Evidence supporting the use of: Potassium caprylate
For the health condition: Thrush
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Potassium caprylate is a salt form of caprylic acid (octanoic acid), a medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm oil. Caprylic acid and its salts have been studied for their antifungal properties, particularly against Candida species, which are responsible for thrush (oral candidiasis). Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that caprylic acid can disrupt the cell membranes of Candida albicans, leading to cell lysis and reduced fungal growth. These antifungal effects are attributed to the ability of caprylic acid to integrate into and destabilize lipid membranes.
However, while these laboratory results are promising, clinical evidence in humans is limited. There are a few small studies and anecdotal reports suggesting benefit, but there are no large, well-controlled clinical trials confirming the efficacy of potassium caprylate for thrush in humans. The majority of available evidence comes from test tube studies rather than patient populations. As such, its use is sometimes recommended in alternative or integrative medicine circles, generally based on extrapolation from laboratory data and the known antifungal activity of medium-chain fatty acids.
In summary, potassium caprylate’s use for thrush is supported by some scientific data regarding its antifungal properties, but robust clinical evidence is lacking, and thus the evidence is rated as low (2/5).
