Monolaurin, derived naturally from coconut, is a source of the medium chain fatty acid lauric acid. Monolaurin has been widely researched for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, as it can break down and destroy the lipid layer of enveloped viruses where many pharmaceuticals fail. Fatty acids and monoglycerides produce their killing/inactivating effects by several mechanisms. An early postulated mechanism was the perturbing of the plasma membrane lipid bilayer. The antiviral action attributed to monolaurin is that of fluidizing the structure in the envelope of the virus, causing the disintegration of the microbial membrane. More recent studies, indicate that one antimicrobial effect in bacteria is related to monolaurin's interference with signal transduction/toxin formation. Another antimicrobial effect in viruses is due to lauric acid's interference with virus assembly and viral maturation. The third mode of action may be on the immune system itself. Monolaurin does not appear to have an adverse effect on desirable gut bacteria, but rather on only potentially pathogenic microorganisms. It is classified by the FDA as "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS).