Research
Coconut Oil
54 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Effect of Aromatherapy Oil Applications on Strıae Gravidarum: A Systematic Review.
Systematic review of four RCTs with 671 pregnant participants evaluating the effectiveness of aromatherapy oils in preventing striae gravidarum. Coconut oil was found effective, while rose, sesame, and sweet almond oils were not.
Dose-dependent effect of coconut oil supplementation on obesity indices: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 clinical trials with 620 participants assessing the effects of coconut oil supplementation on body weight, BMI, and waist circumference. The meta-analysis found statistically significant but not clinically meaningful effects on weight and BMI, and no significant effect on waist circumference.
Mitigation of cold stress in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through dietary lipids supplementation: a preliminary network meta-analysis.
A network meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of different dietary lipid sources on the growth performance of cold-stressed Nile tilapia. Aurantiochytrium significantly increased weight gain, while coconut oil led to lower weight gain and higher feed conversion ratio. Corn oil decreased feed intake, and a combination of fish and corn oil reduced feed conversion ratio. Aurantiochytrium, sunflower oil, and the combination of fish and corn oil were most effective for growth at suboptimal temperatures.
Coconut, Castor, and Argan Oil for Hair in Skin of Color Patients: A Systematic Review.
Systematic review of 22 articles on coconut, castor, and argan oils for hair in skin of color patients. Coconut oil is shown to treat brittle hair and hair infestation, with limited evidence on hair growth. Castor oil may improve hair luster, but lacks strong evidence for hair growth or infestation treatment. Argan oil lacks significant evidence for improving hair growth, quality, or infestation treatment.
Clinical interventions for tungiasis (sand flea disease): a systematic review.
Systematic review of RCTs investigating interventions for tungiasis, including oral drugs and topical treatments like neem seed and coconut oils-based mixture, and dimeticones. Coconut oil-based lotion for prevention and dimeticones for treatment showed promise, but most RCTs had low methodological quality.
Effects of consumption of coconut oil or coconut on glycemic control and insulin sensitivity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional trials examining the effects of coconut fat on glycemic control. Coconut fat increased postprandial glucose response and insulin resistance, but did not significantly affect long-term glycemic control.
Health effects of coconut oil: Summary of evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analysis of interventional studies.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies on coconut oil. Coconut oil significantly increases serum cholesterol levels, indicating a negative effect on cardio-metabolic health. Limited studies suggest potential benefits for atopic dermatitis and dental caries prevention.
Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Application on the Skin of Preterm Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
RCT conducted on 2294 preterm infants to assess the efficacy of virgin coconut oil application on skin maturity, prevention of sepsis, hypothermia, apnea, and neurodevelopment. Group A (coconut oil) showed better skin maturity, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and lower incidences of hypothermia and apnea compared to Group B (massage only). No significant adverse effects were noted.
Effect of coconut oil on cardio-metabolic risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of coconut oil on cardio-metabolic parameters compared to other oils and fats. Coconut oil consumption significantly increased total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C, and decreased glycosylated hemoglobin, but had no effect on triglycerides. The study suggests coconut oil may be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in South Asians.
Impact of coconut oil consumption on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis examining the impact of coconut oil consumption on cardiovascular health. Coconut oil significantly increased HDL-C compared to plant and animal oils, and had mixed effects on LDL-C depending on the comparator. No significant effects on triglycerides were observed.
Topical application of coconut oil to the skin of preterm infants: a systematic review.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of seven trials involving 727 preterm infants assessing the effects of topical coconut oil. The coconut oil group showed significantly lower incidence of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections, decreased water loss, improved growth, and better skin condition. No significant adverse effects were reported.
Palatal donor site management using tissue adhesives with adjunctive coconut oil in a randomized clinical trial.
This randomized clinical trial evaluated the use of a gelatin sponge, cyanoacrylate, and coconut oil combination for donor site management after epithelialized gingival graft harvesting. The group receiving the combination with coconut oil showed lower postoperative pain scores and higher epithelialization and color match rates compared to the control group.
