Description
Glycerol monolaureate is a surfactant and emulsifier that exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. This compound can be found in coconut oil; it displays antimicrobial benefit against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria, including species of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Gardnerella, Candida, and Haemophilus. In clinical settings, glycerol monolaureate decreases production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and TNF-α, decreasing Staphylococcus exotoxin production and preventing toxic shock syndrome. In primates, this compound inhibits mucosal transmission of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine and mucosal signaling.