Review Article
    Pharmacognosy Reviews
    Vol. 13
    Issue 25
    2019
    pp. 24-27
    Open Access

    The Beneficial Properties of Virgin Coconut Oil in Management of Atopic Dermatitis

    Yik‑Ling Chew1
    1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
    Correspondence:

    *Yik‑Ling Chew

    Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.

    chew.yikling@gmail.com

    Copyright:

    2019 Author(s)

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    Published:21/04/2019

    Abstract

    Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by intense pruritus and eczematous lesions. It is an increasingly pruritic inflammatory skin disorder which can affect both children and adults. Natural products offer great hope in the identification of bioactive lead compounds and their development into topical cream or ointment in managing skin diseases which are associated with inflammatory response. One of the most popular natural products which have been vastly used in managing AD is virgin coconut oil (VCO). VCO is extracted from the fresh and mature kernel of the coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) through wet and dry methods, without altering the valuable phytochemicals and physiochemical properties of the oil. It possesses numerous health benefits from the retained physiochemical properties from its triglycerides and medium chain fatty acids. The use of VCO in the management of AD is one of the topical therapies which have been proven to have good therapeutic effects and it is safe for topical applications. Studies have been proven that VCO exhibits antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, antibacterial, wound healing, and moisturizing properties which were extremely important in the management of AD.

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    Keywords

    Anti‑inflammatory
    antioxidant
    lauric acid
    moisturizer
    virgin coconut oil
    wound healing
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