Calcium spirulan may help cold soresCalcium spirulan derived from Spirulina platensis inhibits herpes simplex virus 1 attachment to human keratinocytes and protects against herpes labialis.
Study highlights combination treatments
We investigated the potential of calcium spirulan, a compound derived from the microalga Spirulina platensis, to help prevent cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). In a thorough study, we assessed the effectiveness of this sulfated polysaccharide both in laboratory tests and through a practical trial involving people with recurring herpes labialis, also known as cold sores.
Our approach included examining how calcium spirulan affected the virus’s ability to attach to human skin cells. Using various experiments such as plaque reduction assays and analyzing viral proteins, we confirmed that calcium spirulan had significant inhibitory effects on HSV-1. In the practical trial, we compared the effects of topical calcium spirulan treatment against other commonly used antiviral medications among 198 participants, all of whom dealt with repeat cold sore outbreaks.
The results suggest that calcium spirulan could be a valuable option for topical treatment, offering new hope for those who suffer from cold sores. Additionally, our findings indicate that calcium spirulan may also show effectiveness against other herpesviruses. This points to the broader clinical implications of using natural compounds like calcium spirulan in managing viral infections.
Read More