| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We sought to assess whether GFS, a proprietary preparation of Tasmanian <it>Undaria pinnatifida</it>, has effects on healing or re-emergence of Herpetic infections, and additionally, to assess effects of GFS <it>in vitro</it>. <it>Undaria </it>is the most commonly eaten seaweed in Japan, and contains sulphated polyanions and other components with potential anti-viral activity. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections have lower reactivation rates and Herpes type 2 (HSV-2) infections have lower incidence in Japan than in the west.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Patients with active (15 subjects) or latent (6 subjects) Herpetic infections (HSV-1, 2, EBV, Zoster) were monitored for response to ingestion of GFS. GFS extract was tested <it>in vitro </it>for human T cell mitogenicity and anti-Herpes activity.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Ingestion of GFS was associated with increased healing rates in patients with active infections. In addition, patients with latent infection remained asymptomatic whilst ingesting GFS. GFS extract inhibited Herpes viruses <it>in vitro </it>and was mitogenic to human T cells <it>in vitro</it>.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Ingestion of GFS has inhibitory effects on reactivation and is associated with increased rate of healing after Herpetic outbreaks. GFS extract potently inhibited Herpes virus <it>in vitro</it>, and had mitogenic effects on human T cells.</p>
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