CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 7Coconut Research and ApplicationsOral microbiology and periodontitis researchEssential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

Antibacterial effect of coconut water and coconut oil on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Open access
Baharvand, Maryam, Oral Medicine Dept. School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Shokri, Mehdi, Department of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Hassani, Sarah, General Dental Practitioner, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Mirzaei, Homa, Postgraduate student, Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran +2 more·2021·Journal of Research in Dental and Maxillofacial Sciences
DOI 10.52547/jrdms.6.3.40
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

Background and Aim:The antibacterial effects of coconut products have been extensively studied in the recent years.Due to the high prevalence of periodontal disease and the role of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.actinomycetemcomitans) in periodontitis, antimicrobial agents can be effective in controlling this condition.This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial effects of coconut water and coconut oil on A. actinomycetemcomitans.Materials and Methods: Coconut water was extracted by cracking a coconut, and coconut oil was extracted by an oil-pressing machine by the cold pressing method at -50 C. The disc diffusion test was carried out on 4 plates containing coconut oil, coconut water, positive control, and negative control to measure the diameter of growth inhibition zone.The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined.All tests were repeated 3 times.Results: Coconut oil in 100% concentration showed no antibacterial effect on A. actinomycetemcomitans in the disc diffusion test.Thus, the MBC and MIC were not determined for the coconut oil.Coconut water demonstrated a bactericidal effect with 11, 9, and 0 mm growth inhibition zone diameter on 3 consecutive repetitions.According to independent t-test, a significant difference existed between the diameter of growth inhibition zone caused by coconut oil and positive control (P= 0.001).Conclusion: Coconut oil showed no antibacterial effect on A. actinomycetemcomitans, and the antibacterial effect of coconut water on A. actinomycetemcomitans was very weak.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In this in vitro study, 100% coconut oil showed no antibacterial effect against *Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans*, while 100% coconut water produced only a very weak and inconsistent inhibitory effect. The authors conclude that neither coconut product is an effective antibacterial agent against this periodontal pathogen.

Key findings

  • Coconut oil at 100% concentration produced no growth inhibition zone against *A. actinomycetemcomitans*; MIC mean was 0 mm (SD = 0), and MIC/MBC were not determined for coconut oil.
  • Coconut water at 100% concentration produced inhibition zones of 11, 9, and 0 mm across three repetitions, with an average diameter of 6.6 mm (SD = 4.78); MIC was not observed, and MBC was not carried out.
  • The positive control, 0.2% chlorhexidine, produced inhibition zones of 40, 50, and 45 mm across the three repetitions.
  • Independent t-test showed a significant difference between the inhibition zone of coconut water and the positive control (P = 0.001); the abstract also reports a significant difference between coconut oil and the positive control (P = 0.001).

Methods

  • In vitro study using *A. actinomycetemcomitans* strains JP2 and Nov99, cultured in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth and incubated anaerobically at 37°C for 72 hours, adjusted to 0.5 McFarland standard.
  • Coconut water was extracted by cracking coconuts, and coconut oil was extracted by cold pressing at -50°C; both were sterilized through a 0.2-micron filter and tested at 100% concentration. The coconut was imported from the Philippines, and three coconuts were selected and mixed because their age was unknown.
  • Agar-well diffusion assay used BHI agar with 5-mm wells, 50 µL of test agent, positive control (0.2% chlorhexidine), and negative control (saline); coconut oil was initially not absorbed by the agar, so it was dissolved in 2% dimethyl sulfoxide plus 1% ethanol and retested. MIC was assessed by microdilution and colorimetric resazurin method in a 96-well plate. Each test was repeated three times, and data were analyzed with independent t-test using SPSS version 21.

