We investigated how an ascorbic acid-based solution could help treat recurrent cold sores, also known as mucocutaneous herpes. This study was carefully designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which helps ensure the results are reliable and trustworthy.
Participants used a strong solution of Ascoxal, rich in vitamin C, applied to their cold sores multiple times on the first day of the outbreak. We monitored various symptoms daily, including the severity of scabs, redness, and blisters, comparing the experiences of those using the vitamin C solution to a placebo group.
Our findings were promising: the active treatment resulted in fewer days with scabbing and less severe symptoms overall. Moreover, those using the vitamin C solution showed reduced persistence of scabs compared to the placebo group, along with a lower frequency of detected herpes virus after treatment.
In conclusion, this brief course of vitamin C treatment appears to have significant clinical benefits against cold sores, opening the door for future research on more extensive and frequent treatment regimes.
Read More
8
Vitamin C shows potential for cold sores
A clinical pilot study of lignin--ascorbic acid combination treatment of herpes simplex virus.
We conducted a clinical pilot study to evaluate the effects of a combination treatment of lignin—a substance derived from pine cones—mixed with vitamin C on cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our study included 48 healthy participants, ranging from 4 to 61 years old, who had active lesions of HSV-1.
Participants received a daily dose of the lignin-ascorbic acid treatment for one month. Notably, those who began the treatment within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms did not develop typical cold sore lesions. For others who started later, we observed a shorter duration of cold sores and less severe symptoms compared to their previous outbreaks.
Many participants reported a reduction in both the severity and frequency of their cold sore episodes during treatment. Although the results suggest some benefits of this combination treatment, it’s important to note that vitamin C was part of the blend, making it challenging to evaluate its individual effect on cold sores directly.
Thus, while the combination of lignin and vitamin C appears promising for preventing and treating HSV-1 infection, further studies isolating vitamin C's effects would be helpful to understand its specific role in managing cold sores.
Read More
8
Potential effects on cold sores
The use of water-soluble bioflavonoid-ascorbic acid complex in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis.
We evaluated the effectiveness of a water-soluble complex combining bioflavonoids and ascorbic acid, which is commonly known as vitamin C, for treating cold sores caused by recurrent herpes labialis. The study involved 50 episodes of cold sores, with patients receiving different dosages of the vitamin C and bioflavonoid combination, while others were given a lactose placebo.
The regimen was followed for three days after participants felt the initial symptoms. We noted that the combination appeared to reduce the formation of blisters and helped maintain the integrity of the vesicular membrane. The best results came when treatment started during the early warning signs of an outbreak, leading to symptom relief in an average of about 4.2 days with the lower dosage.
Importantly, throughout the study, no adverse reactions were reported by participants. Although the combination product shows promise, it was difficult to isolate the specific impact of vitamin C alone due to its synergy with bioflavonoids.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Cold sore relief
151 people found this helpful
I took one jar of this product for three months, and during that period, I completely forgot about having any cold sores.
Read More
9
Prevents symptoms
4 people found this helpful
These pills can be hard to swallow at first, but once I did, I noticed that I felt energised again after taking them at the first sign of a cold or sore throat.
Read More
9
Stops cold sores
3 people found this helpful
I’ve bought this repeatedly! Taking four capsules before bed often cures my cold by the next day.
We investigated how an ascorbic acid-based solution could help treat recurrent cold sores, also known as mucocutaneous herpes. This study was carefully designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which helps ensure the results are reliable and trustworthy.
Participants used a strong solution of Ascoxal, rich in vitamin C, applied to their cold sores multiple times on the first day of the outbreak. We monitored various symptoms daily, including the severity of scabs, redness, and blisters, comparing the experiences of those using the vitamin C solution to a placebo group.
Our findings were promising: the active treatment resulted in fewer days with scabbing and less severe symptoms overall. Moreover, those using the vitamin C solution showed reduced persistence of scabs compared to the placebo group, along with a lower frequency of detected herpes virus after treatment.
In conclusion, this brief course of vitamin C treatment appears to have significant clinical benefits against cold sores, opening the door for future research on more extensive and frequent treatment regimes.
Read More
8
Vitamin C shows potential for cold sores
A clinical pilot study of lignin--ascorbic acid combination treatment of herpes simplex virus.
We conducted a clinical pilot study to evaluate the effects of a combination treatment of lignin—a substance derived from pine cones—mixed with vitamin C on cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our study included 48 healthy participants, ranging from 4 to 61 years old, who had active lesions of HSV-1.
