Cyanobacteria protect against oral herpes
DZIF scientists at the Heinrich Pette Institute in Hamburg have shown that a cream containing Spirulina platensis, a cyanobacterium, effectively protects against oral herpes and other herpes virus infections. These findings are from an observational study which was jointly conducted with the Dermatologikum Hamburg, and have been published in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology".
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) infections are globally very widespread. The virus is responsible for most cases of herpes infections in the face and oral region. A team of researchers from the Heinrich Pette Institute and the Dermatologikum Hamburg has now confirmed that Spirulina platensis has an antiviral effect. Cyanobacteria naturally grow in saline waters in both the tropics and subtropics. Cyanobacteria extracts, which contain a particular polysaccharide called Ca-SP, inhibit the attachment of HSV-1 to human keratinocytes. Infections with the related Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpes virus (KSHV) are also inhibited.
Additionally, a cream consisting of this algae extract and purified Ca-SP was tested in an observational study. Here, the topical application of the cream in risk patients shows promising prophylactic effects which are at least comparable to the standard herpes creams containing the active substance acyclovir.