Newsfeed display by CaRP Preliminary lab studies of monkey and human cells
conducted by researchers at theNortheastern Ohio
Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown,
Ohioshow that a compound found naturally in broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts-- indole-3-carbinol--may be a key to inhibiting the herpes simplex virus. And it works really well. The compound blockedthe virus from reproducing by an amazing 99.9 percent -- essentially 100
percent effectiveness.

The indole-3-carbinol compoundworks by interfering with factors that help cells reproduce. It inhibits the herpes simplex virus in the same way, since the virus needs those same factors as the cells to reproduce, reports WebMD and the Philadelphia Inquirer

The study: The researchers treated human and monkey cells with indole-3-carbinol. Then they infected them with one of two strains of the herpes virus: HSV-1,which can cause oral or genital herpes, and HSV-2, which causes genital herpes. The cells were also infected with a herpes virus strain that is known to be
resistant to medication.

The results: The indole-3-carbinol compound blocked the virus from reproducing by atleast 99.9 percent. Best of all, since the compound is found in food,it's safe.

Herpes differs markedly from other viruses. Once
a person contracts it, the virus lives in the body for a lifetime. The American Social Health Association estimates that as many as 80 percent of adults in the United States have oral herpes, while 20 percent have genital herpes. Fully 90 percent are unaware they havethe virus. There is no cure.

While this research news is promising, caution is
advised until further studies are done. What works in the lab doesn't always work on humans in the real world. Still, eating more broccoli is a good idea not only to prevent herpes, but also to possibly ward off cancer, cataracts, andstroke.

The research findings were presented to the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.