Role of Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera) in Modifying Cancer Risk: A Systematic Exploratory Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Natural methods and substances as cancer protective aids is taking big stage in current research. Polyphenol rich coconut oil was proved to offer many health benefits. The effect of medium chain fatty acids on cardiovascular health is very well established. But the scientific evidence about the effectiveness of coconut oil in cancer prevention and as supplemented adjuvant in cancer treatment is scarce. Aim: To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of coconut oil. Objective: To determine various beneficial effects of coconut oil that may alter microenvironment of human body that can render cancer preventive effects. Methods: Systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to include articles that evaluated the effect of coconut oil in cancer prevention in scientific websites. Quality of the studies was independently assessed by all authors. Bias was assessed by The Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) bias assessment tool for human and animal studies. Results: 10 studies in total were included in the systematic review from which data is extracted, clustered and tabulated. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) supplementation resulted in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects promoting good gut microbial growth and reducing total cholesterol, and reducing insulin resistance. Conclusion: VCO may provide beneficial effects in cancer prevention by correcting the microenvironment of human body which needs to be established by further evidence from large scale human clinical trials. Keywords: Virgin coconut oil, anti-inflammatory, Oxidative stress, Insulin resistance, Quality of life.