Topical treatment of herpes simplex lesion by lavender cream

Abstract EN

Background : herpes simplex virus is a common human pathogen that establishes life-long latent infections.

The development of new antiviral drugs, especially herbal preparations remaain desirable.

Lavender has been shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral actions.

This study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of topical Lavender cream, acyclovir cream, with placebo for the treatment of herpes simplex labialis patients.

Patients and Methods : randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study for herpes simplex labialis treatment, a total of 75 enrolled patients divided to three groups and given study medications ; group I : Lavender cream, group II ; Acyclovir cream, group III: placebo, applied topically to the lesion three times daily for 5 days.

Patient’s responses to treatment were followed by clinical evaluation of healing time, size of the lesion and pain sensation, and safety of using the topical treatment.

Patients assessed themselves the day of the scab fell off.

They also graded, on a daily basis, their perception of relief from pain and the overall benefit from treatment.

Also evaluating levels of the Immunoglobulin (IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA, and IgD) in the serum of herpes simplex labialis patients.

Results : herpes simplex patients showed a significant reduction in the healing time, size of lesions, and significant pain relief from the first topical dose as a result of treatment with lavender cream associated with immunity state improvement.

Conclusions : lavender cream is a new candidate as a safe and effective topical treatment for herpes simplex labialis lesions.