L-lysine is an essential amino acid. That means that the body cannot make it and must instead get it from outside sources: namely dietary intake of protein foods—although dietary supplements with L-lysine can also serve as a source. The best dietary sources of L-lysine are animal proteins, such as meats, poultry, and milk. Proteins from grains, such as wheat and corn, generally tend to be low in lysine.¹ This article will address the clinical research that has been conducted on supplementation with L-lysine—with a focus on its anti-Herpes virus effects. But first, let's quickly review L-lysine's biological functions in our bodies.

The Biological Functions Of Lysine
L-lysine serves various important roles in human biology. One of these is its requirement for collagen synthesis.^2,3 which in turn makes it important for connective tissues found in bone and skin, among other tissues. In addition, L-lysine is necessary for the synthesis of carnitine and the resultant conversion of fatty acids to energy, as well its playing roles in supporting healthy growth and development in children, and maintaining healthy immune function.⁴ In particular, L-lysine plays a critical role in the management of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, via its antagonistic relationship with L-arginine.

Lysine And Herpes Virus Infections
Lysine appears to have an antagonistic relationship with the amino acid arginine, which is required for the replication of HSV. Lysine competes with arginine for absorption in the intestine, reabsorption in the renal tubules, and transport across the plasma membrane into cells. in vitro, lysine inhibits the growth-promoting action of arginine on HSV. Increasing over all lysine intake or influencing the lysine-to-arginine ratio is the basis for lysine's potential benefit in managing an HSV outbreak,^5,6 as demonstrated in various studies.

Lysine and herpes study 1
This study⁷ examined the efficacy of long-term preventive effect of lysine supplementation. Twenty-six volunteers with a history of frequently recurring HSV on their lips (HSV labialis), completed a 12-month double-blind crossover study. The frequency of Herpes recurrences ranged from four to sixteen per year (with many occurring twelve times in the past year). The participants included in the statistical analysis were randomly divided into two groups at the beginning of the study. Group A, consisting of fifteen members, began with lysine tablets. Group B, comprising eleven members, started with a placebo. The experimental group received daily oral supplements of 1,000 mg L-lysine. They were instructed to take two tablets every morning before breakfast. A crossover took place at sixmonths (where the L-lysine group switched to a placebo, and vice versa). At this time, a new 6-month supply of tablets was issued, and the participants were instructed to continue the daily regimen without interruption. At the end of the second 6-month period the study was terminated. Serum samples were analyzed at scheduled intervals.

Results showed that at the end of the first 6-month period, the frequency of lesions in those subjects given lysine did not differ significantly from the frequency in those given the placebo. Although this was surprising, it was even more surprising that the subjects who began taking lysine during the second 6-month test period reported significantly fewer lesions than those who had reverted to placebo (p < 0.05). In this group, the frequency of herpetic lesion episodes over a 6-month period was 1.18 times versus 4.05 compared to baseline. Similarly, during the second 6-month test period, when Group A was taken off the lysine supplementation, there was a significant increase in the frequency of lesions (p < 0.01). Conversely, patients in Group B, in which lysine was now added, reported a significant decrease in lesion recurrence (p < 0.01).

In light of the significant differences found between the groups at 12 months, a further examination of the data was conducted to determine if there was any correlation between a patient's serum levels of lysine and the number of lesion recurrences. Results for this sample population indicated that when a person's serum lysine concentration exceeded 165 nmol/ml, there was also a corresponding significant decrease in recurrent lesions (p < 0.05). The results obtained herein tended to corroborate previous in vitro data indicating that lysine is a herpes virus inhibitor. If, 1,000 mg of L-lysine is taken daily over a 6-months period, and if the blood levels exceed 165 nmol/ ml, the number of lesion recurrences is significantly reduced in most cases. When lysine supplements are discontinued, lesion frequency significantly increases again if serum levels fall below 165 nmol/ml. In conclusion, prophylactic lysine may be useful in managing selected cases of recurrent HSV labialis if serum lysine levels can be maintained at adequate concentrations.

