According to Herbal Medicine, Trilex is a multi-herb remedy for cold sores developed and marketed by the company, Natural Wellbeing Distribution (Reference 1). The company's website claims that Trilex disrupts the reproduction cycle of the herpes simplex-1 virus, while also strengthening the immune system of the user (Reference 2). Trilex contains one amino acid and nine herbs and is produced as 650 mg capsules in bottles of 90. Trilex is considered an herbal supplement, not a drug, so it is not evaluated for safety or effectiveness by the FDA. Some of the herbs within Trilex can cause harm.
L-Lysine HCl
Lysine is an essential amino acid which allows the body to produce collagen. Increased production of collagen can repair the skin around the mouth where herpes attacks. RxList.com notes that Lysine may stop the herpes reproduction cycle and lessen the severity of outbreaks (Reference 3).
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a vegetable and is better known for its ability to fight fungi like Candida but might also have the ability to help heal cold sores, according to the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (Reference 4). Like lysine, rhubarb does not directly kill the herpes simplex virus.
Chaparral
Chaparral is an herb that contains a healing compound that has been used for its ability to kill bacteria and other micro-organisms, although not viruses. RxList warns that if taken orally, chaparral can pose a risk of kidney and liver damage.
Clematis Root
Clematis promotes the healing of cold sores because it can help alleviate pain and irritation, which reduces itching. RxList notes that clematis root may also lead to stomach and intestinal upset if taken orally.
Skullcap Root
According to Herbal Medicine, skullcap root works to reduce dryness as it promotes the production of moisturizing secretions, while also detoxifying the body. RxList warn that skullcap has the potential to cause lung and liver issues if taken orally.
Thorwax Root
Thorwax root promotes blood circulation and is sometimes used for liver detoxification. Proper blood circulation helps to remove toxins from the site of herpes infection, while bringing in healing nutrients, as cited in Herbal Medicine.
Angelica Root
Angelica root is used for a variety of sores and cuts because of its ability to decrease swelling and alleviate pain. It may also promote the production of collagen.
Gentian Root
Gentian is used in Chinese medicine to eliminate heat and dampness from the liver and gallbladder ducts, which makes the body more efficient at eliminating toxins, according to the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is an herb that contains the compound, glycyrrhizin, which has been used to reduce inflammation and regulate the production of the hormone, cortisol. Cortisol is often released in times of stress, which has been linked to cold sore flare-ups, according to Mosby's Drug Consult (Reference 5).
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an herb that contains the compound, berberine, which has shown anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, as cited in Herbal Medicine. It is unproven if goldenseal can act as an anti-viral and directly destroy the herpes simplex virus.
Other Inactive Ingredients
Trilex also contains cellulose, rice flour, silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate, according to the manufacture's website.
References
- "Herbal Medicine: PDR Series"; Thomson Reuters; 2007
- NaturalWellbeing.com: Herpes Relief - Trilex
- RxList.com: Lysine
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs with all their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "Mosby's Drug Consult"; C.V. Mosby; 2004