Participants received a daily dose of the lignin-ascorbic acid treatment for one month. Notably, those who began the treatment within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms did not develop typical cold sore lesions. For others who started later, we observed a shorter duration of cold sores and less severe symptoms compared to their previous outbreaks.
Many participants reported a reduction in both the severity and frequency of their cold sore episodes during treatment. Although the results suggest some benefits of this combination treatment, it’s important to note that vitamin C was part of the blend, making it challenging to evaluate its individual effect on cold sores directly.
Thus, while the combination of lignin and vitamin C appears promising for preventing and treating HSV-1 infection, further studies isolating vitamin C's effects would be helpful to understand its specific role in managing cold sores.
Read More
8
Potential effects on cold sores
The use of water-soluble bioflavonoid-ascorbic acid complex in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis.
We evaluated the effectiveness of a water-soluble complex combining bioflavonoids and ascorbic acid, which is commonly known as vitamin C, for treating cold sores caused by recurrent herpes labialis. The study involved 50 episodes of cold sores, with patients receiving different dosages of the vitamin C and bioflavonoid combination, while others were given a lactose placebo.
The regimen was followed for three days after participants felt the initial symptoms. We noted that the combination appeared to reduce the formation of blisters and helped maintain the integrity of the vesicular membrane. The best results came when treatment started during the early warning signs of an outbreak, leading to symptom relief in an average of about 4.2 days with the lower dosage.
Importantly, throughout the study, no adverse reactions were reported by participants. Although the combination product shows promise, it was difficult to isolate the specific impact of vitamin C alone due to its synergy with bioflavonoids.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 12 Reviews
8.2
All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
9
Cold sore relief
151 people found this helpful
I took one jar of this product for three months, and during that period, I completely forgot about having any cold sores.
Read More
9
Prevents symptoms
4 people found this helpful
These pills can be hard to swallow at first, but once I did, I noticed that I felt energised again after taking them at the first sign of a cold or sore throat.
Read More
9
Stops cold sores
3 people found this helpful
I’ve bought this repeatedly! Taking four capsules before bed often cures my cold by the next day.
Read More
10
Life source
2 people found this helpful
This product has been vital for my family! I take 10 tablets daily at the onset of illness, and symptoms vanish quickly. I highly recommend it as an essential health supplement for everyone.
Read More
10
Gentle on stomach
2 people found this helpful
This vitamin C doesn’t irritate my stomach, which is rare. I take it at the first sign of a cold to stay healthy, and my family does well with it too.
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on or around the lips, although they can also occur in other areas of the face. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), primarily HSV-1, and are highly contagious. The initial outbreak may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a general feeling of malaise. Once infected, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate, leading to recurring outbreaks, often triggered by stress, illness, or exposure to sunlight.
Treatment options for cold sores often focus on alleviating symptoms and speeding up healing. Over-the-counter creams containing antiviral medication like docosanol can help reduce the duration of an outbreak when applied early on. Prescription medications may be recommended for more severe cases. Home remedies, such as applying ice, using aloe vera, or taking lysine supplements, may also offer some relief. Prevention strategies include avoiding known triggers and practicing good hygiene, like not sharing utensils or personal items with infected individuals.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions. As an essential nutrient, it contributes to the growth and repair of tissues in the body, and it is vital for the production of collagen, an important protein that helps maintain skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Additionally, Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps combat free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to various chronic diseases.
Moreover, Vitamin C enhances iron absorption from plant-based foods, making it a vital component for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. While many people get sufficient Vitamin C from a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and bell peppers, some individuals might require supplementation. It's generally recommended to stay within the daily intake guidelines, as excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. Overall, Vitamin C is not just a skincare celebrity—it's a fundamental part of maintaining overall health and well-being.
Vitamin C is often touted for its immune-boosting properties, but when it comes to treating cold sores, the evidence is nuanced. Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically require antiviral treatments for effective relief. However, some studies suggest that Vitamin C, due to its antioxidant properties, may play a supportive role in skin health and wound healing, which could theoretically help with the healing process of cold sores. While maintaining a healthy intake of Vitamin C can support overall immune function, it's not a stand-alone treatment for active outbreaks.
