Herpes Simplex Virus and L-Lysine Studies
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HSV Studies &
L-Lysine
What is the Herpes Simplex Virus?
Herpes Simplex Virus, also known as HSV or herpes, is a virus that causes an infection that remains within the body for life. It most commonly manifests in sores surrounding the mouth (oral herpes) or genitals (genital herpes). There are two different types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Though both can cause either genital or oral herpes, HSV-1 typically causes oral and HSV-2 is primarily responsible for causing genital herpes. Herpes, or HSV infection, is incredibly common worldwide - in the United States, around 50% of the population has oral herpes and nearly 17% have genital herpes. [Ref #1]
How is HSV spread?
HSV is spread by skin-to-skin contact. When the infected area of one person with herpes touches either the oral or genital area of another person, infection can occur. This means that herpes is typically spread through sexual contact or kissing. The virus luckily cannot easily survive outside of the human body so it is not likely one can contract it from surfaces or holding hands. [Ref #1]
What are the symptoms of HSV infection?
The symptoms vary for genital and oral herpes. The primary symptom of an outbreak of oral herpes is sores around the mouth, commonly referred to as cold sores or fever blisters. Similarly, a genital herpes outbreak causes sores around the genitalia however, genital herpes is usually a more painful infection and can exhibit additional symptoms. These include itching, trouble with urination, and, in cases that result from HSV-2, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and aches. [Ref #2]
However, infected people can be asymptomatic or have only mild, imperceptible symptoms. Though the first outbreak usually occurs within 2-20 days of the initial infection, it can remain inactive for years after the initial infection. It is important to note that a person can still be contagious during this time and spread HSV unknowingly. Getting tested for the virus and using protection during sex are good preventative measures against spreading HSV or becoming infected. [Ref #2]
How long do outbreaks last?
Because the virus stays within the body for life, “outbreaks” are characterized as any time the symptoms manifest. The first outbreak of either type of herpes is typically the most severe and lasts the longest. The first outbreak of herpes can last anywhere from two to four weeks but then each outbreak is usually progressively shorter and less painful. [Ref #2]
Lean more about Herpes Simplex Virus in the Complete Guide to HSV.
L-Lysine
Research
What is L-lysine?
L-lysine is the L-isomer of lysine. Humans require nine essential amino acids and lysine is one of them. It assists in growth and tissue repair and is necessary for metabolism. It occurs naturally in many foods such as red meat, dairy products, and fish but can also be taken as a supplement. [Ref #3]
L-Lysine and HSV
Many studies have explored the potential benefits of L-lysine in people infected with HSV. Some of these studies, using human participants, demonstrated the potential of L-lysine to lessen the length and severity of symptoms during outbreaks and/or decrease the likelihood of recurrence.
One study was conducted on 52 men and women, with half taking L-lysine and half taking a placebo. The study found that:
“The L-lysine treatment group had an average of 2.4 (p less than 0.05) less HSV infections, symptoms were significantly (p less than 0.05) diminished in severity and healing time was significantly reduced (p less than 0.05)… L-Lysine appears to be an effective agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection.” [Ref #4]
This study essentially suggests that L-lysine administered in the subjects not only reduced the number of HSV infections but diminished the intensity of the symptoms and the length of the outbreaks. Another study similarly discovered that:
“The clinical results demonstrated a beneficial effect from supplementary lysine in accelerating recovery from herpes simplex infection and suppressing recurrence.” [Ref #5]
In addition to the similar findings from the previous study, this study also demonstrated that L-lysine actually suppressed the recurrence of infections or outbreaks, meaning that more time could pass between painful outbreaks.
Correspondingly, yet a third study found that:
“In the high-dose group, there were significantly fewer recurrences during the lysine period than during the placebo period.” [Ref #6]
And another study by the same scientist also discovered that:
“In comparison with past experiences, recurrences were less frequent, less severe, and of shorter duration.” [Ref #6]
These studies present similar, encouraging findings:
L-lysine supplementation helped make the painful symptoms of HSV outbreaks less severe
L-Lysine helped to suppress recurrences of outbreaks
L-lysine decreased the length of the outbreaks that did occur.
The results of these studies provide promising results which may support therapeutic efforts in making this widespread infection more manageable.
How does L-lysine work to inhibit HSV?
“In the studies conducted, arginine deficiency suppressed herpes simplex virus replication in tissue culture. Lysine, an analog of arginine, as an antimetabolite, antagonized the viral growth-promoting action of arginine. The in vitro data may be the basis for the observation that patients prone to herpetic lesions and other related viral infections, particularly during periods of stress, should abstain from arginine excess and may also require supplemental lysine in their diet.” [Ref #8]
This study explains why L-lysine supplementation may be beneficial in suppressing HSV. The Herpes Simplex Virus requires another amino acid called arginine. Lysine and arginine are in direct competition for absorption into cells. Therefore, by introducing more lysine into a person’s system it may be possible to control the amount of arginine in the body. In turn, this potentially inhibits the growth of the HSV virus in the body. [Ref #8]
Conclusion
Though widespread throughout the world, the herpes simplex virus does not have a cure. There are ways to manage symptoms and control outbreaks such as taking warm baths, limiting moisture in affected areas, and taking daily suppressive medications, but there is no way to get rid of an HSV infection once it has been contracted. [Ref #7] Therefore, outbreak management becomes a key focus to making the disease more tolerable. L-lysine presents an interesting potential tool for the management of HSV infections. Perhaps this supplement could offer real relief to the many who are experiencing the discomfort of this particular disease.
Learn more about L-Lysine and supplements like monolaurin and their related research on HSV.
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References
“Oral & Genital Herpes.” Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc.
“What are the symptoms of Herpes?” Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc.
“Lysine.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Griffith, R S, et al. “Success of L-Lysine Therapy in Frequently Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection. Treatment and Prophylaxis.” Dermatologica, 1987.
Griffith, R S, et al. “A Multicentered Study of Lysine Therapy in Herpes simplex Infection.” Dermatology, 1978.
Gaby, Alan R. “Natural Remedies for Herpes simplex.” Alternative Medicine Review, 2006.
“How do I get treatment for herpes?” Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc.
Griffith, RS, et al. “Relation of Arginine-Lysine Antagonism to Herpes Simplex Growth in Tissue Culture.” Chemotherapy, 1981.