Coconut Oil

From Perciavalle Health and Science News

Jump to: navigation, search

Contents

Medium Chain Fatty Acids

Coconut oil predominantly consists of medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) differ from long chain fatty acids (LCFA) in that they contain between 6-12 carbons, whereas, long chain fatty acids have 14 or more carbons. The size of the carbon chain is what gives rise to the various physical and chemical properties of lipids. Therefore, carbon chain length also influences how lipids are metabolized. Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) are metabolized very differently from long chain fatty acids (LCFA). MCFA passively diffuse in the GI tract and are transported in the portal blood directly to the liver, where they enter the mitochondria, independent of the carnitine palmitoyl transport (CPT), and undergo rapid oxidation. [1] On the other hand, LCFA are not easily absorbed by the GI tract, and require bile salts for digestion. After intestinal absorbtion, LCFA are transfered to chylomicrons, which are lipoproteins that transport the lipids through the lymphatic system, where the long chain triglycerides are transfered to adipose, cardiac, and skeletal tissues. The leftover LCFA are then transported to the liver and they are subjected to several modifications in order to be imported into the mitochondria of liver cells via the carnitine palmitoyl transferase system for oxidation. [1]

Coconut Oil and Weight Loss

Several animal studies and clinical studies have shown that MCFA found in coconut oil increase fat oxidation (burning of fat) and energy expenditure.

Coconut Oil Increases Lipid Metabolism

Animal Studies

Rats fed MCFA had a decrease in fat deposition in adipose tissue and weighed significantly less than rats fed a diet high in LCFA. The decrease in adipocyte (fat cell) size and small body size was attributed to enhanced thermogenesis, which increases the body's metabolism. [2] Rats that were fed MCFA early in life also had less adipose tissue, less subcutaneous fat, and a smaller body size at various stages throughout their life compared to animals fed LCFA. The MCFA increase fat oxidation and enhance thermogenesis, resulting in less fat accumulation and increased metabolism. [3] Furthermore, a combined diet consisting of MCFA from coconut oil and exercise had an additive effect on reduction of fat accumulation in rats. [4] It is hypothesized that the increase in energy expenditure from coconut oil, synergizes with exercise to further enhance the burning of fat. In addition to improving fat oxidation, MCFA found in coconut oil also decreased the activity of fatty acid synthase, which means there was a decrease in the amount of new lipids being made. [5]

Clinical Studies

Similarly, in clinical studies, MCFA have been shown to decrease fat accumulation by increasing fat metabolism and increasing energy consumption in both normal and obese people. Numerous studies have concluded that MCFA derived from coconut oil increases fat oxidation and increase metabolism through thermogenesis, resulting in less overall body fat. [6] [7] There is also evidence that MCFA from coconut oil increase the oxidation of endogenous LCFA in women. [8] This suggests a role for coconut oil in controlling body weight in the long term. In a double-blind, controlled study, men taking even low doses of MCFA significantly decreased their subcutaneous fat as well as their body weight. [9] In addition to decreasing body fat content, MCFA found in coconut oil also lower triglyceride levels. Patients with hypertriglyceridemia were administered MCFA found in coconut oil for eight weeks. They had a considerable decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, body fat percentage, waist and hip circumference (WC and HC), and a decrease in areas of subcutaneous and visceral fat compared to those patients that were administered LCFA. Furthermore, the MCFA lowered serum triglyceride levels by 14.54%, whereas the LCFA did not. [10]

Coconut Oil Benefits on Skin

Coconut Oil Treats Acne

Coconut Oil is Anti-Microbial

Approximately 50% of coconut oil is made up of lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid. Lauric acid has been shown to have very potent anti-microbial activity against the bacteria propionbacterium acnes (P. acnes). [11] There is a significant amount of evidence that propionbacterium acnes plays a substantial role in the pathogenesis of acne. [12] The bacteria propionbacterium acnes predominantly lives in the sebaceous glands of the facial skin and feed on sebum that is produced by the sebaceous glands. Propionbacterium acnes produce several different chemokines that attract immune cells, including T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils to the sebaceous gland, thereby, causing an inflammatory response. [13] [14] The immune cells produce many pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL1-alpha, and is involved in the transition from a non-inflamed lesion to chronic, inflammatory acne. [15]

Lauric acid has exhibited anti-microbial activity against propionbacterium acnes both in-vitro and in-vivo. Incubation of skin propionbacterium acnes with lauric acid resulted in inhibition of the P. acnes bacterial growth and was 15 times more potent at killing propionbacterium acnes than benzoyl peroxide. [11] Moreover, lauric acid does not induce cytotoxicity of human sebocytes, so will not have the harmful drying and redness effects that benzoyl peroxide has. In addition, both topical application and intradermal injection of lauric acid, decreased the number of P. acnes bacterial colonies on mouse ears and, therefore, reduced swelling and inflammation. [11] Lauric acid has been shown to fuse with the P. acnes bacterial membranes to successfully kill the bacteria. [16] Mechanistically, lauric acid increases the expression of human beta-defensin (hBD)-2, one of the anti-microbial peptides found in the skin, and is responsible for part of the anti-bacterial activity against propionbacterium acnes. [17] Since the main component in coconut oil is lauric acid, topical application of coconut oil has tremendous therapeutic potential for the treatment of acne by killing the acne-promoting bacteria, propionbacterium acnes, therefore, eliminating the inflammatory response that propagates chronic inflammatory acne.

Coconut Oil Inhibits Androgen Production

As mentioned before, the bacteria, propionbacterium acnes, uses the sebum that is produced in the sebaceous glands to survive and proliferate. Increased sebum production (seborrhoea) in the skin has been implicated to play a major role in the pathogenesis of acne. [18] Sebum is a mixture of complex lipids that is produced by sebaceous glands that are under the control of androgens, primarily 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5-alpha-DHT). [19] Testosterone is converted into the more potent 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone by the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. The 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone then stimulates sebum production which provides an environment for propionbacterium acnes to grow and flourish. [18] In addition to sebum production, androgens also regulate follicular hyperkeratinization seen in acne. Hyperkeratinization means there is an excess production of keratin in the skin which leads to an increase in adherence of dead skin cells together, which, in turn, do not detach from the skin's surface normally. This results in clogging of the skin's pore and initiates the formation of a comedone (acne lesion). Keratinocytes have increased activity of 5-alpha reducatase, indicating a high capacity for metabolizing androgens. [20] There is significant evidence that the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme is substantially higher in acne-prone areas compared to non acne-prone areas. [21] [22] Specific inhibition of 5-alpha reductase would result in less androgen production, decreased sebum production, decreased propionbacterium acnes proliferation, and decreased keratinocyte proliferation, all of which are implicated as major causes of acne. There are numerous studies showing that lauric acid specifically inhibits 5-alpha reductase activity, and blocks the conversion of testosterone into 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone. [23] [24] Another study found that inhibition of 5-alpha reductase by lauric acid was dose dependent with the maximal inhibition in the epithelium being 52% and stroma being 45%. [25] Saw palmetto extract is readily used to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase. One of the major constituents of saw palmetto extract is lauric acid, which is partly responsible for the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase by saw palmetto extract. [26] However, saw palmetto is not a good source of lauric acid, coconut oil remains the best source of lauric acid. Since lauric acid is a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, it has natural anti-androgenic activity and can be used to treat hormonal acne.

Coconut Oil Increases Transdermal Absorption (Absorption by the Skin)

Coconut oil is used as a carrier to increase the rate of skin absorption of other substances. Topical application of lauric acid dramatically increases the penetration of other substances across the skin. [27] In one study, topical application of lauric acid resulted in a 3-fold increase in transdermal absorption of another substance. [28] Lauric acid enhances the permeability of both aqueous and lipophilic substances across the skin barrier by 6-fold. [29] [30] Since coconut oil is ~50% lauric acid, it is an excellent carrier to enhance skin absorption of vitamins and nutrients.

Products



See larger image

Tropical Traditions Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil, Non-Certified - 1-gallon (Health and Beauty)

List Price: $53.00 USD
New From: $31.00 In Stock



See larger image

Certified Organic, Coconut Oil, Expeller Pressed, 1 Gallon (Misc.)

List Price: $38.00 USD
New From: $66.99 In Stock



See larger image

Certified Organic, Coconut Oil, Expeller Pressed, 1 Quart (Misc.)

List Price: $14.50 USD
New From: $14.50 In Stock



See larger image

Tropical Traditions Organic Expeller Pressed Coconut Oil - 32-oz (Health and Beauty)

List Price: $20.00 USD



See larger image

Spectrum Naturals - Coconut Oil Unrefined, 14 oz liquid (Health and Beauty)

