Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

"Complex" is often shorthand for "lysine complex" in the context of cold sore treatments. The use of lysine (an essential amino acid) for cold sores (herpes simplex labialis) is supported by some scientific evidence, though it is not universally accepted as standard therapy. The rationale is based on the observation that lysine may inhibit the replication of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) by antagonizing arginine, another amino acid that the virus requires for replication. Several small randomized controlled trials and observational studies conducted since the 1970s have reported that lysine supplementation can reduce the frequency, severity, and healing time of cold sore outbreaks. A meta-analysis published in 2017 concluded that lysine appears to be effective and safe in reducing the recurrence of herpes simplex infections, although the quality of evidence is limited and some studies have shown minimal or no benefit. Most clinical guidelines still recommend antiviral medications as first-line therapy, reserving lysine as a complementary or alternative option, often due to its favorable safety profile. Other "complexes" that may be marketed for cold sores (such as vitamin B complex) do not have substantial scientific backing for efficacy in this condition. Overall, lysine's use for cold sores is justified by scientific evidence, but the strength of that evidence is moderate.

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