Cold Sore Study Published in Alternative Medicine Review

A study published in the Alternative Medicine Review shows that Super Lysine+ topical ointment healed colds sores faster than leading OTC and prescription brands costing 3 to 5 times more. Median healing time was just 4.0 days. Within three days, the formula either completely eliminated or dramatically reduced cold sore symptoms, including tingling, burning, itching, tenderness, prickling, soreness and blistering. In addition, a remarkable 40% of the participants had full cure by end of the third day.

FULL TEXT:

Cold sore sufferers using the topical ointment healed more quickly and experienced significantly reduced symptoms according to a study from Southern California University of Health Sciences published this week in the peer reviewed journal, Alternative Medicine Review (Volume 10, No. 2). That's good news for the 60 million people with active cold sores.

"The formula reduced the duration of cold sore symptoms by 50% or more when compared to untreated cold sore data". said Betsy Singh, PhD, the University's Dean of Research. The median healing time was 4.0 days - 1/2 to 1 full day shorter than in the studies on the leading prescription and OTC brands which cost 3 to 5 times more.

The study was co-authored by Jay Udani, MD, Medical Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at Northridge Hospital, Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA / Geffen School of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Research at SCU.

The study, Safety and Effectiveness of an L-Lysine, Zinc, and Herbal-Based Product on the Treatment of Facial and Circumoral Herpes, also showed that within three days, SUPER LYSINE+ either completely eliminated or dramatically reduced cold sore symptoms, including tingling, burning, itching, tenderness, prickling, soreness and blistering. In addition, a remarkable 40% of the participants had full cure by end of the third day. No adverse effects were reported.

The SUPER LYSINE+ formula includes a proprietary blend of L-Lysine and 14 nutrients, (natural Zinc Oxide, Vitamins A, D and E, extracts of Goldenseal, Propolis, Calendula, Echinacea; Cajeput and Tea Tree Oil, and Gum Benzoin Tincture, Honey and Lithium Carbonate in a base of Olive Oil and Yellow Beeswax). For more information visit www.quantumhealth.com or call 1-800-448-1448.

According to the researchers, participants commented that the formula provided a superior experience compared to other formulas; it was invisible, could be worn under lipstick, did not burn when applied, and provided immediate relief.

This open label outcome study measured time to full cure as well as ten common symptoms. Full cure referred to the complete disappearance of the lesion, not merely crusting, the end point in most studies (crusting may take 2 to 7 more days to disappear). The ten factors for monitoring the sores were: tingling, itching, burning, tenderness, prickling, soreness, bump/swelling, small blister(s), oozing blister(s), and crusting. 120 subjects pre-enrolled and 30 subjects, half male/female, 28 to 65, participated. All subjects were experienced cold sores sufferers and were familiar with other treatments and their efficacy.

Cold sores are small blisters that form around the mouth that are clear and filled with fluid. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus which lives inside nerve tissue. It is estimated that 80% of the population carry the virus and 60 million people have outbreaks once or more per year. Cold sores are also known as Herpes Simplex or HSV1 (not the same as genital herpes) and may be referred to as fever blisters. Cold sores can be triggered by sunlight, fever, illness, stress, arginine rich foods such as chocolate, food allergies or hormonal changes. Early symptoms of an outbreak are itching, tingling or a burning sensation. Cold sores are contagious and can be spread by kissing or sharing eating utensils, toothbrushes, towels or razors.

Safety and Effectiveness of an L-Lysine, Zinc, and Herbal-Based Product on the Treatment of Facial and Circumoral Herpes

Abstract

CONTEXT: L-lysine, an essential amino acid, inhibits normal replication of Herpes simplex virus (HSV), shortening the normal course and duration of the disease. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a combination of L-lysine with botanicals and other nutrients in relieving the symptoms of facial and circumoral herpes. METHODS: This small pilot study was conducted using an outcome (open-label) model. Thirty male and female participants (15 in each group) meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were admitted to the study. The 10 outcome measures used to monitor the sores were tingling, itching, burning, tenderness, prickling, soreness, bump/swelling, small blister(s), oozing blister(s), and crusting, as well as before-and-after photographs of the lesion, and a daily diary. RESULTS: At the end of treatment the ointment produced full resolution in 40 percent of the participants by the third day and in 87 percent by the end of the sixth day. A cold sore episode may last up to 21 days without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Overall data indicated significant improvement in participants by the sixth day of treatment for all but two participants. There were no adverse effects reported during this study. (Altern Med Rev 2005;10(2))

