The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is working on two clinical studies to look for the possible benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) that could help treat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

Two Arms of the VCO Research

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said that the VCO research will have two arms which are the hospital-based and community-based study. 

Hospital-Based Research

Dr. Marissa Alejandria, the director of the Institute of Clinical Epidemiology of the National Institute of Health of UP Manila, will head the study that will be conducted at the Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). The hospital-based research for VCO is entitled “Virgin Coconut Oil and Omega-3a Adjunctive Therapy for Hospitalized Patients with COVID 19” wherein the VCO will be used as a supplement to the daily treatment regimen of the COVID-19 positive patients.  The research is DOST’s collaboration with UP-PGH Clinical COVID-19 Research Group, Metro Manila Health Research, and Development Consortium of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.

Aim of the Research

The hospital-based research aims to assess the potential benefits of VCO if given to patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 in addition to the drugs being assessed in the clinical trials.

Duration of the Research

 The research may run for about a month or until the minimum number of patients is achieved. Also, in collaboration with DOST CALABARZON and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) another study for COVID-19 Persons Under Investigation (PUIs)  will be conducted in isolated facilities in communities and hospitals in National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV-A.

 

Community- Based Research

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST -FNRI) will spearhead the community-based study. Virgin Coconut Oil will be incorporated in the food that will be given to Persons Under Investigation (PUIs). DOST- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and PCA will be part of the study. 

Aim of the Research

The study aims to assess the possible benefits of VCO for patients with COVID-19 as well as contacts and other high-risk groups.

Duration of the Research

The dietary supplementation in the community-based research may run for at least 4 weeks. 

As of now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet approved any vaccine or cure for COVID-19. Both international and local scientists are doing extensive research and tests to develop a possible cure for the disease. The success of this VCO research will be a big help not only in the Philippines but will contribute to treating COVID-19 positive patients worldwide, helping flatten the curve, and eventually eradicating the disease for good.

DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña’s Facebook Post