Genital Herpes Simplex

 

Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:

Thuja (Eastern White Cedar, Thuja Occidentalis) [20, 41, 42, 43]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Little is known about the full effects of Thuja, so it is not recommended for medicinal use. Thuja can be poisonous if ingested in large amounts.

Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Thuja helps to treat herpes)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

* www.gradeworkinggroup.org

Pokeweed Antiviral Protein (PAP) [20, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Warning! All parts of the plant, Pokeweed (Phytolacca Americana), is poisonous and should not be ingested. Thoroughly cooking the plant reduces that toxicity. The effects of the improperly prepared plant include vomiting, diarrhoea, cramps, headache, confusion, convulstions, low blood pressure, heart block and death. Only plant extracts (PAP) or thoroughly prepared plants should be ingested, and even then, under professional medical guidance.

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Laboratory studies show that PAP may hold promise in the treatment of herpes, but more clinical trials are needed)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica, Hydrocotyle Asiatica)[20, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Gotu Kola helps in the treatment of herpes in any way. More research is needed.)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) [20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: Weakly against (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Goldenseal helps to treat herpes. More studies are needed. Goldenseal may produce toxic effects, including depression, constipation, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, mouth ulcers and vomiting.)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Celandine (Ukrain, Chelidonium Majus) [20, 21, 22]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: weakly against (There is insufficient evidence that Celandine helps to cure or treat herpes. In addition, the plant is mildly poisonous to humans. It may cause hepatitis as well as symptoms of pain, nausea, thirst, and fever.)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Cats Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) [19, 20]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recomendation (insufficient evidence to support claims that Cats Claw can help to treat herpes)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Low Level Laser Therapy:

Recommendation: no recomendation (there is insufficient evidence to support claims that laser therapy helps in treating herpes)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Vitamin A Supplement [44, 45]:

Recommendation: no recomendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that vitamin A supplements are able to help treat genital herpes)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Zinc [46, 47, 48]:

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Zinc may help prolong remissions when applied topically. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Vitamin C:

Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that vitamin C is able to help treat herpes)

Grade of Evidence: very llow quality of evidence

Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) [49, 50, 51]:

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Studies show that Melissa officinalis may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Carrageenans (Red Seaweed Extract) [52, 53, 54]:

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Studies show that red seaweed may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Garlic Extracts [55, 56]:

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Studies show that garlic may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Prunella Vulgaris (Selfheal Plant) [57, 58]:

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Studies show that prunella vulgaris may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Lactoferrin (Whey Protein Component) [59, 60, 61]:

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Studies show that lactoferrin may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) [62]:

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Studies show that BHT may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Lysine Supplementation [63, 64, 65:

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Studies show that lysine may be able to help treat herpes. More studies are needed)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Resveratol [66]:

Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that reservatrol is able to help treat herpes)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

* www.gradeworkinggroup.org

 

Summary References

Treatments:

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2. Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, Thompson RW, Behforooz A. (1987). "Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis". Dermatologica. 175 (4): 183–190. PMID 3115841

3. Griffith RS, Norins AL, Kagan C. (1978). "A multicentered study of lysine therapy in Herpes simplex infection". Dermatologica. 156 (5): 257–267. PMID 640102

4. Vogler BK and Ernst E.. "Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness.". British Journal of General Practice 49: 823–828. http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/booth/alternat/AT125.html.

5. Allahverdiyev A, Duran N, Ozguven M, Koltas S. (2004). "Antiviral activity of the volatile oils of Melissa officinalis L. against Herpes simplex virus type-2.". Phytomedicine. 11 (7-8): 657–661. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2003.07.014. PMID 15636181

6.  Koytchev R, Alken RG, Dundarov S (1999). "Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis". Phytomedicine 6 (4): 225–30. PMID 10589440

7. Zacharopoulos VR, Phillips DM. (1997). "Vaginal formulations of carrageenan protect mice from herpes simplex virus infection". Clin. Diagn. Lab. Immunol. 4 (4): 465–468. PMID 9220165.

8. Carlucci MJ, Scolaro LA, Damonte EB. (1999). "Inhibitory action of natural carrageenans on Herpes simplex virus infection of mouse astrocytes". Chemotherapy 45 (6): 429–436. doi:10.1159/000007236. PMID 10567773.

9. Docherty JJ, Fu MM, Stiffler BS, Limperos RJ, Pokabla CM, DeLucia AL. (1999). "Resveratrol inhibition of herpes simplex virus replication". Antiviral Res. 43 (3): 145–155. doi:10.1016/S0166-3542(99)00042-X. PMID 10551373.

10.   Docherty JJ, Smith JS, Fu MM, Stoner T, Booth T. (2004). "Effect of topically applied resveratrol on cutaneous herpes simplex virus infections in hairless mice". Antiviral Res. 61 (1): 19–26. doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2003.07.001. PMID 14670590.

11.   Weber ND, Andersen DO, North JA, Murray BK, Lawson LD, Hughes BG (1992). "In vitro virucidal effects of Allium sativum (garlic) extract and compounds". Planta Med. 58 (5): 417–23. doi:10.1055/s-2006-961504. PMID 1470664.

