Should You Take Monolaurin and L-Lysine Together for Herpes?
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Monolaurin & Lysine together
For herpes?
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a very common viral infection that comes in two forms: HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes (cold sores), while HSV-2 more often causes genital herpes [Ref #1]. Globally, an estimated two-thirds of people under 50 have HSV-1, and about 13% have HSV-2 [Ref #1]. Once contracted, HSV remains in the body for life. It is treatable – for example with antiviral medications like acyclovir – but not curable, meaning the virus can reactivate periodically to cause recurrent outbreaks of painful blisters or sores [Ref #1].
These recurrent symptoms can be distressing, so many individuals seek ways to manage or reduce outbreaks beyond standard antivirals. In this context, two supplements often discussed are L-lysine (an essential amino acid) and monolaurin (a monoglyceride derived from lauric acid in coconut oil). Some studies have explored the potential of L-lysine and monolaurin in managing HSV with promising findings [Ref #2]. Below, we review the research on each and whether taking them together might be beneficial.
See more: Monolaurin and Herpes - The Complete Guide
L-Lysine Research and Herpes
L-lysine has been investigated as a supplement to suppress HSV outbreaks. The biological rationale is that HSV requires another amino acid, arginine, to build proteins and replicate; lysine is thought to competitively inhibit this process by antagonizing arginine’s availability in the body [Ref #3]. In simpler terms, a high lysine-to-arginine ratio may slow down the virus. This idea led researchers to test whether lysine supplementation can reduce the frequency or severity of herpes recurrences.
Early clinical studies in the 1970s and 1980s yielded mixed results, but some were encouraging. In one multicenter placebo-controlled trial, patients with frequently recurring herpes were given 1,000 mg of L-lysine three times daily (3 g total per day) for 6 months.
The lysine group experienced significantly fewer outbreaks compared to placebo, as well as milder symptoms and faster healing [Ref #2]:
“L-lysine has an inhibitory effect on the multiplication of herpes simplex virus in cell cultures... Significantly more patients were recurrence-free during lysine than during placebo treatment (p = 0.05), suggesting that certain patients may benefit from prophylactic lysine administration.” [Ref #3]
Not all investigations found a benefit, especially when lower doses were used. For example, one trial using ~1.2 g/day of lysine saw no significant difference from placebo in outbreak frequency [Ref #4]. Overall, the consensus from a review of the evidence is that lysine might help prevent HSV recurrences if taken at sufficiently high doses, but it’s not a guaranteed cure [Ref #4]. Even in studies where lysine provided a statistically significant benefit, it did not eliminate outbreaks entirely; it only reduced their frequency or severity. It’s also important to note that lysine supplementation has not been shown to treat an active herpes outbreak once it’s already underway – its potential benefit seems to be in prevention or shortening the episodes.
Monolaurin Research and Herpes
Monolaurin, also known as glycerol monolaurate, is a lipid molecule derived from lauric acid (a fatty acid abundant in coconut oil and also present in human breast milk) [Ref #5]. It is known for broad antimicrobial properties – it can kill or inhibit bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses. Monolaurin’s mode of action stems from its ability to disrupt lipid membranes. Many viruses (including HSV) are enveloped in a fatty membrane, which monolaurin can dissolve or destabilize, thereby inactivating the virus [Ref #5].
An in vitro study in 1979 tested various fatty compounds against HSV and found that some long-chain monoglycerides could destroy the virus at very low concentrations [Ref #6]:
“Unsaturated monoglycerides and alcohols... were found to be extremely potent inactivators of two enveloped viruses, herpes simplex virus type 2 and bacteriophage ϕ6... making these agents the most potent inactivators of herpes simplex viruses discovered that are not cytotoxic to mammalian cells.” [Ref #6]
Subsequent experiments have confirmed that monolaurin itself is effective against HSV. In one study, monolaurin had significant virucidal activity against both HSV-1 and HSV-2 under laboratory conditions [Ref #5]. Monolaurin’s virus-killing power in vitro was found to be greater than that of lauric acid alone [Ref #5]. Beyond herpes, monolaurin has demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral effects against many enveloped viruses [Ref #5]. However, most of this evidence comes from in vitro studies, and no clinical trials have yet tested oral monolaurin supplements for herpes in humans.
Combined Potential of L-Lysine and Monolaurin
L-lysine and monolaurin have different mechanisms: lysine may help prevent outbreaks by limiting arginine, while monolaurin may deactivate the virus itself. Combining these supplements could offer complementary support. There are currently no clinical trials on their combined use, but there is also no known interaction or reason they can’t be taken together. Both have favorable safety profiles for most people at typical supplemental doses [Ref #2][Ref #5].
Together, they may offer a two-pronged approach: lysine may help suppress viral activation, while monolaurin may help reduce the viral load. This combination is used by some people seeking natural support for managing herpes symptoms [Ref #3]. However, as with all supplements, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
For individuals with HSV-1 or HSV-2, L-lysine and monolaurin represent two natural compounds with distinct and potentially complementary antiviral properties. While lysine has shown modest success in reducing outbreak frequency and severity in some trials, monolaurin has demonstrated strong virucidal effects in laboratory settings. Their combined use may be worth considering, especially as part of a broader lifestyle strategy to manage HSV. Still, more clinical research is needed. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.
Keep reading: Monolaurin and L-Lysine: Better Together
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References
World Health Organization (2024). Herpes simplex virus – Key Facts.
Griffith, R.S. et al. (1987). Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection: Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica, 175(4), 183–190. https://doi.org/10.1159/000248823
Milman, N. et al. (1980). Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 60(1), 85–87. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6153847/
Mailoo, V.J. & Rampes, S. (2017). L-lysine for Herpes Simplex Prophylaxis: A Review of the Evidence. Integrative Medicine, 16(3), 42–46. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6419779/
Hilmarsson, H. et al. (2005). Virucidal activities of fatty alcohols, acids and monoglycerides against herpes simplex virus. APMIS, 113(1), 58–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0463.2005.apm1130109.x
Sands, J.A. et al. (1979). Extreme sensitivity of enveloped viruses to long-chain monoglycerides. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 15(1), 67–73. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.15.1.67