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

Abstract

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