List Price: $10.99 USD
New From: $9.99 In Stock


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Papamandjaris, A A; D E MacDougall, P J Jones (1998). "Medium chain fatty acid metabolism and energy expenditure: obesity treatment implications". Life Sciences 62 (14): 1203-1215. ISSN 0024-3205. 
  2. ↑ Baba, N; E F Bracco, S A Hashim (1987-06). "Role of brown adipose tissue in thermogenesis induced by overfeeding a diet containing medium chain triglyceride". Lipids 22 (6): 442-444. ISSN 0024-4201. 
  3. ↑ Hashim, S A; P Tantibhedyangkul (1987-06). "Medium chain triglyceride in early life: effects on growth of adipose tissue". Lipids 22 (6): 429-434. ISSN 0024-4201. PMID 3613874. 
  4. ↑ Ooyama, Katsuhiko; Jian Wu, Naohisa Nosaka, Toshiaki Aoyama, Michio Kasai (2008-04). "Combined intervention of medium-chain triacylglycerol diet and exercise reduces body fat mass and enhances energy expenditure in rats". Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 54 (2): 136-141. ISSN 0301-4800. PMID 18490843. 
  5. ↑ Shinohara, Hisami; Jian Wu, Michio Kasai, Toshiaki Aoyama (2006-12). "Randomly interesterified triacylglycerol containing medium- and long-chain fatty acids stimulates fatty acid metabolism in white adipose tissue of rats". Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry 70 (12): 2919-2926. ISSN 0916-8451. PMID 17151468. 
  6. ↑ Binnert, C; C Pachiaudi, M Beylot, D Hans, J Vandermander, P Chantre, J P Riou, M Laville (1998-04). "Influence of human obesity on the metabolic fate of dietary long- and medium-chain triacylglycerols". The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 67 (4): 595-601. ISSN 0002-9165. PMID 9537605. 
  7. ↑ Hill, J O; J C Peters, D Yang, T Sharp, M Kaler, N N Abumrad, H L Greene (1989-07). "Thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding with medium-chain triglycerides". Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental 38 (7): 641-648. ISSN 0026-0495. PMID 2739575. 
  8. ↑ Papamandjaris, A A; M D White, M Raeini-Sarjaz, P J Jones (2000-09). "Endogenous fat oxidation during medium chain versus long chain triglyceride feeding in healthy women". International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders: Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity 24 (9): 1158-1166. ISSN 0307-0565. PMID 11033985. 
  9. ↑ Tsuji, H; M Kasai, H Takeuchi, M Nakamura, M Okazaki, K Kondo (2001-11). "Dietary medium-chain triacylglycerols suppress accumulation of body fat in a double-blind, controlled trial in healthy men and women". The Journal of Nutrition 131 (11): 2853-2859. ISSN 0022-3166. PMID 11694608. 
  10. ↑ Xue, C; Y Liu, J Wang, R Zhang, Y Zhang, J Zhang, Y Zhang, Z Zheng, X Yu, H Jing, N Nosaka, C Arai, M Kasai, T Aoyama, J Wu (2009-07). "Consumption of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols decreases body fat and blood triglyceride in Chinese hypertriglyceridemic subjects". European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 63 (7): 879-886. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2008.76. ISSN 1476-5640. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Nakatsuji, Teruaki; Mandy C Kao, Jia-You Fang, Christos C Zouboulis, Liangfang Zhang, Richard L Gallo, Chun-Ming Huang (2009-10). "Antimicrobial property of lauric acid against Propionibacterium acnes: its therapeutic potential for inflammatory acne vulgaris". The Journal of Investigative Dermatology 129 (10): 2480-2488. doi:10.1038/jid.2009.93. ISSN 1523-1747. 
  12. ↑ Burkhart, Craig G; Craig N Burkhart (2007-10). "Expanding the microcomedone theory and acne therapeutics: Propionibacterium acnes biofilm produces biological glue that holds corneocytes together to form plug". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 57 (4): 722-724. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2007.05.013. ISSN 1097-6787. 
  13. ↑ Vowels, B R; S Yang, J J Leyden (1995-08). "Induction of proinflammatory cytokines by a soluble factor of Propionibacterium acnes: implications for chronic inflammatory acne". Infection and Immunity 63 (8): 3158-3165. ISSN 0019-9567. PMID 7542639. 
  14. ↑ Gowland, G; R M Ward, K T Holland, W J Cunliffe (1978-07). "Cellular immunity to P. acnes in the normal population and patients with acne vulgaris". The British Journal of Dermatology 99 (1): 43-47. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 150284. 
  15. ↑ Leyden, J J; K J McGinley, B Vowels (1998). "Propionibacterium acnes colonization in acne and nonacne". Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 196 (1): 55-58. ISSN 1018-8665. PMID 9557227. 
