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Lysine
(L-Lysine)

logo plant natural remedies recommendations

Studies suggest that taking this amino acid supplement along with dietary changes play an important role in reducing your chance of getting herpes outbreaks.

In additional to taking this supplement, also eat foods high in lysine and low in arginine to stop the virus from recurring and from multiplying.

Don't forget to support your immune system when you are suffering from any type of viral infections by taking zinc, vitamin C and fruits and vegetables.

Evidence of Benefits (Leaf Rating System)

	Cold Sores (Herpes labialis) / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV 1) Animal and clinical studies show that taking this amino acid helps to reduce the duration and severity of herpes infections. See Cold Sores Home Remedies for things you can use at home to fight off annoying fever blisters. As well, a cream that also contains zinc oxide was as useful in reducing the severity and duration of genital herpes infection.
	Anxiety and Stress A Japanese study showed that a combination of L-lysine with L-arginine reduced stress levels in healthy subjects who are subjected to a high level of mental stress and anxiety.
	Genital Herpes / Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV 2) Lab and animal studies show that using lysine for HSV 2 prevents the virus from spreading. No clinical are available to verify if this works in humans.
	Genital Warts / Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Lab studies and animal studies suggest that this essential amino acid could inhibit HPV mulplication.
	Shingles (Varicella zoster) This amino acid may be helpful in reducing the time it takes to recover from an outbreak of shingles. However, this is not confirmed in clinical trials.
	Ocular Herpes Studies done on rabbits show that a lysine gel applied in the eyes healed lesions in 3 to 4 days.
	Hair Loss (Alopecia) There is some evidence that a deficiency in this essential amino acid may contribute to hair loss, especially for women under the age of 50. Experts estimate that about 30% of women under the age of 50 suffer from hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies. See Natural Remedies for Hair Loss for a complete list of herbs and supplements that work.

Suggested Benefits and Traditional Uses

Oral

Bell's palsy
high cholesterol
cold sores (herpes labialis)
genital herpes
herpes simplex virus (HSV)
osteoporosis / increase bone strength
rheumatoid arthritis
shingles
stroke reduction
viral infections
warts

Topical (On the skin)

cold sores (herpes labialis) - (HSV 1)
genital herpes (HSV 2)
herpes simplex virus (HSV)
shingles
viral infections
warts

What is lysine?

It is an amino acid that our body can manufacture. The intestine absorbs L-lysine from the food source and it gets used by proteins in our body. If you get too much L-lysine in your diet or from your supplement, it is metabolized in the liver.

What are some foods high in lysine?

Increase your body's lysine content by including in your diet foods rich in lysine. Foods rich in lysine include brewer's yeast, diary products, most fruits and vegetables, eggs, avocados, tomatoes and meat such as fish, chicken and beef.

See the article Foods High In Lysine for a comprehensive list.

You can always take L-lysine supplements to add to your diet if you don't feel you get enough.

What are some other names for lysine?

You might hear people refer to it as L-lysine or Lys.

Does lysine help against herpes?

Yes.

In laboratory studies, L-lysine stops the herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2 from spreading. HSV 1 is responsible for causing cold sores and HSV 2 causes genital herpes. Both types of viral infection are highly contagious.

One large study involving 1,543 subjects showed that taking lysine supplements made their genital herpes sores, cold sores and canker sores much better. Another study also showed that it reduced the duration of the herpes infection and also kept them away longer.

Overall, the larger study mentioned above showed good results as 80% of the subject reported significant benefits from using L-lysine.

However, there are several studies as well that showed that it did not help any more than placebo (sugar pill).

What about arginine? I've heard the virus requires arginine?

Yes. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) requires another amino acid arginine for it to multiple and spread. It has a high requirement for arginine to reproduce, while L-lysine stops the viral replication.

One research study suggested that the ratio of L-lysine to arginine is important and by taking more L-lysine relative to arginine, this can reduce herpes breakouts.

Foods that are rich in arginine that you might want to avoid include nuts, whole wheat, white flour products, lentils, brown rice, peanut butter, soybeans and tofu.

Is it safe?

L-lysine is a safe amino acid to take. It has been shown in research studies both in animals and humans.

What are some side effects, toxicity, dangers and interactions?

Very few side effects were seen with even high dose of L-lysine. Dosages above 40 grams daily caused stomach pain, cramps and diarrhea.

The typical dosage used should not cause any significant side effects, toxicity or danger.

Studies also showed that L-lysine is safe to use in children and infants. Consult your physician if you plan on giving children L-lysine as a dietary supplement.

What is the dosage & how much do I take?

The dosage used in various research studies ranged from around 300 milligrams to 1 grams three times daily. L-lysine comes in pills form (tablets and capsules), liquid, powder, cream, ointment and gel formulations.

Orally

For cold sores, research studies used 1 gram daily for 12 months followed by a dose of 1 gram three times daily for another 6 months.

Topically

Apply L-lysine cream every 2 hours for up to 1 week. Super Lysine Plus+ was used in this study.

Lysine (L-Lysine)