Hence, this study explains why some reports indicate that oral L-lysine administration is effective in the treatment/ recurrence of herpes viral infections, while other reports have not found a benefit. Namely, it's not enough to consume a specific dose of lysine. Rather it is necessary that blood levels of lysine be made to exceed 165 nmol/ml in order to see clinical benefits. Consequently, for some individuals, 1,000 mg of lysine daily may provide the desired prophylactic effect, while others may require a higher dose such as 3,000 mg daily.

Lysine and herpes study 2
In this study, researchers also evaluated the preventive effect of L-lysine monohydrochloride 1000 mg daily on recurrent HSV labialis in 65 patients in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.⁸ After 12 weeks of lysine treatment the patients shifted to placebo treatment for a similar period. On the whole, lysine had no effect on the recurrence rate of herpes simplex. However, significantly more patients were recurrence-free during lysine than during placebo treatment (p = 0.05), suggesting that certain patients may benefit from prophylactic lysine administration.

Lysine And Herpes Study 3
In another double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial,⁹ subjects were given oral L-lysine monohydrochloride—this time with 3,000 mg—for the prevention and treatment of recurrent HSV infection. The treatment group was given L-lysine monohydrochloride tablets (1,000 mg L-lysine per dose) three times a day for six months. A total of 27 (six male and 21 female) subjects on L-lysine and 25 (6 male and 19 female) subjects on placebo completed the trial. The L-lysine treatment group had an average of 2.4 (p < 0.05) less HSV infections, symptoms were significantly (p < 0.05) diminished in severity and healing time was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The researchers concluded that L-lysine appears to be an effective agent for reduction of occurrence, severity and healing time for recurrent HSV infection.

Lysine and herpes study 4
In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study10 of forty-one patients, researchers found that oral ingestion of 1,248 mg a day of L-lysine monohydrochloride shows evidence of decreasing the recurrence rate of herpes simplex attacks in non-immunocompromised hosts. A dose of 624 mg a day was not effective. L-lysine may also be capable of decreasing the severity of symptoms associated with recurrences.

Lysine and herpes study 5
In a fifth clinical study,11 45 patients with frequently recurring herpes infection were given 312–1,200 mg of lysine daily in single or multiple doses. The clinical results demonstrated a beneficial effect from supplementary lysine in accelerating recovery from herpes simplex infection and suppressing recurrence. Tissue culture studies have demonstrated an enhancing effect on viral replication when the amino acid ratio of arginine to lysine favors arginine. The opposite, preponderance of lysine to arginine, suppresses viral replication and inhibits cytopathogenicity of herpes simplex virus.

Lysine and herpes study 6
To test the effect of lysine supplementation on herpes infection, 1543 subjects were surveyed¹² by questionnaire after a sixmonth trial period. The study included subjects with cold sores, canker sores, and genital herpes. Of these, 54 percent had been diagnosed and treated by a physician. The results showed that the average dosage used was 936 mg of lysine daily. Eighty-four per cent of those surveyed said that lysine supplementation prevented recurrence or decreased the frequency of herpes infection. Whereas 79 percent described their symptoms as severe or intolerable without lysine, only 8 percent used these terms when taking lysine. Without lysine, 90 percent indicated that healing took six to 15 days, but with lysine 83 percent stated that lesions healed in five days or less. Overall, 88 percent considered supplemental lysine an effective form of treatment for herpes infection.

Conclusion
L-lysine, an essential amino acid, has important roles to play in human biology. With regard to human clinical research with supplemental L-lysine, perhaps the most significant contribution that this amino acid has made is in managing HSV outbreaks. Multiple studies have indicated that L-lysine supplementation is effective in reducing the frequency of HSV outbreaks and speeding up their healing time when an outbreak does occur. For most people with the HSV, supplementation with 1,000 mg/day is recommended for preventive purposes. Once an outbreak occurs, however, intake should be increased to 3,000 mg/day.