For those looking to alleviate cold sores, over-the-counter antiviral creams or prescription medications are generally recommended. Incorporating Vitamin C-rich foods into your diet or taking supplements might help strengthen your immune responses in the long run, but it's best to consult a healthcare professional for targeted strategies tailored to your situation. Ultimately, while Vitamin C has beneficial properties, it's essential to rely on proven treatments for cold sores for the most effective relief.
Based on user reviews, the timeline for seeing results when taking this supplement for cold sores varies, but many users report positive outcomes relatively quickly. For instance, one user noted that symptoms vanished quickly after taking multiple tablets daily at the onset of illness (Read Review). Another mentioned improvement at the "slightest sign" of a cold or cold sores, suggesting fast-acting effects (Read Review).
Several users highlighted that they start taking the supplement immediately at the first signs of a cold sore or illness, resulting in a significant reduction in symptoms within just a few days. For instance, one user described feeling "perfectly fine again" after taking one capsule for a couple of days (Read Review). Overall, while individual results may vary, many report effective relief within a matter of days when the supplement is taken promptly.
The supplement featuring vitamin C appears to be supported by scientific research for treating cold sores. One study demonstrated that a topical vitamin C solution significantly reduced the duration and severity of cold sores compared to a placebo. Participants using the vitamin C solution experienced fewer days with scabbing and milder symptoms overall [2]. Another study corroborated these findings, showing that a combination of vitamin C and bioflavonoids led to a reduction in blister formation and accelerated symptom relief when treatment began at the onset of symptoms [3].
Furthermore, a clinical pilot study involving lignin mixed with vitamin C reported positive outcomes when treatment was initiated early. Participants who started treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset did not develop the typical cold sore lesions, indicating a potential benefit of this combination [1]. While the combination with lignin complicates isolating the effects of vitamin C, the consistent findings across multiple studies suggest that vitamin C may play a critical role in managing cold sores effectively.
Users have reported various improvements in symptoms after incorporating this vitamin C supplement into their routine. Many indicate that taking the product at the first sign of a cold or cold sore can lead to rapid recovery. For example, one user noted that after taking one capsule for just a couple of days, they felt "perfectly fine again" (Read Review). Another user mentioned that taking four capsules before bed often resulted in a full recovery by the next day, showcasing the potential for quick relief (Read Review).
Users also highlighted longer-term benefits, with one individual sharing that after consistently taking the supplement for three months, they "completely forgot about having any cold sores" (Read Review). Others reported that the supplement effectively supports their immune system, allowing them to avoid illnesses during cold seasons (Read Review). Despite individual variations in response to the supplement, the overall sentiment from users suggests a notable improvement in managing cold and cold sore symptoms when used proactively.
Users have reported positive results when combining this supplement with other immune-boosting supplements and practices for managing cold sores. Several reviews suggest that taking the product at the earliest signs of a cold or sore throat significantly enhances its effectiveness. For example, one user noted that taking four capsules before bed often resulted in a full recovery by the next day (Read Review). Another individual shared that they and their family take it at the first signs of illness, which leads to rapid symptom alleviation (Read Review).
Furthermore, some users mentioned using this vitamin C supplement in conjunction with other remedies, such as increasing dosages during cold and flu seasons, to improve recovery times. One user highlighted that with a higher dosage, they recovered quickly from a cold (Read Review). Overall, user experiences indicate that combining this vitamin C supplement with a proactive approach in addressing symptoms can lead to enhanced management of cold sores, resulting in quicker recovery and improved immune support.
Based on user reviews, optimal dosing of Vitamin C for treating cold sores appears to vary, with many users finding success through different strategies. A common recommendation is to take multiple capsules at the onset of symptoms. One user noted that they take 10 tablets daily, remarking on the rapid disappearance of symptoms Read Review. Others reported that two to four tablets taken at the first signs of a cold can prove effective Read Review.
Additionally, some users mentioned starting with one capsule for a couple of days to help manage symptoms Read Review. Another user confirmed that increasing their dosage helped them recover quickly from a cold, highlighting the importance of dosing flexibility Read Review. Overall, users seem to agree that timely and adequate dosing of Vitamin C can significantly aid in both prevention and treatment of cold sores.
10
Life source
2 people found this helpful
This product has been vital for my family! I take 10 tablets daily at the onset of illness, and symptoms vanish quickly. I highly recommend it as an essential health supplement for everyone.
9
Cold sore remedy
1 people found this helpful
At the slightest sign of a cold or cold sores, everything improves immediately. My husband also trusts it now and always keeps it in the first-aid kit.