12. Chiu LC, Zhub W, Oo VE (2004). "A polysaccharide fraction from medicinal herb Prunella vulgaris downregulates the expression of herpes simplex virus antigen in Vero cells". Journal of Ethnopharmacology 93 (1): 63–68. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2004.03.024.

13. Andersen JH, Jenssen H, Gutteberg TJ. (2003). "Lactoferrin and lactoferricin inhibit Herpes simplex 1 and 2 infection and exhibit synergy when combined with acyclovir". Antiviral Res. 58 (3): 209–215. doi:10.1016/S0166-3542(02)00214-0. PMID 12767468.

14. Gaby AR (2006). "Natural remedies for Herpes simplex". Altern Med Rev 11 (2): 93–101. PMID 16813459.

15. Yazici AC, Baz K, Ikizoglu G (2006). "Recurrent herpes labialis during isotretinoin therapy: is there a role for photosensitivity?". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 20 (1): 93–5. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2005.01358.x. PMID 16405618.

16. Snipes W, Person S, Keith A, Cupp J (April 1975). "Butylated hydroxytoluene inactivated lipid-containing viruses". Science 188 (4183): 64–6. doi:10.1126/science.163494. PMID 163494. http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=163494.

17. Richards JT, Katz ME, Kern ER (October 1985). "Topical butylated hydroxytoluene treatment of genital herpes simplex virus infections of guinea pigs". Antiviral Res. 5 (5): 281–90. doi:10.1016/0166-3542(85)90042-7. PMID 2998276. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0166-3542(85)90042-7.

18. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Workowski KA, Berman SM. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2006. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2006 Aug 4;55(RR-11):1-94.

19. http://www.nutrasanus.com/cats-claw.html

20. Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P, Complete Guide to Complimentary & Alternative Cancer Therapies, American Cancer Society, Atlanta USA, 2009

21.http://abchomeopathy.com/r.php/Chel

22.http://www.naturalstandard.com/index-abstract.asp?create-abstract=/monographs/herbssupplements/greatercelandine.asp

23. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/goldenseal

24. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/goldenseal/

25. Tierra Michael (1998): The Way of Herbs. New York, Pocket Books

26. Grieve M. (1971): A Modern Herbal. New York, Dover Publications, Inc

27. Mills S. and Bone K. (2000): Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Philadelphia, Churchill Livingstone

28. Tice Raymond (1997): Goldenseal and Two of its constituent alkaloids: berberine and hydrastine Research Triangle Park, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in Seiger E: Review of Toxilogical Literature

29. http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/hydrastis.html

30. Winston, D., Maimes, S., Adaptogens: Herbs For Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, 2007, pp. 226-7

31. "A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on Acoustic Startle Response in Healthy Subjects". Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 20(6):680-684, December 2000. Bradwejn, Jacques MD, FRCPC *; Zhou, Yueping MD, PhD ++; Koszycki, Diana PhD *; Shlik, Jakov MD, PhD

32.  B. M. Hausen (1993) "Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), an effective therapeutic but a weak sensitizer." Contact Dermatitis 29 (4), 175–179 doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.1993.tb03532.x

33. Cataldo, A., Gasbarro, V., et al., "Effectiveness of the Combination of Alpha Tocopherol, Rutin, Melilotus, and Centella asiatica in The Treatment of Patients With Chronic Venous Insufficiency", Minerva Cardioangiology, 2001, Apr; 49(2):159-63

34. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotu_kola#Medicinal_effects

35. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/gotu-kola

36. http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=12&p_type=all&p_sci=sci&p_x=px

37. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Phytolacca+americana

38. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/315368

39. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002874.htm

40. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/pokeweed

41. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002769.htm

42. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_thoc2.pdf

43. http://vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta?v%3Aproject=medlineplus&query=thuja&x=0&y=0

44. http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/herbs-supplements-gential-herpes

45. http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/189/8/1466.full

46. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus

47. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3730471/

48. http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000079

49. http://www.healthassist.net/remedies/remedies-herpes.shtml

50. http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/11/2/93.pdf

51. http://www.progressivehealth.com/herpes-herbs.htm

52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15498610

53. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/8217756_Protective_effect_of_a_natural_carrageenan_on_genital_herpes_simplex_virus_infection_in_mice

54. http://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.0020069

55. http://www.progressivehealth.com/herpes-herbs.htm

56. Connors MS. and Altshuler L. (2009): The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies: An easy-to-use reference for natural health care

57. http://www.healthassist.net/remedies/remedies-herpes.shtml

58. http://www.ion.ac.uk/information/onarchives/autumnherpes-simplex-simple-solutions-troublesome-virus

59. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22269645

60. https://books.google.com.au/books?id=K-sNIkLGRnEC&pg=PA36&lpg=PA36&dq

61. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682203007335

62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2998276

63. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/herpes-simplex-virus

64. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/lysine

65. http://www.ion.ac.uk/information/onarchives/autumnherpes-simplex-simple-solutions-troublesome-virus

66. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16125258