The symptoms of HPV, or human papillomavirus, can be so mild you may not even know you have it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states it is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection. Most people with HPV never develop symptoms and the infection clears up on its own within two years. Others develop shallow genital warts, which are different than the genital lesions of herpes infections; some women go on to develop cervical dysplasia that can lead to cervical cancer. There are some dietary supplements that may be beneficial, but consult your doctor before using them to treat HPV.
Folic Acid
Folate is one of the water-soluble B vitamins important for normal cell growth and development , DNA synthesis and production of red blood cells. Folate, which is available in dietary supplements as folic acid, also protects DNA from undergoing changes associated with cancer. Although more clinical studies are needed, a March 2007 study published in "Nutrition" states that folate deficiency may contribute to the development of cervical cancer from HPV and that dietary supplementation may help clear the infection and reduce the risks of developing cervical cancer. However, talk to your doctor before taking folic acid supplements for an HPV infection.
Astragalus
Astragalus, or Astragalus membranaceus, is also known as locoweed and milk vetch root. Astragalus belongs to the pea family of plants and its dried root is sliced into thin diagonal sections for medicinal use. Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Herbal Healing," states astragalus fights HPV by increasing production of IL-2, or interleukin-2, an immune system substance which helps recognize and remove foreign microbes from the body. Side effects are typically mild, such as stomach upset, but don't take astragalus with diuretics, anti-coagulants, beta-blockers or seizure medications.
Green Tea
Green tea leaves are harvested from the small Camellia sinensis tree for use in herbal preparations. Green tea and black tea both come from the same tree; green tea leaves are the young, unfermented leaves which contain the most polyphenols, substances that is most likely responsible for its health benefits. Green tea is a strong antioxidant that helps remove free radicals and acts as immune system booster to help clear infections such as HPV. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 250 to 500 mg daily for cervical dysplasia caused by HPV and other factors, but ask your physician about the dose that is right for you.
Turmeric
Curcuma longa, or turmeric, plant has a long history of use, being collected for use as culinary spice and herbal medicine. Also known as curcumin, its dried root is ground into a colorful yellow powder. Turmeric stimulates the immune system to produce more microbe-fighting cells. Balch states turmeric also activates the expression of gene p53, a gene which helps prevent HPV from turning normal cells into cervical cancer cells. Turmeric exhibits few side effects, but don't take turmeric supplements if you are pregnant, have diabetes, excess stomach acid or taking blood thinners.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital HPV Fact Sheet
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cervical Dysplasia; December 2009
- "Nutrition"; Lower Red Blood Cell Folate Enhances the HPV-16-Associated Risk of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia; C. J. Piyathilake et al.; March 2007
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea; September 2010
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