GFS, a preparation of Tasmanian Undaria pinnatifida is associated with healing and inhibition of reactivation of Herpes.
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.
Cooper
Russell
R
Anubha Mountain Health Retreat. 680 Summerleas Road, Kingston, Tasmania, Australia. anubha@southcom.com.au
Dragar
Charles
C
Elliot
Kate
K
Fitton
J H
JH
Godwin
John
J
Thompson
Ken
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D045424:Complex Mixtures / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000188:drug therapy; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D044648:Undaria; D014775:Virus Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D017735:Virus Latency / Q000187:drug effects; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D045424:Complex Mixtures; D008934:Mitogens