Authored By: Betsy B. Singh, PhD; Jay Udani, MD; Sivarama Prasad Vinjamury, MD (Ayurveda); Claudia Der-Martirosian, PhD; Sonal Gandhi, MD; Raheleh Khorsan, MA; Dinesha Nanjegowda, PhD; and Vijay Singh, PsyD (Candidate)

BACKGROUND INFO

Quantum Health - Natural Products That Make a Difference - Quantum is a natural product company founded in 1982 that specializes in unique formulations designed to help people feel and look their best. Key categories include cold sore, and canker sore treatments, cold and flu relief, natural insect repellents, skin care and immune support. Based in Eugene, OR, Quantum Health makes over 45 products which are distributed throughout the United States and Canada and on the Internet. For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-448-1448 or visit www.quantumhealth.com

Alternative Medicine Review, published quarterly since 1996 by Thorne Research, is a peer reviewed journal that is considered to be a premiere resource for clinically valuable information, studies and breakthroughs in the field of alternative medicine science. The publication is indexed in Medline, Embase (the premier European medical database), Cinahl (a U.S. database for nurses and other allied health professionals), and Index Medicus. Alternative Medicine Review publishes original research, literature reviews, editorial comment, monographs, and book reviews. The Review's editorial board is comprised of forty international physicians and is edited by Dr. Kathleen A. Head.

BETSY B. SINGH, PhD.
Professor and Dean of Research, Southern California University of Health Sciences

Dr. Singh has over 20 years experience as a teacher and researcher with various universities in both academic and medical departments, including her former position as Director of Research, Program in Complementary Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, an NIH-funded site. Formerly, she was a Director of an Organized Research Unit for the UMD School of Medicine where her research group included to 80 persons including field staff in order to participate in dozens of research projects per annum. She is also chair of the Research Oversite Committee for the government funded project to assess the effect of vitamin and mineral supplementation for at-risk children.

Dr. Singh won the Research Excellence Award (Sept. 2002 and 2003) and the Blood of the Turnip Award (Sept. 2002) for work above and beyond the call of duty. She is an editor for Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine (5\1\98 - 1/1/03), formerly on the advisory board (7\97 - 5\1\98) returned as of 1/1/03, and reviews for other journals as well. She also serves on the scientific review committee for the Consortial Center for Chiropractic Research [CCCR] (5/98) funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM/NIH). She is a member of the Homeopathic Pharmeacopia of the U.S. (HPCUS), an oversight committee for Homeopathy. She is affiliated with the Center for Complementary Health Care and a member of the Geriatrics Program, University of California, Irvine. She serves as an advisor to RAND for the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) sponsored Evidence-Based practice Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She has been Principal Investigator (PI), Co-Investigator, or Methodologist on a variety of grants in both complementary and conventional medicine.

JAY UDANI, MD
Medical Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at Northridge Hospital, Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA / Geffen School of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Research at Southern California University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Udani is a board certified Internist who was the Chief Resident of Internal Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and was the first Fellow in Integrative Medicine at Cedars Sinai. He has published over 25 book chapters and articles on Integrative Medicine in many prestigious medical journals including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Dr. Udani is also the recipient of the AMA National Achievement Award, the Harvard Medical School Research Fellowship Award, and was voted Best Physician Specialist and Best Medical Speaker in Los Angeles by the Daily News. Dr. Udani is formally trained in Acupuncture, Herbal therapies, Functional Medicine, Nutritional Supplements, and limited homeopathy. In addition, Dr. Udani has completed a fellowship in Health Services Research and Outcomes Research with experience in systematic reviews and clinical trials. He was among the first Physicians in the country to become a Certified Physician Investigator for Clinical Trials through the American Academy of Pharmaceutical Physicians. Dr. Udani is on the leadership council of the board of directors of the San Fernando Valley Chapters of the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society.