Last update
3/19/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 8 Researches
8.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 24 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Zinc(from 270 mg Zinc Picolinate)
50 mg
455%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored the antiviral effects of zinc sulfate on herpes simplex virus in Vero cells. Through a combination of traditional cell culture and advanced PCR methods, we found that a concentration of 0.3 mM zinc sulfate significantly reduced virus replication by at least 68 times. Moreover, we identified that the most effective concentration was actually 0.23 mM.
These findings suggest that zinc sulfate can inhibit herpes simplex virus, showing promise as a potential treatment option.
These findings suggest that zinc sulfate can inhibit herpes simplex virus, showing promise as a potential treatment option.
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9
We investigated the effectiveness of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) using zinc preparations against the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our study explored how these zinc-based compounds, when exposed to specific light wavelengths, can significantly reduce the virus's ability to infect.
We observed a substantial decrease in viral levels, especially during the virus's replication stage. This indicates that zinc may assist in fighting the herpes virus effectively.
Overall, our findings highlight zinc's potential in viral treatment, providing a strong foundation for future research.
We observed a substantial decrease in viral levels, especially during the virus's replication stage. This indicates that zinc may assist in fighting the herpes virus effectively.
Overall, our findings highlight zinc's potential in viral treatment, providing a strong foundation for future research.
Read More
9.5
Zinc nanoparticles show promising antiviral activity
We explored the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles, specifically polyethylene glycol-coated varieties, on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Through mechanical synthesis and various tests, we found that these nanoparticles significantly inhibit the virus. Notably, a concentration of 200 μg/ml reduced virus titer by 92%, a promising result for future treatments. The incorporation of polyethylene glycol helped lower toxicity and enhance the antiviral effects, positioning these nanoparticles as a potential new weapon against HSV-1.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Reduced herpes episodes
10 people found this helpful
I started taking zinc as prescribed and noticed improvements. Unlike before, this particular zinc does not cause nausea. I've experienced a quick resolution of a herpes outbreak while taking it, likely due to the combination with lysine.
Read More
10
Eases herpes outbreaks
9 people found this helpful
Super thing! I only take them when I feel unwell, usually two capsules at once. Although often exposed to sick individuals, I’ve never fallen ill. Recently, I took a shock dose when I noticed herpes on my lip. Two blisters had appeared, but by morning, they were gone! What a relief, as neither acyclovir nor valacyclovir have worked for me. I also applied zinc paste on my lip, which may benefit others suffering from herpes during times of reduced immunity.
Read More
9
Stopped herpes rashes
5 people found this helpful
I found that zinc significantly boosts my body's defences and has remarkably prevented herpes rashes for three years now. Along with vitamin C, the regimen has kept my children from common colds and strengthened our immunity altogether.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 8 Researches
8.2
- All Researches
9.5
Zinc nanoparticles show promising antiviral activity
We explored the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles, specifically polyethylene glycol-coated varieties, on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Through mechanical synthesis and various tests, we found that these nanoparticles significantly inhibit the virus. Notably, a concentration of 200 μg/ml reduced virus titer by 92%, a promising result for future treatments. The incorporation of polyethylene glycol helped lower toxicity and enhance the antiviral effects, positioning these nanoparticles as a potential new weapon against HSV-1.
Read More
9
We investigated the effectiveness of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) using zinc preparations against the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Our study explored how these zinc-based compounds, when exposed to specific light wavelengths, can significantly reduce the virus's ability to infect.
We observed a substantial decrease in viral levels, especially during the virus's replication stage. This indicates that zinc may assist in fighting the herpes virus effectively.
Overall, our findings highlight zinc's potential in viral treatment, providing a strong foundation for future research.
We observed a substantial decrease in viral levels, especially during the virus's replication stage. This indicates that zinc may assist in fighting the herpes virus effectively.
Overall, our findings highlight zinc's potential in viral treatment, providing a strong foundation for future research.
