CCARPH Scientist Dr. Ramon L. Clarete, in his Business World column published on August 30, 2020, emphasized the need for funding and support for local researchers in finding a solution for COVID-19 treatment using Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO).
“When can we get serious in supporting research to produce a cure or treatment to COVID-19 from our very own VCO?” Clarete wrote in the column. He was referring to the efforts of local researchers and scientists, particularly CCARPH advisor Dr. Fabian Dayrit, and their research on the efficacy of VCO as a treatment candidate for COVID-19. Initially funded by the Philippine Council of Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the study could further proceed if there is “a directive from the national leadership and substantial new funds and administrative support,” Dr. Clarete stated. He added that the seemingly “billions of pesos we spent on COVID-19” should have paved the way for a long-term study about VCO.
Earlier this year, Dr. Dayrit, together with Dr. Mary Newport of Spring Hill Neonatology, Florida, USA, wrote about the potential of lauric acid and its derivatives as a COVID-19 treatment solution because of their antiviral properties. Their recommendation was based on a review of several scientific studies on the mechanisms of the lauric acid in breaking down the virus and strengthening the immune system to prevent the virus to spread.
Read the full article here: The Potential of Coconut Oil and its Derivatives as Effective and Safe Antiviral Agents Against the Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019)
While several countries are now beginning to produce their own vaccines and medicines against COVID-19, Dr. Clarete said that the Philippines doing its own research is not yet too late. If successful, this initiative could also boost the income of our coconut farmers, he added.
Read the full article here.
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