Success of <i>L</i>-Lysine Therapy in Frequently Recurrent Herpes simplex Infection

Abstract

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of oral L-lysine monohydrochloride for the prevention and treatment of recurrent herpes simplex (HSV) infection was conducted. The treatment group was given L-Lysine monohydrochloride tablets (1,000 mg L-lysine per dose) 3 times a day for 6 months. A total of 27 (6 male and 21 female) subjects on L-lysine and 25 (6 male and 19 female) subjects on placebo completed the trial. The L-lysine treatment group had an average of 2.4 (p < 0.05) less HSV infections, symptoms were significantly (p < 0.05) diminished in severity and healing time was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). L-Lysine appears to be an effective agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection.

Human herpes simplex virus infections: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and management

“…257 Other beneficial measures for genital herpes include topical application of zinc as well as creams containing licorice root as well as oral intake of 1000 mg of L-lysine 3 times daily. [264][265][266] …”

The metabolic roles, pharmacology, and toxicology of lysine.

“…They are not pharmacological but more like the amounts needed to correct lysine deficiencies of low-lysine foods in the diet. The 1987 report of Griffith et al (68], which describes administration of 1000 mg threetimes daily, probably approaches a more effective dosage level. Larger supplements should be tested.…”

“…For individuals eating American diets of usual components, supplemental intakes of Llysine up to 3 glday (3.75 g LMH), taken with food and divided among meals, appear to be safe for chronic use as demonstrated in adults [68] and prepubertal children [73]. Judging from animal feeding studies and high-dose trials in humans, double this amount is probably also safe for long-term use, but so far there is no confmned evidence of value in such dosage, although there are indications of possible benefit in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease that should be explored.…”

Combined use of bile acids and aminoacids to improve permeation properties of acyclovir

“…Moreover, the combined use of acyclovir and L-lys should have a beneficial effect in the herpes treatment. In fact, literature data refer that the regular consumption of L-lys proved to reduce the number and intensity of herpes flare-ups (McCune et al, 1984;Griffith et al, 1987;Flodin, 1997). Creams containing 5% (w/w) of pure drug or its equivalent as equimolar ternary system with UDC and L-lys were then prepared, following the composition of marketed formulations (Cycloviran, Zovirax TM , Acyvir TM ).…”