Read More
8
We examined how zinc oxide nanoparticles combined with activated carbon can affect herpes simplex virus (HSV1).
The study found that a specific combination, labeled as Z3C1, showed significant antiviral activity against HSV1 while maintaining low toxicity in human cells.
Additionally, this nanocomposite demonstrated considerable effectiveness against various bacteria and fungi but did show some cytotoxicity at higher concentrations.
Overall, while we observed potential benefits of zinc in fighting herpes, further investigation is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in practical applications.
The study found that a specific combination, labeled as Z3C1, showed significant antiviral activity against HSV1 while maintaining low toxicity in human cells.
Additionally, this nanocomposite demonstrated considerable effectiveness against various bacteria and fungi but did show some cytotoxicity at higher concentrations.
Overall, while we observed potential benefits of zinc in fighting herpes, further investigation is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in practical applications.
Read More
8
We investigated the potential of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) to combat herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Utilizing plant extracts, ZnONPs were developed and tested on Vero cell lines.
The results indicated some antiviral activity, suggesting that these ZnONPs could be beneficial as additional support for existing HSV-1 treatments. However, while findings are encouraging, further research is needed to fully establish their effectiveness in clinical settings.
The results indicated some antiviral activity, suggesting that these ZnONPs could be beneficial as additional support for existing HSV-1 treatments. However, while findings are encouraging, further research is needed to fully establish their effectiveness in clinical settings.
Read More
8
We observed a case involving an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with both Acrodermatitis enteropathica (AcE) and eczema herpeticum against a backdrop of atopic dermatitis. The child presented with severe skin lesions, which were treated successfully with a combination of acyclovir and oral zinc supplementation.
Remarkably, we noted that complete healing occurred within just two weeks. This outcome suggests that zinc's role may play a beneficial part in managing herpes infections, particularly in children with underlying skin conditions.
However, this is a single case report, so larger studies would be needed to confirm these findings.
Remarkably, we noted that complete healing occurred within just two weeks. This outcome suggests that zinc's role may play a beneficial part in managing herpes infections, particularly in children with underlying skin conditions.
However, this is a single case report, so larger studies would be needed to confirm these findings.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 24 Reviews
8.1
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Reduced herpes episodes
10 people found this helpful
I started taking zinc as prescribed and noticed improvements. Unlike before, this particular zinc does not cause nausea. I've experienced a quick resolution of a herpes outbreak while taking it, likely due to the combination with lysine.
Read More
10
Eases herpes outbreaks
9 people found this helpful
Super thing! I only take them when I feel unwell, usually two capsules at once. Although often exposed to sick individuals, I’ve never fallen ill. Recently, I took a shock dose when I noticed herpes on my lip. Two blisters had appeared, but by morning, they were gone! What a relief, as neither acyclovir nor valacyclovir have worked for me. I also applied zinc paste on my lip, which may benefit others suffering from herpes during times of reduced immunity.
Read More
9
Stopped herpes rashes
5 people found this helpful
I found that zinc significantly boosts my body's defences and has remarkably prevented herpes rashes for three years now. Along with vitamin C, the regimen has kept my children from common colds and strengthened our immunity altogether.
Read More
0
No cold protection
4 people found this helpful
While this product protects against colds, I unexpectedly experienced herpes on my lips despite taking it. I'm unsure why that happened, as there were no known allergies or gastrointestinal issues from the medication.
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9
Less common relapses
1 people found this helpful
I've been taking this zinc for years, and it has significantly reduced the frequency of my herpes relapses and colds. I highly recommend it for better health.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
10
Eases herpes outbreaks
9 people found this helpful
Super thing! I only take them when I feel unwell, usually two capsules at once. Although often exposed to sick individuals, I’ve never fallen ill. Recently, I took a shock dose when I noticed herpes on my lip. Two blisters had appeared, but by morning, they were gone! What a relief, as neither acyclovir nor valacyclovir have worked for me. I also applied zinc paste on my lip, which may benefit others suffering from herpes during times of reduced immunity.