Study to determine the efficacy and onset of Bonipar, a topical analgesic for the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
RCT comparing the efficacy and onset of action of Bonipar, a topical analgesic containing camphor, methyl salicylate, and various oils, to diclofenac in managing musculoskeletal pain. Bonipar was found to be non-inferior to diclofenac in achieving a 50% reduction in pain, with fewer adverse effects.
Effects of coconut oil, olive oil, and butter on plasma fatty acids and metabolic risk factors: a randomized trial.
RCT of 96 healthy adults comparing the effects of 50g/day of extra-virgin coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, or unsalted butter over 4 weeks. Coconut oil doubled lauric and myristic acids, butter increased them to a lesser extent, and olive oil reduced them. Olive oil increased oleic acid, while butter increased odd-chain SFAs and trans-FAs. Changes in fatty acids showed no significant associations with changes in metabolic markers.
Comparing the Efficacy of Breast Milk and Coconut Oil on Nipple Fissure and Breast Pain Intensity in Primiparous Mothers: A Single-Blind Clinical Trial.
A single-blind clinical trial with 106 breastfeeding primiparous mothers compared the efficacy of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and breast milk on nipple fissures. Mothers applied VCO or breast milk to their nipples, and significant improvements in nipple fissures and pain intensity were observed with VCO by the 7th and 14th days.
Customised enriched coconut oil as panacea for oral biofilm mediated diseases - A prospective study.
A parallel, double-blinded RCT evaluated a customised enriched formulation of coconut oil with Arimedadi Tailam and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse for plaque control and anticaries effects in 60 adults. The study found that the difference in oratest scores was highest with the coconut oil formulation, though no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups.
Skin-Microbiome Assembly in Preterm Infants during the First Three Weeks of Life and Impact of Topical Coconut Oil Application.
RCT comparing standard skin care to topical coconut oil application in preterm infants born <30 weeks of gestation. The study found that microbiome diversity was highest on day 1 after birth, with a decline and genus dominance emerging from day 7. Infants receiving coconut oil had less diverse microbiome assembly compared to standard care.
Misinformation in nutrition through the case of coconut oil: An online before-and-after study.
The study evaluated patterns, reasons, and beliefs related to coconut oil consumption in southern Brazil through an online survey. Despite scientific evidence showing no cardiometabolic benefits, many participants considered coconut oil healthy. An intervention to increase literacy about its health effects showed limited impact on changing beliefs.
Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals.
A 16-week longitudinal study examined the effect of topical coconut oil application on the scalp microbiome in 140 Indian women, including 70 with dandruff. The treatment increased the abundance of beneficial microbes and enriched healthy scalp-related bacterial pathways, suggesting positive effects on scalp health.
The Effect of Coconut Oil Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials comparing coconut oil consumption with other cooking oils. Coconut oil significantly increased LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol compared to nontropical vegetable oils, but did not significantly affect markers of glycemia, inflammation, and adiposity.
A randomized study of coconut oil versus sunflower oil on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with stable coronary heart disease.
A randomized study comparing coconut oil and sunflower oil as cooking media in patients with stable coronary heart disease over 2 years. No statistically significant differences were found in lipid-related cardiovascular risk factors and events between the two groups.
Effect of emollient therapy on clinical outcomes in preterm neonates in Pakistan: a randomised controlled trial.
RCT of 258 hospital-born preterm infants in Pakistan assessing the efficacy of topical coconut oil applications. Coconut oil reduced the risk of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections, improved weight gain, and enhanced skin condition compared to controls. No significant impact on neonatal mortality or duration of hospitalisation was observed.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial efficacy of coconut oil for periodontal pathogens: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial.
A triple-blind RCT with 30 periodontitis patients evaluated coconut oil's effect on oral bacteriome and inflammation. Coconut oil reduced pathogenic bacteria and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α), suggesting its potential as a natural adjunct in periodontal therapy.
Fat Amount Rather Than Fatty Acid Composition Influences Postprandial Hunger, Satiety and Attention in Men and Women with a Risk Phenotype for Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Randomized Crossover Trial.
This randomized crossover trial examined the effects of meals enriched with different amounts of canola oil or coconut oil on postprandial hunger, satiety, and related hormones in 29 participants with increased cardiometabolic disease risk. The study found that the amount of dietary fat, rather than its type, predominantly affects hunger and satiety, with canola oil suppressing postprandial hunger more than coconut oil.
Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Vehicle-Controlled Study of Topical Coconut and Sunflower Seed Oil-Derived Isosorbide Diesters on Atopic Dermatitis.
This randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study investigated the effects of topical coconut oil- and sunflower seed oil-derived isosorbide diesters on atopic dermatitis in 32 adults. The IDEAS group showed a 65.6% improvement in itch and a higher percentage achieving EASI 75 compared to the vehicle group. Topical corticosteroid use decreased in the IDEAS group.
Cocos nucifera and glycerine afterwork moisturizers for secondary prevention of hand dermatitis among fabric worker: a randomized, double-blind, cross over trial.
Randomized, double-blind, crossover trial evaluating the effectiveness of glycerine-C. nucifera (coconut oil) cream versus glycerin-only cream for secondary prevention of occupational hand dermatitis among batik workers. Both moisturizers were equally effective, showing a 20% decrease in HECSI and TEWL, and a 20% increase in skin capacitance.
Postprandial fatty acid metabolism with coconut oil in young females: a randomized, single-blind, crossover trial.
This randomized, single-blind, crossover trial studied the effects of coconut oil on postprandial fatty acid metabolism in 15 young females. The study found that coconut oil's effects on blood triglycerides and cholesterol were similar to medium-chain fatty acids, with lower VLDL-C and IDL-C levels compared to long-chain fatty acids, suggesting potential benefits for preventing dyslipidemia.
The effect of coconut oil on anthropometric measurements and irisin levels in overweight individuals.
This randomized controlled crossover study investigated the effects of coconut oil intake and diet therapy on anthropometric measurements, biochemical findings, and irisin levels in 44 overweight individuals. Coconut oil intake significantly decreased irisin levels, but had no impact on anthropometric and biochemical findings. Diet therapy and weight loss did not affect irisin levels.
The effectiveness of microneedling technique using coconut and sesame oils on the severity of gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation: A randomized clinical trial.
RCT evaluating the effect of microneedling with coconut and sesame oils on gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation in 24 patients with gingivitis. Both oils significantly reduced gingival indices, but no significant difference in plaque indices was observed among the groups.
Comparison of the plaque regrowth inhibition effects of oil pulling therapy with sesame oil or coconut oil using 4-day plaque regrowth study model: A randomized crossover clinical trial.
This randomized crossover clinical trial compared the plaque-inhibiting effects of oil pulling therapy using coconut oil and sesame oil in 24 participants. Both oils showed similar results in terms of plaque regrowth inhibition and tooth staining after a 4-day use period.
Effect of coconut oil on weight loss and metabolic parameters in men with obesity: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
RCT evaluating the effect of coconut oil on weight loss and metabolic parameters in 29 men with obesity. Coconut oil increased HDL cholesterol and decreased the TC/HDL cholesterol ratio, but showed no difference in anthropometric variables compared to soybean oil.
An Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Weight Gain of Very Low Birth Weight Babies with or without Addition of Coconut Oil to Breast Milk.
RCT comparing growth parameters and body composition in 60 very low birth weight babies receiving breast milk with or without coconut oil. No significant difference in weight gain, head circumference, length, or total body fat percentage between groups. Subscapular skinfold thickness was higher in the coconut oil group.
Randomised trial of coconut oil, olive oil or butter on blood lipids and other cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men and women.
RCT comparing the effects of extra virgin coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and butter on blood lipid profiles in 94 healthy men and women over 4 weeks. Coconut oil increased HDL-C compared to butter and olive oil, while LDL-C was significantly increased with butter compared to coconut and olive oils. No significant differences were found in weight, BMI, or blood pressure among the groups.
Supplementation-Dependent Effects of Vegetable Oils with Varying Fatty Acid Compositions on Anthropometric and Biochemical Parameters in Obese Women.
RCT of 75 obese women on a hypocaloric diet with lifestyle modifications, randomized into groups receiving coconut oil, safflower oil, chia oil, or soybean oil placebo for 8 weeks. Coconut oil group showed significant weight loss, reduced BMI, waist circumference, and improved glycemic parameters. Chia oil group showed improvements in lipid profile, including reductions in cholesterol, LDLc, and triglycerides, and an increase in HDLc.
Topical Coconut Oil in Very Preterm Infants: An Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial.
Open-label RCT in 72 preterm infants <30 weeks' gestation comparing routine care to topical coconut oil application. Coconut oil maintained better skin condition without adverse effects, as measured by the Neonatal Skin Condition Score.
Coconut oil has less satiating properties than medium chain triglyceride oil.
RCT comparing the effects of MCT oil, coconut oil, and control oil on food intake and satiety. MCT oil reduced food intake and increased fullness compared to coconut and control oils. Coconut oil was less palatable and did not have similar effects to MCT oil on satiety.
The Effect of Coconut Oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash.
RCT comparing the effect of coconut oil pulling and Chlorhexidine mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans count in saliva. Both coconut oil pulling and Chlorhexidine showed a statistically significant reduction in S. mutans count, suggesting coconut oil pulling as a safe and effective alternative for oral hygiene.
A COCONUT EXTRA VIRGIN OIL-RICH DIET INCREASES HDL CHOLESTEROL AND DECREASES WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE AND BODY MASS IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PATIENTS.
RCT evaluating the effect of extra virgin coconut oil on anthropometric parameters and lipid profile in 116 coronary artery disease patients. The coconut oil group showed reduced body mass, BMI, waist circumference, and increased HDL cholesterol levels compared to the diet-only group.
Link between lipid metabolism and voluntary food intake in rainbow trout fed coconut oil rich in medium-chain TAG.
The study examined the long-term effects of feeding coconut oil, rich in lauric acid, on voluntary food intake and nutrient utilization in rainbow trout. Despite higher intestinal cholecystokinin-T mRNA in trout fed high-fat fish oil diets, food intake was not modified by fat source or level. Coconut oil replacement resulted in similar growth and adiposity, with substantial retention of C12, indicating low oxidation. The study highlights the trout's capacity to incorporate and transform C12, contrasting with mammalian data.
Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis.
Double-blind controlled trial comparing virgin coconut oil (VCO) and virgin olive oil (VOO) in adult atopic dermatitis patients. VCO significantly reduced Staphylococcus aureus colonization and improved skin severity index more than VOO after 4 weeks.
The in vivo pediculicidal efficacy of a natural remedy.
RCT comparing the pediculicidal efficacy of a natural remedy containing coconut oil, anise oil, and ylang ylang oil to a control pediculicide in children with head lice. The natural remedy was effective in 92.3% of cases, similar to the control, with no significant side effects.
Efficacy of oil pulling therapy with coconut oil on four-day supragingival plaque growth: A randomized crossover clinical trial.
Randomized crossover clinical trial comparing oil pulling with coconut oil to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 29 volunteers over a 4-day plaque regrowth model. Coconut oil showed similar plaque inhibition activity to CHX with less tooth staining.
Medium-chain fatty acids lower postprandial lipemia: A randomized crossover trial.
Randomized crossover trial with 16 healthy volunteers comparing the effects of medium-chain SFA from coconut oil to short and long-chain SFA from butter and lard on postprandial blood lipids. Coconut oil resulted in significantly lower postprandial triglyceride levels compared to butter and lard, suggesting it may not be as hyperlipidemic as animal fats.
Improvement of Main Cognitive Functions in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease after Treatment with Coconut Oil Enriched Mediterranean Diet: A Pilot Study.
