Annals of Medicine Research and Public Health (ISSN: 2995-5955) | Volume 5, Issue 2 | Review Article | Open Access
Loso Judijanto*
IPOSS Jakarta, Indonesia
*Correspondence to: Loso Judijanto
Fulltext PDFAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is eroding the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and intensifying interest in antimicrobial agents with alternative mechanisms of action. Lauric acid (LA), a major medium-chain fatty acid in palm kernel oil, and its monoacylglycerol derivative glycerol monolaurate (GML; monolaurin) are promising membrane-active compounds with antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antivirulence properties. This critical qualitative literature review synthesizes evidence published during 2020–2026 concerning the biochemical origin, antimicrobial mechanisms, activity against resistant pathogens, formulation challenges, and translational prospects of LA and GML. Particular attention is given to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), antibiotic-resistant S. aureus associated with atopic dermatitis, chronic wounds, biofilms, and antibiotic-adjuvant strategies. Contemporary evidence supports membrane perturbation as a central mechanism, complemented by effects on biofilm formation, virulence pathways, and antibiotic susceptibility. Nevertheless, reported antimicrobial potency varies markedly across studies, reflecting differences in microbial strains, compound preparation, solvent systems, physicochemical state, and susceptibility-testing methods. Emerging hydrogels, nanoemulsions, and petrolatum-based formulations demonstrate how delivery systems may overcome poor aqueous solubility and enable high local concentrations. Limited human evidence supports further investigation of local applications, but robust clinical efficacy trials remain absent. The review concludes that palm-kernel-derived LA and GML merit development primarily as topical, decolonisation, wound-care, and antibiotic-adjuvant platforms, while systemic antimicrobial claims remain premature.
Palm kernel oil; Lauric acid; Monolaurin; Glycerol monolaurate; Antimicrobial resistance; MRSA; Staphylococcus aureus; Membrane disruption; Biofilm; Antimicrobial stewardship
Loso Judijanto. Palm-Kernel-Derived Lauric Acid and Monolaurin Against Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens: Membrane Disruption, Biofilm Control, and the Path to Topical Translation—A Critical Review. Ann Med Res Pub Health. 2026;5(2):1-8.