Limitations

  • The paper states that coconut oil was not absorbed into the BHI agar medium, requiring dissolution in 2% dimethyl sulfoxide and 1% ethanol and repetition of the test.
  • The paper states that the coconut origin was the Philippines, coconut age was unknown, and three coconuts were mixed; it recommends investigating coconuts from other regions and testing effects on other oral pathogenic microorganisms.
  • Evident from the text: only three repetitions were performed, coconut water results were inconsistent (11, 9, and 0 mm), MIC was not observed for coconut water, and MBC was therefore not carried out; no MIC/MBC was reported for coconut oil.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.52547/jrdms.6.3.40

Cites

19 of 19 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

7 of 23 cited sources checked · 4 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    A control-free clinical trial showed that topical application of coconut oil led to a reduction in inflammation and plaque index in patients with plaque-free gingivitis.

    “Also, a control-free clinical trial showed that topical application of coconut oil led to a reduction in inflammation and plaque index in patients with plaque-free gingivitis.(7)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [7] source

      The Abstract reports reduced plaque index and bleeding index in patients receiving coconut oil mouthwash, supporting the reported improvement. But Materials and Methods required plaque on dental surfaces, and the Abstract describes a control group. The trial was therefore neither control-free nor conducted in patients with plaque-free gingivitis. (LLM, conf=0.89)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingown data

    Coconut oil at 100% concentration showed no antibacterial effect on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the disc diffusion/well diffusion test, producing no zone of inhibition.

    “Coconut oil in 100% concentration showed no antibacterial effect on A. actinomycetemcomitans in the disc diffusion test.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “Coconut oil (100% concentration), added to the culture medium containing A. actinomycetemcomitans failed to exhibit any antibacterial effect and created no zone of inhibition (MIC mean = 0 mm, standard deviation = 0) compared with the positive control (MIC mean = 45 mm, standard deviation = 4.08 mm); thus the MIC and MBC values were not reported for the coconut oil (Table 1).”
    • Also stated in: § Conclusion · plain
      “Coconut oil did not have an antibacterial effect on A. actinomycetemcomitans, and coconut water also showed a poor antibacterial effect on A. actinomycetemcomitans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The average diameter of the growth inhibition zone for coconut water was 6.6 mm (standard deviation 4.78).

    “Coconut water (100% concentration) demonstrated an antibacterial effect on the culture medium containing A. actinomycetemcomitans with an average diameter of growth inhibition zone to be 6.6 mm (standard deviation = 4.78).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    According to the independent t-test, a significant difference existed between the diameter of growth inhibition zone caused by coconut oil and the positive control (P = 0.001).

    “According to independent t-test, a significant difference existed between the diameter of growth inhibition zone caused by coconut oil and positive control (P= 0.001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The independent t-test showed a significant difference between the diameter of growth inhibition caused by coconut water and the positive control (P = 0.001).

    “The independent t-test showed a significant difference between the diameter of growth inhibition caused by coconut water and the positive control (P = 0.001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 18
  • May combine two claims. 8
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Beenashino et al. confirmed the anti-microbial activity of coconut oil.

    “Their study confirmed the anti-microbial activity of coconut oil, which is contrary to the results of the present study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The antibacterial and antifungal effects of lauric acid have been previously confirmed.

    “The antibacterial and antifungal effects of lauric acid have been previously confirmed.(19)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Rukmini et al. found that coconut water had no antibacterial effect on Streptococcus mutans.

    “Rukmini et al. (22) investigated the effect of coconut water on Streptococcus mutans and found that coconut water had no antibacterial effect on this microorganism, and no growth inhibitory effect was observed, which was inconsistent with the results of the present study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Coconut oil contains 92% saturated fatty acids, about 50% of which is lauric acid.

    “This oil contains 92% saturated fatty acids, about 50% of which is lauric acid [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    According to studies by Beenashino et al., Peedikayil et al., and Ogbolu et al., coconut oil has an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.

