Herb Fights Herpes: Introducing Prunella Vulgaris

(Adapted by ScienceDaily.com from information gathered from the American Society For Microbiology.)

ScienceDaily (May 20, 2003) — WASHINGTON, DC – May 19, 2003 – A new anti-herpes agent derived from a common herb has proven successful in treatment and prevention of herpes in animals. Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia) researchers will reveal their findings at the 103rd General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.

According to researcher, Song Lee, "Prunella vulgaris…a perennial plant commonly found in China, the British Isles, Europe, and North America … described as a hot water infusion to treat sores in the mouth and throat, an astringent for internal and external purposes, as a crude anti-cancer drug, and as an herbal remedy…”

Lee and his team took a lignin-carbohydrate compound from the prunella vulgaris plant, and incorporated it into a topical cream. This cream was tested on mice and guinea pigs that carried experimental HSV-1 and HSV-2. Guinea pigs that received the lignin-carbohydrate complex cream treatment showed a significant decrease in skin lesions compared to those that received no treatment with the cream. These mice also displayed a noticeable increase in survival rate in comparison to the animals that did not undergo treatment with the cream.

"The anti-HSV compound from P. vulgaris is a…complex with potent activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 ...different…than acyclovir, the current… drug," says Lee. "Given … the emergence of acyclovir-resistant strains of herpes viruses, the Prunella … may … be a… new anti-herpes [treatment]."

American Society For Microbiology (2003, May 20). New Herpes Treatment From Common Herb. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/05/030520083354.htm