal conditions like athlete's foot, eczema, and yeast infections.
  • How to Use: Coconut oil can be applied directly to affected areas or used in a diluted form for more sensitive skin.