Last update
4/18/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.4
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
1 g (1,000 mg)
1111%
Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex
100 mg
†
Rutin Powder (from Sophora japonica Flower Bud)
25 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives on the replication of Herpes simplex virus type I using human muscle cancer cells.
The study revealed that a specific form of vitamin C, known as 2-O-glycoside of ascorbic acid, showed promising antiviral properties.
Interestingly, while this derivative can inhibit certain chemical reactions involving carbon-centered radicals, it does not impact reactions with oxygen-centered radicals.
However, despite these findings, the overall benefits of vitamin C treatment for herpes remain inconclusive.
The study revealed that a specific form of vitamin C, known as 2-O-glycoside of ascorbic acid, showed promising antiviral properties.
Interestingly, while this derivative can inhibit certain chemical reactions involving carbon-centered radicals, it does not impact reactions with oxygen-centered radicals.
However, despite these findings, the overall benefits of vitamin C treatment for herpes remain inconclusive.
Read More
9
Vitamin C shows potential in herpes treatment
We investigated the effectiveness of a topical solution containing ascorbic acid for treating recurrent herpes outbreaks. Our double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved a rigorous application method and comprehensive symptom tracking by both patients and nurses.
Results showed that those treated with the ascorbic acid formulation experienced fewer days with scabs and reported less symptom severity compared to the placebo group. Additionally, virus cultures indicated a lower presence of the herpes simplex virus in the treatment group.
Overall, this brief treatment demonstrated promising antiviral effects, warranting further research.
Results showed that those treated with the ascorbic acid formulation experienced fewer days with scabs and reported less symptom severity compared to the placebo group. Additionally, virus cultures indicated a lower presence of the herpes simplex virus in the treatment group.
Overall, this brief treatment demonstrated promising antiviral effects, warranting further research.
Read More
8
Vitamin C shows limited activity against herpes
We looked into how vitamin C, specifically when combined with copper, affects the herpes simplex virus. Our findings showed that suspensions of herpes viruses could be inactivated within just 24 hours using a specific concentration of copper-catalyzed sodium ascorbate.
However, while the effective inactivation was interesting, we noticed that higher doses didn’t significantly improve the outcome. This suggests that while vitamin C has a role, it might not be a game-changer when it comes to treating herpes infections.
However, while the effective inactivation was interesting, we noticed that higher doses didn’t significantly improve the outcome. This suggests that while vitamin C has a role, it might not be a game-changer when it comes to treating herpes infections.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Sunburn prevention
6 people found this helpful
Love! Saved from herpes! I take 2g of vitamin C daily and plan to increase to 3g by winter. In the past year, I haven't caught colds, despite regular stress and lack of sleep. It astonishingly stopped herpes one evening! After an unfortunate sunburn, I felt the onset of herpes on my lips, which I usually treat with acyclovir for over a week. However, after taking 4 capsules before bed, I woke up with no sign of it! I truly didn’t expect such results. I hope others benefit too! 🙏🏼⚠️
Read More
9
Cold sore prevention
Live a healthy life! This is excellent for boosting immunity! I take it daily, avoiding colds and herpes outbreaks on my lips. Truly, it has changed my lifestyle for the better!
Read More
9
Herpes disappearance
I started taking vitamin C when my gums began to bleed, and they stopped after a week. Following this, I switched to one capsule each evening for treating herpes, combined with ant tree, cat's claw, and lysine. Astonishingly, herpes completely disappeared in just four days. Hurrah!!!
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.7
- All Researches
9.5
We explored how copper, combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), can effectively inactivate the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Using a specific concentration of copper and vitamin C, we noticed that virus plaque formation was reduced by over 99.9%, all while keeping host cells 30% alive.
The study highlighted that ascorbate played a crucial role in this inactivation process compared to other agents like hydrogen peroxide. This points towards the potential of copper and vitamin C in developing new treatments for managing herpes infections.
The study highlighted that ascorbate played a crucial role in this inactivation process compared to other agents like hydrogen peroxide. This points towards the potential of copper and vitamin C in developing new treatments for managing herpes infections.
Read More
9
We explored the potential benefits of intravenous vitamin C for patients suffering from shingles, also known as herpes zoster. In this multicenter study, 67 participants received vitamin C alongside standard treatment for two weeks.
Over a 12-week follow-up, we noted significant reductions in pain and dermatologic symptoms. Participants reported less fatigue and improved concentration, suggesting that vitamin C might help alleviate common complaints associated with shingles.
However, more rigorous placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Over a 12-week follow-up, we noted significant reductions in pain and dermatologic symptoms. Participants reported less fatigue and improved concentration, suggesting that vitamin C might help alleviate common complaints associated with shingles.
However, more rigorous placebo-controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives on the replication of Herpes simplex virus type I using human muscle cancer cells.
The study revealed that a specific form of vitamin C, known as 2-O-glycoside of ascorbic acid, showed promising antiviral properties.
Interestingly, while this derivative can inhibit certain chemical reactions involving carbon-centered radicals, it does not impact reactions with oxygen-centered radicals.
However, despite these findings, the overall benefits of vitamin C treatment for herpes remain inconclusive.
The study revealed that a specific form of vitamin C, known as 2-O-glycoside of ascorbic acid, showed promising antiviral properties.
Interestingly, while this derivative can inhibit certain chemical reactions involving carbon-centered radicals, it does not impact reactions with oxygen-centered radicals.
However, despite these findings, the overall benefits of vitamin C treatment for herpes remain inconclusive.
Read More
9
Vitamin C shows potential for herpes relief
We observed two cases of acute herpetic neuralgia (AHN) where vitamin C was administered intravenously in conjunction with standard pain relief. During a two-week period, both patients showed a remarkable and complete reduction of neuropathic pain and improvement in skin lesions following vitamin C treatment.
While these results are promising, they emphasize the need for larger randomized trials to solidify vitamin C's role in treating herpes-related nerve pain. Overall, vitamin C may serve as a useful complement to existing therapies for specific cases of herpes zoster complications.
While these results are promising, they emphasize the need for larger randomized trials to solidify vitamin C's role in treating herpes-related nerve pain. Overall, vitamin C may serve as a useful complement to existing therapies for specific cases of herpes zoster complications.
Read More
9
Vitamin C shows potential in herpes treatment
We investigated the effectiveness of a topical solution containing ascorbic acid for treating recurrent herpes outbreaks. Our double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved a rigorous application method and comprehensive symptom tracking by both patients and nurses.
Results showed that those treated with the ascorbic acid formulation experienced fewer days with scabs and reported less symptom severity compared to the placebo group. Additionally, virus cultures indicated a lower presence of the herpes simplex virus in the treatment group.
Overall, this brief treatment demonstrated promising antiviral effects, warranting further research.
Results showed that those treated with the ascorbic acid formulation experienced fewer days with scabs and reported less symptom severity compared to the placebo group. Additionally, virus cultures indicated a lower presence of the herpes simplex virus in the treatment group.
Overall, this brief treatment demonstrated promising antiviral effects, warranting further research.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.4
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Sunburn prevention
6 people found this helpful
Love! Saved from herpes! I take 2g of vitamin C daily and plan to increase to 3g by winter. In the past year, I haven't caught colds, despite regular stress and lack of sleep. It astonishingly stopped herpes one evening! After an unfortunate sunburn, I felt the onset of herpes on my lips, which I usually treat with acyclovir for over a week. However, after taking 4 capsules before bed, I woke up with no sign of it! I truly didn’t expect such results. I hope others benefit too! 🙏🏼⚠️
Read More
9
Cold sore prevention
Live a healthy life! This is excellent for boosting immunity! I take it daily, avoiding colds and herpes outbreaks on my lips. Truly, it has changed my lifestyle for the better!
Read More
9
Herpes disappearance
I started taking vitamin C when my gums began to bleed, and they stopped after a week. Following this, I switched to one capsule each evening for treating herpes, combined with ant tree, cat's claw, and lysine. Astonishingly, herpes completely disappeared in just four days. Hurrah!!!
Read More
9
Effective against herpes
Until I ceased taking them, I didn’t realise they were effective. I was drinking them, didn't fall ill, and herpes did not appear; my health was fine. However, once I stopped (mid-autumn), I was immediately struck by herpes and a sore throat emerged. I believe these vitamins genuinely work. I did not observe any negative side effects.
Read More
8
Itching relief
I feel good. My grandson had herpes, which was severe on his face, arms, and legs. Despite hospital treatment, his condition did not improve. Distressed by this, I suggested he try vitamin C and niacinamide for skin health. Remarkably, within a week, the itching subsided, and his scars improved significantly. I am delighted with the outcome! (^^)
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Herpes disappearance
I started taking vitamin C when my gums began to bleed, and they stopped after a week. Following this, I switched to one capsule each evening for treating herpes, combined with ant tree, cat's claw, and lysine. Astonishingly, herpes completely disappeared in just four days. Hurrah!!!
