Therapeutic Effect of Melissa Gel and 5% Acyclovir Cream in Recurrent Herpes labialis: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Recurrent Herpes labialis (RHL), as a common herpes infection in healthy persons, is treated symptomatically. Melissa officinalis has antiviral effects may affect RHL. Objectives: The current double-blind randomized study aimed to compare the clinical effect of Melissa gel and 5% acyclovir cream to treat RHL. Materials and Methods:The current study was conducted on 60 healthy students of the faculty of dentistry and dormitory residents who had experienced RHL. Participants were randomly divided into group A (treated by Melissa gel) and group B (treated by 5% acyclovir cream). The subjects used the topical drugs for seven days; they were examined on the first, second, fourth and seventh days .Clinical parameters (size of lesion, pain severity, presence of erythema and healing time) were evaluated in each visit and their changes were recorded. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups considering the changes in the size of lesions, healing time and erythema around the lesion (except on the fourth day). Pain severity alterations among the two groups showed significant differences on the second and forth days. Conclusions: Although Melissa gel effectively reduced pain severity on the second and forth days, it was not effective to treat RHL.

Comparison of clinical indices and therapeutic effect of a mucoadhesive system containing Melissa 1% and triamcinolone 0.1% on lichenoid reactions

“…[ 25 ] Evaluating the effect of Melissa in recurrent herpes labialis, Ahadian et al concluded that Melissa gel is more able to decrease the pain than acyclovir. [ 15 ] Melissa contains flavonoids, polyphenolic ingredients, and essences such as limonene, citral, and citronella. Since flavonoids and limonene have shown analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, it is appropriate to use Melissa gel to decrease the pain.…”

“…Melissa gel, offered by Goldaru Pharmacy Co. in Iran, includes 1% gel-based balm mint ( M. officinalis ) dried extract, standardized by 0.23% tannic acid. [ 15 ] Melissa is used for local treatment of gingival inflammatory, microbial and painful complications, and oral lesions. It includes antimicrobial, antifungal, antivirus, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce salivary and sweat secretion.…”

Antiviral Potential of Melissa officinalis L.: A Literature Review

“… 64 Nicholson and O’Farrell 65 demonstrated that using Lomaherpan cream which is made with lemon balm mint ( Melissa officinalis ) and lysine in a basic situation of genital herpes by inhibiting the activity of arginine which promotes HSV replication, was useful. Ahadian et al 66 investigated Melissa officinalis effects on Recurrent Herpes labialis (RHL) and they concluded, that although Melissa gel potently decreased pain intensity on the second and fourth days, it was not effective to treat RHL. Moradi et al 66 during their investigation and checked 25 plant extracts for their antiviral acting against HSV-1, found that Phenolic combination has been demonstrated to have antibacterial and antiviral effects.…”

“…Ahadian et al 66 investigated Melissa officinalis effects on Recurrent Herpes labialis (RHL) and they concluded, that although Melissa gel potently decreased pain intensity on the second and fourth days, it was not effective to treat RHL. Moradi et al 66 during their investigation and checked 25 plant extracts for their antiviral acting against HSV-1, found that Phenolic combination has been demonstrated to have antibacterial and antiviral effects. Vahabpour-Roudsari et al 67 treated cells with Lemon Balm extract before, during, and after infection.…”