A pilot RCT with 44 Alzheimer's disease patients comparing a coconut oil enriched Mediterranean diet to a control group over 21 days. The study found improvements in episodic, temporal orientation, and semantic memory, particularly in women with mild-moderate AD.
Corn Oil Lowers Plasma Cholesterol Compared with Coconut Oil in Adults with Above-Desirable Levels of Cholesterol in a Randomized Crossover Trial.
Randomized crossover trial comparing the effects of corn oil and coconut oil on plasma lipids in adults with elevated cholesterol. Corn oil consumption resulted in a more favorable plasma lipid profile compared to coconut oil, with significant differences in non-HDL cholesterol responses.
Effects of liquid oil vs. oleogel co-ingested with a carbohydrate-rich meal on human blood triglycerides, glucose, insulin and appetite.
Randomised controlled crossover study examining the effects of coconut oil in liquid and oleogel forms on blood triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and appetite when co-ingested with a carbohydrate-rich meal. Coconut oil reduced the peak of the glucose response and increased postprandial triglycerides, while coconut oleogel produced outcomes comparable to the control treatment. Appetite sensations did not differ between treatments.
Effects of coconut oil consumption on energy metabolism, cardiometabolic risk markers, and appetitive responses in women with excess body fat.
Randomized crossover controlled study in 15 women with excess body fat comparing virgin coconut oil to extra-virgin olive oil. VCO did not affect energy metabolism or cardiometabolic risk markers but resulted in less hunger, satiety, and fullness compared to control.
Virgin olive oil, palm olein and coconut oil diets do not raise cell adhesion molecules and thrombogenicity indices in healthy Malaysian adults.
A randomized cross-over intervention study on 45 healthy Malaysian adults comparing the effects of virgin olive oil, palm olein, and coconut oil diets on cell adhesion molecules, lipid inflammatory mediators, and thrombogenicity indices. The study found no significant differences in thrombogenicity indices among the diets, but the olive oil diet lowered plasma proinflammatory LTB4, and the palm olein diet raised antiaggregatory plasma PGF1α.
Effects of dietary coconut oil on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles of women presenting abdominal obesity.
RCT of 40 women with abdominal obesity comparing 30 mL daily supplementation of coconut oil versus soy bean oil over 12 weeks. Coconut oil group showed higher HDL levels, lower LDL:HDL ratio, and reduced waist circumference, suggesting benefits for heart health and reduction in abdominal obesity.
Effect of refined coconut oil or copra meal on methane output and on intake and performance of beef heifers.
An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of refined coconut oil or copra meal on methane emissions, intake, and performance in beef heifers. The study found that refined coconut oil increased average daily gain compared to control, while both treatments decreased daily enteric methane output. The copra meal treatment decreased digestibility and performance compared to refined coconut oil.
A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis.
A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis in 34 patients. Both oils showed significant improvement in skin hydration and lipid levels, with no significant difference in safety measures. Coconut oil showed a trend toward better improvement, though not statistically significant.
The effect of supplemental dietary fat on plasma cholesterol levels in lovastatin-treated hypercholesterolemic patients.
Randomized crossover study evaluating the effect of coconut and canola oil supplements on cholesterol levels in lovastatin-treated hypercholesterolemic patients. Canola oil reduced total cholesterol levels, while coconut oil increased them in the validation study. In the second study, canola oil decreased cholesterol levels more than coconut oil, but the changes were not statistically significant.
Failure of coconut oil to accelerate psoriasis clearance in narrow-band UVB phototherapy or photochemotherapy.
A single-blind controlled study assessed the effect of pre-irradiation application of coconut oil in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis undergoing PUVA or narrow-band UVB phototherapy. No significant acceleration of psoriasis clearance was observed in either group.
Chemical Composition and Health Benefits of Coconut oil: An Overview.
This narrative review discusses the chemical composition and health benefits of coconut oil, highlighting its medium-chain fatty acids and potential health benefits such as hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and skin moisturizing properties. It also addresses the controversies and misconceptions surrounding its consumption.