8
Effective treatment
For the last couple of years, I cannot be without vitamin C. When I pause during the cold season, herpes appears immediately. However, after just two days of taking two capsules daily, everything disappears. This product works wonders for me. Highly recommend it!
7
Year without herpes
My husband and I take vitamin C with bioflavonoids every evening from a large jar that lasts ages. I even shared it with a neighbour in need. While simple ascorbic acid, it significantly supports immunity. I have forgotten what herpes on my lips feels like. Previously, I had multiple outbreaks during fall, but after consistently taking vitamin D3 and vitamin C for a year, my lips have been clear. This year, only two minor spots emerged, but they faded quickly. I recommend these vitamins to everyone!
9
Sunburn prevention
6 people found this helpful
Love! Saved from herpes! I take 2g of vitamin C daily and plan to increase to 3g by winter. In the past year, I haven't caught colds, despite regular stress and lack of sleep. It astonishingly stopped herpes one evening! After an unfortunate sunburn, I felt the onset of herpes on my lips, which I usually treat with acyclovir for over a week. However, after taking 4 capsules before bed, I woke up with no sign of it! I truly didn’t expect such results. I hope others benefit too! 🙏🏼⚠️
8
Itching relief
I feel good. My grandson had herpes, which was severe on his face, arms, and legs. Despite hospital treatment, his condition did not improve. Distressed by this, I suggested he try vitamin C and niacinamide for skin health. Remarkably, within a week, the itching subsided, and his scars improved significantly. I am delighted with the outcome! (^^)
References
- Auezova R, Adirakhan A, Mussabekova K, Aldiyarova N, Akshulakov S, et al. Treatment of Herpes Zoster-Associated Neurological Complications with High-Dose Intravenous Ascorbic Acid: Two Case Reports. Int Med Case Rep J. 2025;18:421. 10.2147/IMCRJ.S514241
- Liu Y, Wang M, Xiong MM, Zhang XG, Fang M. Intravenous Administration of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Herpes Zoster-Associated Pain: Two Case Reports and Literature Review. Pain Res Manag. 2020;2020:8857287. 10.1155/2020/8857287
- Kim GN, Yoo WS, Park MH, Chung JK, Han YS, et al. Clinical Features of Herpes Simplex Keratitis in a Korean Tertiary Referral Center: Efficacy of Oral Antiviral and Ascorbic Acid on Recurrence. Korean J Ophthalmol. 2018;32:353. 10.3341/kjo.2017.0131
- Kim MS, Kim DJ, Na CH, Shin BS. A Study of Intravenous Administration of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Acute Herpetic Pain and Postherpetic Neuralgia. Ann Dermatol. 2016;28:677. PubMed
- Schencking M, Vollbracht C, Weiss G, Lebert J, Biller A, et al. Intravenous vitamin C in the treatment of shingles: results of a multicenter prospective cohort study. Med Sci Monit. 2012;18:CR215. PubMed
- Brinkevich SD, Boreko EI, Savinova OV, Pavlova NI, Shadyro OI. Radical-regulating and antiviral properties of ascorbic acid and its derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2012;22:2424. 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.02.022
- Byun SH, Jeon Y. Administration of Vitamin C in a Patient with Herpes Zoster - A case report -. Korean J Pain. 2011;24:108. 10.3344/kjp.2011.24.2.108
- Schencking M, Sandholzer H, Frese T. Intravenous administration of vitamin C in the treatment of herpetic neuralgia: two case reports. Med Sci Monit. 2010;16:CS58. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- Furuya A, Uozaki M, Yamasaki H, Arakawa T, Arita M, et al. Antiviral effects of ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids in vitro. Int J Mol Med. 2008;22:541. PubMed
- Betanzos-Cabrera G, Ramírez FJ, Muñoz JL, Barrón BL, Maldonado R. Inactivation of HSV-2 by ascorbate-Cu(II) and its protecting evaluation in CF-1 mice against encephalitis. J Virol Methods. 2004;120:161. PubMed
- Hamuy R, Berman B. Topical antiviral agents for herpes simplex virus infections. Drugs Today (Barc). 1998;34:1013. PubMed
- Sagripanti JL, Routson LB, Bonifacino AC, Lytle CD. Mechanism of copper-mediated inactivation of herpes simplex virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1997;41:812. PubMed
- 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. PubMed
- White LA, Freeman CY, Forrester BD, Chappell WA. In vitro effect of ascorbic acid on infectivity of herpesviruses and paramyxoviruses. J Clin Microbiol. 1986;24:527. PubMed
- Cathcart RF. Vitamin C in the treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Med Hypotheses. 1984;14:423. PubMed