Endnotes:

1. L-Lysine monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2007;12(2):169–72.
2. Flodin NW. The metabolic roles, pharmacology, and toxicology of lysine. J Am Coll Nutr1997;16:7–12.
3. Hall SL, Greendale GA. The relation of dietary vitamin C intake to bone mineral density: results from the PEPI study. Calcif Tissue Int 1998;63:183–9.
4. L-lysine. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Jun;12(2):169–2.
5. Tankersley RW. Amino Acid Requirements of Herpes Simplex Virus in Human Cells. J Bacteriol. 1964;87(3):609–613
6. Thein DJ, Hurt WC. Lysine as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1984 Dec;58(6):659–66.
7. Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol. 1980;60(1):85–7.
8. Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, Thompson RW, Behforooz A. Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica. 1987;175(4):183–90.
9. McCune MA, Perry HO, Muller SA, O'Fallon WM. Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections with Llysine monohydrochloride. Cutis.1984 Oct;34(4):366–73.
10. Griffith RS, Norins AL, Kagan C. A multicentered study of lysine therapy in Herpes simplex infection. Dermatologica. 1978;156(5):257–67.
11. Walsh DE, Griffith RS, Behforooz A. Subjective response to lysine in the therapy of herpes simplex. J Antimicrob Chemother. 1983 Nov;12(5):489–96.

Being a woman isn’t easy. The world of feminine hygiene is fraught with a plethora of discomforts and health challenges.

The health statistics say it all: 80 percent of women will be exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV); nearly 75 percent of all adult women will have at least one genital yeast infection; bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection in women, affects 700,000 women; 40 percent of women will have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime; one million women have a flare-up of pelvic inflammatory disease each year; approximately one out of four women are infected with genital herpes; and half of all women over the age 40 will suffer from vaginal dryness at some time.

For most women receiving the necessary treatment for these problems often necessitates repeated visits to their gynecologist’s office where they are prescribed numerous antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medications. In many cases, they are subjected to additional tests and invasive procedures.

In addition, many of the treatments themselves contribute to recurring health problems or drug-resistance. For instance, the use of antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection generally causes an overgrowth of Candida yeast, commonly known as vaginal thrush. Not only does the use of an antibiotic increase the risk of antibiotic-resistance but there is also the likelihood that there will be another outbreak of Candida. It is also known that the presence of Candida is associated with a higher incidence of UTIs. In order to tackle the Candida problem, antifungal drugs such as Nystatin, Diflucan® and Nizoral® may then be prescribed. These drugs have numerous side effects, not the least of which is liver damage.

So, just what is a girl to do to escape from this vicious cycle of prescriptions drugs causing additional problems?

SILVER TO THE RESCUE
The ancient cultures had a healing secret. Dating back thousands of years, there was one healing approach that had been extensively used in Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Phoenician, Macedonian and Chinese civilizations. This powerful healing medicine was silver.

Hippocrates, the “father of medicine”, wrote in his medical texts that silver had beneficial healing and anti-disease properties. He praised silver for its tissue repair and wound healing abilities. Ancient peoples also learned that silver bestowed powerful anti-microbial effects, as well. For instance, the Phoenicians would store water, wine, and vinegar in silver bottles to prevent spoiling.

The knowledge of silver’s profound healing attributes has continued into modern times. The use of silver in its colloidal form, a liquid suspension of microscopic particles of silver, was the principle antibiotic treatment prescribed by thousands of American medical doctors prior to 1938. However, with the advent of antibiotics, the popularity of silver declined.

Many decades later, the emergence of life-threatening antibiotic-resistant conditions, once again renewed interest in silver’s safe and effective antibiotic properties. Silver is considered to be nature’s own antibiotic, eliminating bacterial infections without initiating resistance. It is also able to safely kill virtually all forms of viruses, fungi, and molds without any side effects.

