The effect of L-Lysine in recurrent herpes labialis: pilot study with a 8-year follow up

Abstract

Several treatments for recurrent herpes labialis have been tested, including intradermal snake venom, camphor compresses, psychiatric treatments, vitamin C and other vitamin complexes. Nowadays, topical and systemic retroviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir and vadarabina are the drugs of choice. However they are only effective for symptoms minimization of existing lesions, without eliminating the virus permanently. In this study an alternative treatment with oral L-lysine is presented. This is one of the eight essential not manmade amino acids which should be acquired through feeding since they are important for protein synthesis and organism development. It was observed a significant effect on the annual incidence reduction of recurrent herpes in 12 patients with 8-year follow up.

Pityriasis rosea‐like cutaneous eruption as a possible dermatological manifestation afterOxford‐AstraZenecavaccine: Case report and brief literature review

“… 14 The antiviral potential of l ‐Lysine may be associated with the fact that this amino acid increases the excretion of l ‐Arginine by the kidney and intestine, decreasing its concentration and consequently its action on protein synthesis by the virus, preventing replication, 14 , 21 and that the lesions do not progress to the active clinical phase, disappearing in the prodromal phase. 14 , 20 …”

“…Studies have shown a strong association of PR with human herpesviruses (HHV‐6 and HHV‐7) as an etiological factor 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 and with the suspicion of this viral involvement, therapy with antivirals such as acyclovir was indicated 15 , 17 , 18 as well as alternative therapy with l ‐Lysine amino acid 14 , 19 that showed positive results in reducing healing time as limiting the number of lesions when started at the beginning of the dermal manifestation, as soon as possible, still the first 2 weeks, in the viral multiplication phase. 14 , 19 , 20 …”

“… 21 , 22 Therefore, the use of l ‐Lysine together with a reduction in the intake of l ‐Arginine, present in supplements and foods such as chocolate, peanuts, nuts, gelatin, cashew nuts, corn, coconut, oats, coffee and raisins, can make difficult for the virus to enter in the cell remaining it in virion form limiting the evolution of the disease. 14 , 20 …”

“…11,12,[14][15][16] Studies have shown a strong association of PR with human herpesviruses (HHV-6 and HHV-7) as an etiological factor 12,[14][15][16] and with the suspicion of this viral involvement, therapy with antivirals such as acyclovir was indicated 15,17,18 as well as alternative therapy with L-Lysine amino acid 14,19 that showed positive results in reducing healing time as limiting the number of lesions when started at the beginning of the dermal manifestation, as soon as possible, still the first 2 weeks, in the viral multiplication phase. 14,19,20 It is noteworthy that L-Lysine may also be associated with an increases excretion of an essential amino acid for some viruses initial replication, the L-Arginine. 21,22 Therefore, the use of L-Lysine together with a reduction in the intake of L-Arginine, present in supplements and foods such as chocolate, peanuts, nuts, gelatin, cashew nuts, corn, coconut, oats, coffee and raisins, can make difficult for the virus to enter in the cell remaining it in virion form limiting the evolution of the disease.…”

“…21,22 Therefore, the use of L-Lysine together with a reduction in the intake of L-Arginine, present in supplements and foods such as chocolate, peanuts, nuts, gelatin, cashew nuts, corn, coconut, oats, coffee and raisins, can make difficult for the virus to enter in the cell remaining it in virion form limiting the evolution of the disease. 14,20 Currently, PR has been associated as a dermal manifestation of SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19). 16,23,24 Although the diagnosis of PR has become more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still unclear whether this cutaneous manifestation is secondary to the direct invasion of SARS-CoV-2, because in PR lesions the virus protein was found, whether it is due to reactivation of latent viruses such as HHV-6/7 and HHV-4 or EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) by the immunomodulatory capacity of COVID-19 to reactivates them or whether due to other factors.…”