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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2002 | Research article

GFS, a preparation of Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida is associated with healing and inhibition of reactivation of Herpes

Authors: Russell Cooper, Charles Dragar, Kate Elliot, JH Fitton, John Godwin, Ken Thompson

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2002

Abstract

Background

We sought to assess whether GFS, a proprietary preparation of Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida, has effects on healing or re-emergence of Herpetic infections, and additionally, to assess effects of GFS in vitro. Undaria 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.

Methods

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 in vitro for human T cell mitogenicity and anti-Herpes activity.

Results

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 in vitro and was mitogenic to human T cells in vitro.

Conclusions

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 in vitro, and had mitogenic effects on human T cells.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/2/11/prepub

Title: GFS, a preparation of Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida is associated with healing and inhibition of reactivation of Herpes
Authors: Russell Cooper
Charles Dragar
Kate Elliot
JH Fitton
John Godwin
Ken Thompson
Publication date: 01-12-2002
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2002
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-2-11

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

GFS, a preparation of Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida is associated with healing and inhibition of reactivation of Herpes

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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