While there are presently many colloidal and ionic silver products on the market, there is one superior form of silver that out-performs all others.

Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel—A UNIQUE, PATENTED 21ST CENTURY SILVER SOLUTION
Thanks to an advanced 21st-century technology, a new and more powerful form of silver is now available. For the past ten years, American Biotech Labs has been dedicated to creating a unique, patented nano-silver technology (U.S. Patent 7,135,195).

American Biotech Labs currently holds more than 190 independent studies from more than 60 different private, U.S. government, military and also university labs. As evidence of their safety and efficacy, their innovative silver products have received both FDA clearance and EPA approvals.

This new technology is called Silver Biotics^TM SilverSol Technology™. The term “sol” is a chemical designation of a pure mineral permanently suspended in water where the mineral’s charge is transferred to the entire body of water.

Most silver products work by chemical action, requiring direct contact with microbes to have any positive effect. This new nano-silver technology works by catalytic action, not by chemical action. This catalytic conversion allows the Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel to first destroy pathogens and then to instantaneously recharge and “kill” again and again—like a rapid-fire machine gun.

The result is that Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel is an incredibly powerful, yet totally safe and non-toxic form of silver, destroying thousands of times more pathogens than a simple colloid or ionic silver. This explains why other silver solutions and suspensions contain up to 300,000 ppm (parts per million) of silver, but Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel works just as effectively, if not more so, at only 5–30 ppm.

Silver Biotics^TM products, which are available both as a colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid and gel, are impressive. First of all, they effectively kill all pathogenic bacteria they come in contact, even the deadly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), while leaving beneficial bacteria unscathed.

When it comes to viruses, Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel has the ability to inactivate them at the DNA/RNA level, thus preventing virus replication. It wields the same powerful anti-pathogenic ability with fungus and molds. The good news is it does not interact with pharmaceuticals; in fact, has been found to work synergistically with medications.

Just how effective is Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel? Research shows it will kill millions of pathogens (including fungus and mold) within minutes.

Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel has also demonstrated the ability to enhance immune system function as well as relieve pain and inflammation. The FDA has recently cleared a prescription version (Silvstat) of the Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel “for use in the management of 1st and 2nd degree burns, stasis...pressure...(and) diabetic ulcers, lacerations, abrasions, skin tears, surgical incision sites, device insertion site wounds, graft sites and donor sites”. Its exceptional wound healing actions provides evidence that Silver Biotics^TM SilverSol products stimulate the production of stem cells.

Unlike other forms of silver, Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel offers all these impressive healing benefits without any adverse effects. It does not interfere with the production of stomach hydrochloric acid; it is rapidly excreted by the kidneys; and it will not accumulate in the tissues or the skin (Argyria, i.e., blue man syndrome) because the nano-silver particles will not fall out of suspension. Another major plus is that its antibiotic effects will not compromise the beneficial gut flora. And, if Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel is taken in conjunction with antibiotics, they will actually work synergistically to increase the antibiotic effectiveness by tenfold.

UTILIZING Silver Biotics^TM SilverSol SOLUTIONS FOR FEMININE HYGIENE
With Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel’s extraordinary ability to eliminate bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi as well as enhance the immune system and provide rapid wound healing, it becomes one of the safest and most effective solutions to resolve the myriad of women’s feminine health problems.

Silver Biotics Silver Gel and Silver Biotics Silver Liquid

These are the general suggestions for use of Silver Biotics^TM SilverSol technologies. I recommend that you always first consult with your primary health provider.

Acne—Take two teaspoons of Silver Biotics^TM Silver Liquid twice a day. Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel should also be applied topically twice a day. A reduction in the size and in the damage of the acne can occur within 24 hours. Total improvement of the skin should take about four weeks—the amount of time necessary for new skin to grow from the bottom to the top layer.