    “According to studies by Beenashino et al, (4) Peedikayil et al, (7) and Ogbolu et al, (3) coconut oil has an inhibitory effect on Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, which was inconsistent with the present results.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [4] source

      The Results report a clear zone of inhibition for C. albicans exposed to coconut oil, supporting that part of the claim. The study tested C. albicans isolates from children with early childhood caries; our copy does not report tests of coconut oil against Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [7] source

      The Introduction (page unavailable) describes coconut oil as antibacterial and antimycotic, supporting a general inhibitory effect. It does not identify Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, or Escherichia coli as targets. The Discussion instead reports a Peedikayil study concerning Streptococcus mutans, and our copy does not report the attributed Beenashino or Ogbolu findings. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [3] source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    The positive control (0.2% chlorhexidine) produced inhibitory zone diameters of 40, 50, and 45 mm across three repetitions.

    “Positive control: chlorhexidine 0.2% inhibitory zone diameter :40mm inhibitory zone diameter: 50 mm inhibitory zone diameter: 45mm”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Coconut water at 100% concentration demonstrated an antibacterial/bactericidal effect on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, with growth inhibition zone diameters of 11, 9, and 0 mm on three consecutive repetitions.

    “Coconut water demonstrated a bactericidal effect with 11, 9, and 0 mm growth inhibition zone diameter on 3 consecutive repetitions.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · boosted
      “Coconut water (100% concentration) demonstrated an antibacterial effect on the culture medium containing A. actinomycetemcomitans with an average diameter of growth inhibition zone to be 6.6 mm (standard deviation = 4.78).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were not determined or reported for coconut oil because it showed no antibacterial effect.

    “Thus, the MBC and MIC were not determined for the coconut oil.”
    • Also stated in: § Results · plain
      “thus the MIC and MBC values were not reported for the coconut oil (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The antibacterial effect of coconut water on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was very weak/poor and was deemed clinically insignificant.

    “the antibacterial effect of coconut water on A. actinomycetemcomitans was very weak.”
    • Also stated in: § Discussion · plain
      “the antibacterial effect of the coconut water on A. actinomycetemcomitans was so minimal that was deemed clinically insignificant.”
    • Also stated in: § Conclusion · plain
      “coconut water also showed a poor antibacterial effect on A. actinomycetemcomitans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In vitro studies have documented the antibacterial effect of coconut water on Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

    “and coconut water on Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae .(6)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] Nasimuddin S, Durai R, Sumathi G. A study of invitro antimicrobial activity of coconut water and coconut oil on gram positive and gram negative bacteria. World J Pharm Res. 2016;5(8):696-700.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In vitro studies have documented the antibacterial effect of coconut oil on Streptococcus mutans and Candida species.

    “In vitro studies have documented the antibacterial effect of coconut oil on Streptococcus mutants and Candida species (3)(4)(5)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites (3)(4)(5)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    All tests were repeated three times.

    “All tests were repeated 3 times.”
    • Also stated in: § Materials and Methods · plain
      “Each test was repeated three times”
    • Also stated in: § Minimum inhibitory concentration: · plain
      “All tests were repeated three times.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative anaerobe.

    “A. actinomycetemcomitans is a Gramnegative anaerobe that is associated with invasive localized periodontitis and is suspected to be involved in chronic periodontitis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [12] source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is associated with invasive localized periodontitis.

    “A. actinomycetemcomitans is a Gramnegative anaerobe that is associated with invasive localized periodontitis and is suspected to be involved in chronic periodontitis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [12] source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Ogbolu et al. showed that coconut oil had antimicrobial effects on Candida.

    “Ogbolu et al. (3) showed that coconut oil had antimicrobial effects on Candida, which is contrary to our study, likely due to differences in the type of microorganisms studied.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3] source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Nagila et al. found that the use of coconut oil significantly reduced the amount of bacterial plaque after 7 days of use in comparison with the control group.

    “Nagila et al. (20) found that the use of coconut oil significantly reduced the amount of bacterial plaque after 7 days of use in comparison with the control group.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Thaweboon et al. found that coconut oil had an antibacterial effect on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

    “They found that coconut oil had an antibacterial effect on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, which was inconsistent with the results of the present study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] Thaweboon S., Nakaparksin J, Thaweboon, B. Effect of oil-pulling on oral microorganisms in biofilm models. Asia J Public Health. 2011;2(2):62-6.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Taheri et al. showed that coconut powder, similar to its oil, did not affect oral bacteria and did not show any antimicrobial activity against the oral bacterial flora.