7.5
Quick recovery
3 people found this helpful
At the first sign of a cold, I take one capsule for a couple of days, and I feel perfectly fine again!
9
Stops cold sores
3 people found this helpful
I’ve bought this repeatedly! Taking four capsules before bed often cures my cold by the next day.
9
Cold sore relief
151 people found this helpful
I took one jar of this product for three months, and during that period, I completely forgot about having any cold sores.
6
Effective prevention
42 people found this helpful
Vitamin C is crucial! This product isn’t organic, but I found it effective, especially during cold seasons. I experienced a cold but noticed that after increasing the dosage, I recovered quickly. I give my children one tablet daily, and they rarely become ill.
7.5
Prevention support
4 people found this helpful
Take 2-4 tablets at the first signs of a cold for 3-5 days, and you won’t fall ill! This product has helped me significantly.
9
Vitamin C alleviates cold sores
Topical treatment of recurrent mucocutaneous herpes with ascorbic acid-containing solution.
We investigated how an ascorbic acid-based solution could help treat recurrent cold sores, also known as mucocutaneous herpes. This study was carefully designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which helps ensure the results are reliable and trustworthy.
Participants used a strong solution of Ascoxal, rich in vitamin C, applied to their cold sores multiple times on the first day of the outbreak. We monitored various symptoms daily, including the severity of scabs, redness, and blisters, comparing the experiences of those using the vitamin C solution to a placebo group.
Our findings were promising: the active treatment resulted in fewer days with scabbing and less severe symptoms overall. Moreover, those using the vitamin C solution showed reduced persistence of scabs compared to the placebo group, along with a lower frequency of detected herpes virus after treatment.
In conclusion, this brief course of vitamin C treatment appears to have significant clinical benefits against cold sores, opening the door for future research on more extensive and frequent treatment regimes.
8
Potential effects on cold sores
The use of water-soluble bioflavonoid-ascorbic acid complex in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis.
We evaluated the effectiveness of a water-soluble complex combining bioflavonoids and ascorbic acid, which is commonly known as vitamin C, for treating cold sores caused by recurrent herpes labialis. The study involved 50 episodes of cold sores, with patients receiving different dosages of the vitamin C and bioflavonoid combination, while others were given a lactose placebo.
The regimen was followed for three days after participants felt the initial symptoms. We noted that the combination appeared to reduce the formation of blisters and helped maintain the integrity of the vesicular membrane. The best results came when treatment started during the early warning signs of an outbreak, leading to symptom relief in an average of about 4.2 days with the lower dosage.
Importantly, throughout the study, no adverse reactions were reported by participants. Although the combination product shows promise, it was difficult to isolate the specific impact of vitamin C alone due to its synergy with bioflavonoids.
8
Vitamin C shows potential for cold sores
A clinical pilot study of lignin--ascorbic acid combination treatment of herpes simplex virus.
We conducted a clinical pilot study to evaluate the effects of a combination treatment of lignin—a substance derived from pine cones—mixed with vitamin C on cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our study included 48 healthy participants, ranging from 4 to 61 years old, who had active lesions of HSV-1.
Participants received a daily dose of the lignin-ascorbic acid treatment for one month. Notably, those who began the treatment within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms did not develop typical cold sore lesions. For others who started later, we observed a shorter duration of cold sores and less severe symptoms compared to their previous outbreaks.
Many participants reported a reduction in both the severity and frequency of their cold sore episodes during treatment. Although the results suggest some benefits of this combination treatment, it’s important to note that vitamin C was part of the blend, making it challenging to evaluate its individual effect on cold sores directly.
Thus, while the combination of lignin and vitamin C appears promising for preventing and treating HSV-1 infection, further studies isolating vitamin C's effects would be helpful to understand its specific role in managing cold sores.
References
Lopez BS, Yamamoto M, Utsumi K, Aratsu C, Sakagami H. A clinical pilot study of lignin--ascorbic acid combination treatment of herpes simplex virus. In Vivo. 2009;23:1011.
Hovi T, Hirvimies A, Stenvik M, Vuola E, Pippuri R. Topical treatment of recurrent mucocutaneous herpes with ascorbic acid-containing solution. Antiviral Res. 1995;27:263.
Terezhalmy GT, Bottomley WK, Pelleu GB. The use of water-soluble bioflavonoid-ascorbic acid complex in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1978;45:56.