Age Spots—These are related to a compromised liver. Taking two teaspoons twice daily of Silver Biotics^TM Silver Liquid on a regular basis will help support the liver and also improve liver enzyme production. Apply Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel on age spots two to four times a day.

Bladder Infection—Take two tablespoons (adult dosage) of Silver Biotics^TM Silver Liquid hourly for the first two days. Then continue to take 2 tablespoons twice a day for the next two weeks as a maintenance dose. The bladder infection should be eliminated in about 12 to 24 hours.

Endometriosis—Take two teaspoons daily. Also use as a douche by diluting ounces of Silver Liquid (diluted 1:1 with distilled water) intravaginally, holding it for 12 minutes, and then releasing. This kills bacteria and viruses in and around the cervix. It will also reduce inflammation and pain. The use of the Silver Gel gel as a personal lubricant will reduce pain with intercourse and promote vaginal health by eliminating yeast and bacteria.

Fibromyalgia—Yeast seems to be a common factor. Yeast can leave the intestines and go into the brain. By cleansing yeast out of the system, patients can receive improvement. Yeast can be destroyed taking two tablespoons of Silver Biotics^TM Silver Liquid two or three times a day. Gel or spray can be applied to sore muscles once or twice a day as needed for pain or aches.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) i.e. chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc.—To access the cervix, place Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel on a tampon and insert it for at least 90 minutes. Another way is to pump two ounces of Silver Biotics^TM Silver Liquid as a douche intravaginally (diluted 1:1 with distilled water). Hold it for 10 to 12 minutes before releasing. This will allow the liquid to have access to the cervix for a long enough time to affect the virus. Also, take two teaspoons twice daily.

Thyroid—Often the thyroid is damaged by a viral or bacterial infection contributing to hypothyroidism. Taking two teaspoons twice a day of the liquid and applying Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel to the throat area will support optimal thyroid functioning.

Vaginal odor—Since this is usually caused by a yeast or bacterial vaginosis infection, douche (diluted 1:1 with distilled water) by pumping two ounces of Silver Biotics^TM Silver Liquid intravaginally. Hold it for 10 to 12 minutes before releasing. Also, apply Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel to a tampon and insert into the vagina for 90 minutes.

Vaginal dryness—Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel is an excellent, water-soluble lubricant. Free of all toxic ingredients, it safely and effectively nourishes and moisturizes vaginal epithelium cells.

Yeast—Can grow in the skin, vagina, and digestive system. Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel is documented to kill yeast both inside and outside of the body. It will even kill stachybotrys, the black mold or yeast that grows in showers and on walls. Take two tablespoons of the Silver Liquid orally in the morning and at night. Half that dosage can be taken for prevention. Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel can be applied to the vagina or on a tampon or panty liner for about 90 minutes to help fight a vaginal or yeast infection. Relief of symptoms can occur in the first two hours, however, systemic problems may take months to resolve. For further support, apply Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel gel to the outer areas of the vagina, using the gel or spraying the liquid directly on to a panty liner.

BACK TO THE FUTURE
Throughout time, silver has been revered for its many healing properties. Uniting the wisdom from the past with the knowledge of advanced 21st-century nano-technology has created a world of possibilities that can safely, effectively and quickly resolve so many of the health problems challenging our modern world.

According one of the world’s most respected scientists, Dr. Rustum Roy Ph.D, Evan Pugh Professor of the Solid State Emeritus, Professor of Geochemistry Emeritus at the Pennsylvania State University, “They (Silver Biotics^TM SilverSol Technology products) really are going to prove to be this generation’s penicillin.”

The scientifically proven benefits of the Silver Biotics^TM SilverSol Technology have especially been a blessing to women. For more information on this unique Silver Biotics^TM Silver Gel Technology® from American Biotech Labs® visit them online at www.ablsilver.com or call toll-free at 1-800-605-1541.