    “Contrary to the aforementioned studies, Taheri et al. (2) showed that coconut powder, similar to its oil, did not affect oral bacteria (there was no bacterial lysis zone in the plates), and in fact, did not show any antimicrobial activity against the oral bacterial flora.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Kohli et al. observed that coconut extract had an antibacterial effect similar to that of chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

    “They observed that coconut extract had an antibacterial effect similar to that of chlorhexidine, which is contrary to coconut water and oil, as shown in the present study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Nasimuddin et al. found that coconut oil and water had antibacterial properties but did not affect Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

    “The results showed that coconut oil and water had antibacterial properties; however, they did not affect Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is inconsistent with the present study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] Nasimuddin S, Durai R, Sumathi G. A study of invitro antimicrobial activity of coconut water and coconut oil on gram positive and gram negative bacteria. World J Pharm Res. 2016;5(8):696-700.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Coconut oil has a significant effect on Escherichia coli, Enterobacter species, Helicobacter pylori, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species.

    “Coconut oil has a significant effect on Escherichia coli, Enterobacter species, Helicobacter pylori, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species.(5)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [5] Thaweboon S., Nakaparksin J, Thaweboon, B. Effect of oil-pulling on oral microorganisms in biofilm models. Asia J Public Health. 2011;2(2):62-6.

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

21 of 21

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Coconut water is more available and convenient to apply than coconut oil.

    “and the availability and convenient application of coconut water as compared with its oil, we sought to investigate the antimicrobial effects of coconut water and coconut oil on A. actinomycetemcomitans.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Conventional periodontal therapy is prolonged and high-cost.

    “Considering the prolonged process and high costs associated with conventional periodontal therapy, it is prudent to consider effective and cheaper therapies.”
2 of 2

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Abstract describes a disc test, but methods describe a well test

    Minor

    The abstract says the inhibition zones were measured by disc diffusion, whereas the methods describe placing the products in wells cut into the agar.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. Thaweboon S., Nakaparksin J, Thaweboon, B. Effect of oil-pulling on oral microorganisms in biofilm models. Asia J Public Health. 2011;2(2):62-6.
  2. Nasimuddin S, Durai R, Sumathi G. A study of invitro antimicrobial activity of coconut water and coconut oil on gram positive and gram negative bacteria. World J Pharm Res. 2016;5(8):696-700.
  3. Nazir MA. Prevalence of periodontal disease, its association with systemic diseases and prevention. Int J Health Sci. 2017;11(2):72-80.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Baharvand, M., Oral Medicine Dept. School of Dentistry, S. B. U. O. M. S., Shokri, M., Department of Dental Biomaterials, S. O. D., Hassani, S., General Dental Practitioner, S. O. D., Mirzaei, H., Postgraduate student, D. O. O. M., Mahdian, M., & Department of prosthodontics and Digital Technology, S. B. U.
Affiliations
  • Shahid Beheshti University (IR)
  • Stony Brook School (US)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Research in Dental and Maxillofacial Sciences
Publisher
CMV Verlag
Published
2021-06-01
Volume
6
Issue
3
Pages
40-46
ISSN
  • 2383-2754 (ISSN-L)
  • 2588-4166
DOI
10.52547/jrdms.6.3.40
OpenAlex
W3189329456
Cited by
7
References
19
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2
FWCI
0.38
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc
Locations
  • Journal of Research in Dental and Maxillofacial Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Chemistry › Inorganic Chemistry › Coconut Research and Applications
  • Health Sciences › Dentistry › Periodontics › Oral microbiology and periodontitis research
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity
Keywords
coconut water, coconut oil, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, antibacterial activity, periodontitis, periodontal disease, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, inhibition zone, natural antimicrobials

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review