5
Less frequent outbreaks
For six years, I suffered from cold sores on my lips, occurring twice a month. I started taking Lysine and zinc—Lysine when I felt the itching, and 50mg of zinc every other day. Fortunately, in the last two months, I have not experienced any outbreaks.
9
Suppresses herpes virus
Zinc is essential, especially for those prone to various herpes lesions. When taken with Cat's Claw, it’s irreplaceable. After a few days of use, the virus is suppressed, preventing outbreaks altogether. I take one zinc tablet and two Cat's Claw capsules three times daily.
10
Forgotten herpes
We regularly take zinc, and it has remarkably improved our immunity. Before, my husband suffered from oral herpes several times a year, but now, after a few years of using zinc, we've nearly forgotten about it. If it does appear again, we simply adjust the dosage.
9
Stops herpes outbreaks
This quality zinc supplement has really enhanced my health, especially my immunity. After starting it, my frequent herpes outbreaks have stopped. It's easy to swallow and very effective.
9
Defeats herpes early
I’m convinced of its effectiveness. I usually take one capsule, but when I feel herpes coming on my lip, I increase the dose to two capsules once a day. I managed to combat the infection early on. I also take vitamin C and occasionally double the dosage for a couple of days.
9
Normalises immune function
Zinc picolinate helps normalise the immune system and treat viral infections. It is especially effective under low acidity conditions, common in those over 40 or smokers. As I am over 40 and my husband smokes, it suits us well. In combination with l-lysine, it cleared up my herpes in three days.
References
- Ho K, Hoesley C, Anderson PL, Fernández-Romero JA, Friedland BA, et al. Phase I Dose Volume Escalation of Rectally Administered PC-1005 to Assess Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Antiviral Pharmacodynamics as a Multipurpose Prevention Technology (MTN-037). J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2024;97:379. 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003506
- Vilhelmova-Ilieva N, Mantareva V, Braikova D, Iliev I. Photodynamic Inactivation of Human Herpes Virus In Vitro with Ga(III) and Zn(II) Phthalocyanines. Viruses. 2024;16. 10.3390/v16121937
- Hassan HS, Abol-Fotouh D, Salama E, Elkady MF. Assessment of antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and antiviral impact of a green zinc oxide/activated carbon nanocomposite. Sci Rep. 2022;12:8774. 10.1038/s41598-022-12648-w
- Melk MM, El-Hawary SS, Melek FR, Saleh DO, Ali OM, et al. Antiviral Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Mediated by L. Extract Against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1). Int J Nanomedicine. 2021;16:8221. 10.2147/IJN.S339404
- Satria B, Chen W, Soebono H, Radiono S, Danarti R. Concurrence of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica and Eczema Herpeticum in a Child with Atopic Dermatitis. Case Rep Dermatol. 2019;11:240. 10.1159/000502509
- Fani M, Khodadad N, Ebrahimi S, Nahidsamiei R, Makvandi M, et al. Zinc Sulfate in Narrow Range as an In Vitro Anti-HSV-1 Assay. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2020;193:410. 10.1007/s12011-019-01728-0
- Agelidis A, Koujah L, Suryawanshi R, Yadavalli T, Mishra YK, et al. An Intra-Vaginal Zinc Oxide Tetrapod Nanoparticles (ZOTEN) and Genital Herpesvirus Cocktail Can Provide a Novel Platform for Live Virus Vaccine. Front Immunol. 2019;10:500. 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00500
- Tavakoli A, Ataei-Pirkooh A, Mm Sadeghi G, Bokharaei-Salim F, Sahrapour P, et al. Polyethylene glycol-coated zinc oxide nanoparticle: an efficient nanoweapon to fight against herpes simplex virus type 1. Nanomedicine (Lond). 2018;13:2675. 10.2217/nnm-2018-0089
Data last updated:
