Valtrex - L-Valine, Other Treatments

[helpiamconfused]

Hi, I have read that the active ingredient in Valtrex is L-Valine.  L-Valine is available at health food stores/vitamin shops and is much cheaper and obviously less embarrassing to buy than valtrex.

My questions are:
1.  Is L-Valine, by itself, as shown on the link below an equivalent treatment for HSV2?
http://www.nutrabio.com/Products/valine.htm?gclid=CODz25DJi6MCFQ1HnQodTxZtYA

2.  The web also states, L-Valine Ester...  I found a link to a bodybuilding supplement that appears to contain pretty much the exact same thing as the active ingredient.  Would either of these work as a treatment to HSV2 if administered in the correct doses?

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=N5-1026


http://www.nextag.com/MuscleTech-Nitro-Tech-Hardcore-729441307/specs-html?nxtg=537c0a28050d-2B0E2392D960AB9A

3.  In addition to the pharmaceuticals, what supplements, etc., are backed by studies that show efficacy in the suppression and clearing up of hsv2 - including but not limited to L-lysine, etc.

4.  Which university (Florida/Duke) appears to be the farthest down the path towards a cure?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Because sometimes the combination test has false positive values.  It is not a recommended test, for sure.  The separate tests are the ones recommended

Terri

[helpiamconfused]

One part you missed - I think...  If a combo test goes up (1.2 to 1.6) does that mean the IGG specific for 2 will go up as well?  Also, why would the combo show a higher number than the specific for 2 if they are both based on IGG antibodies?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The studies show no statistical benefit from Lysine, but if it helps you, that's great.  
The combo test is NOT useful in determining what's going on, but if it is completely negative, that would likely mean you are not infected.  The combo test is just not useful in determining type if it is positive.

If you had a lymph node response to infection, it would likely happen very shortly after infection, like 2-10 days.

Terri

[helpiamconfused]

Terri, one more thing.  If I were to get tender lymph nodes (no swelling of any ability to notice), when would it typcially occur post-exposure.  It has been 10 weeks since I was exposed and I can't tell if I am tender or if my mind is playing games.

[helpiamconfused]

Terri, I got it about the l-valine.  I have read where l-lysine helps prevent virus growth.  Is there anything to this?

Also, how about a combo IGG (HSV1 and 2 test).  Is there any correlation between the number here andn the individual specific tests?  

For instance, if the combo goes up does this mean the specific ones will go up as well?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You are confused.  There is a valine ester hanging off of the acyclovir formulation that makes valacyclovir (Valtrex) able to have better bioavailability.  That is NOT the active ingredient.  

There are no supplements that have been shown to be effective in dealing with herpes, unfortunately.  

I'm not clear that anyone is closest to a cure.  There are certainly interesting research being done at several sites including University of Washington, Illinois, and Florida.  

Terri