  16. ↑ Yang, Darren; Dissaya Pornpattananangkul, Teruaki Nakatsuji, Michael Chan, Dennis Carson, Chun-Ming Huang, Liangfang Zhang (2009-10). "The antimicrobial activity of liposomal lauric acids against Propionibacterium acnes". Biomaterials 30 (30): 6035-6040. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.07.033. ISSN 1878-5905. 
  17. ↑ Nakatsuji, Teruaki; Mandy C Kao, Liangfang Zhang, Christos C Zouboulis, Richard L Gallo, Chun-Ming Huang (2009-12-24). "Sebum Free Fatty Acids Enhance the Innate Immune Defense of Human Sebocytes by Upregulating beta-Defensin-2 Expression". The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. doi:10.1038/jid.2009.384. ISSN 1523-1747. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Gollnick, H P; C C Zouboulis, H Akamatsu, I Kurokawa, A Schulte (1991-09). "Pathogenesis and pathogenesis related treatment of acne". The Journal of Dermatology 18 (9): 489-499. ISSN 0385-2407. PMID 1838558. 
  19. ↑ Akamatsu, H; C C Zouboulis, C E Orfanos (1992-10). "Control of human sebocyte proliferation in vitro by testosterone and 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone is dependent on the localization of the sebaceous glands". The Journal of Investigative Dermatology 99 (4): 509-511. ISSN 0022-202X. PMID 1402009. 
  20. ↑ Thiboutot, D M; H Knaggs, K Gilliland, S Hagari (1997-02). "Activity of type 1 5 alpha-reductase is greater in the follicular infrainfundibulum compared with the epidermis". The British Journal of Dermatology 136 (2): 166-171. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 9068725. 
  21. ↑ Thiboutot, D; G Harris, V Iles, G Cimis, K Gilliland, S Hagari (1995-08). "Activity of the type 1 5 alpha-reductase exhibits regional differences in isolated sebaceous glands and whole skin". The Journal of Investigative Dermatology 105 (2): 209-214. ISSN 0022-202X. PMID 7636302. 
  22. ↑ Henze, C; B Hinney, W Wuttke (1998). "Incidence of increased androgen levels in patients suffering from acne". Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 196 (1): 53-54. ISSN 1018-8665. 
  23. ↑ Liu, Jie; Kuniyoshi Shimizu, Ryuichiro Kondo (2009-04). "Anti-androgenic activity of fatty acids". Chemistry & Biodiversity 6 (4): 503-512. doi:10.1002/cbdv.200800125. ISSN 1612-1880. 
  24. ↑ Raynaud, Jean Pierre; Henri Cousse, Pierre Marie Martin (2002-10). "Inhibition of type 1 and type 2 5alpha-reductase activity by free fatty acids, active ingredients of Permixon". The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 82 (2-3): 233-239. ISSN 0960-0760. 
  25. ↑ Weisser, H; S Tunn, B Behnke, M Krieg (1996-05). "Effects of the sabal serrulata extract IDS 89 and its subfractions on 5 alpha-reductase activity in human benign prostatic hyperplasia". The Prostate 28 (5): 300-306. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1097-0045(199605)28:5<300::AID-PROS5>3.0.CO;2-F. ISSN 0270-4137. 
  26. ↑ Abe, Masayuki; Yoshihiko Ito, Luvsandorj Oyunzul, Tomomi Oki-Fujino, Shizuo Yamada (2009-04). "Pharmacologically relevant receptor binding characteristics and 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity of free Fatty acids contained in saw palmetto extract". Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 32 (4): 646-650. ISSN 0918-6158. PMID 19336899. 
  27. ↑ Kolesnikov, Yuri; Denis Sõritsa (2008-01-28). "Analgesic synergy between topical opioids and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the mouse model of thermal pain". European Journal of Pharmacology 579 (1-3): 126-133. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.10.014. ISSN 0014-2999. 
  28. ↑ Kravchenko, I A; N Ya Golovenko, V B Larionov, A I Aleksandrova, N V Ovcharenko (2003-12). "Effect of lauric acid on transdermal penetration of phenazepam in vivo". Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine 136 (6): 579-581. ISSN 0007-4888. PMID 15500077. 
  29. ↑ Smith, S W; B D Anderson (1995-05). "Human skin permeability enhancement by lauric acid under equilibrium aqueous conditions". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 84 (5): 551-556. ISSN 0022-3549. 
  30. ↑ Lee, C K; T Uchida, K Kitagawa, A Yagi, N S Kim, S Goto (1994-10). "Relationship between lipophilicity and skin permeability of various drugs from an ethanol/water/lauric acid system". Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 17 (10): 1421-1424. ISSN 0918-6158. 
Retrieved from "http://www.perciavalle.com/wiki/Coconut_Oil"