* HSV : There are indications a carrageenan-based gel may offer some protection against HSV-2 transmission by binding to the receptors on the herpes virus, thus preventing the virus from binding to cells. Research has shown a carrageenan-based gel effectively prevented HSV-2 infection at a rate of 85% in a mouse model.[13] Some personal and condom lubricants are made with carrageenan, and several of these products (such as Divine) were found to be potent HPV inhibitors in the study (though others that listed carrageenan in their ingredients were not).
* HPV : Laboratory studies have shown carrageenans are extremely potent inhibitors of HPV infection in vitro and in animal challenge models. Clinical trial results announced at the 2010 International Papillomavirus Conference held in Montreal, Canada indicate a carrageenan-based personal lubricant called Carraguard is effective for preventing HPV infection in women. The clinical results suggest the use of carrageenan-based personal lubricant products, such as Divine No 9 and BIOglide may likewise be effective for preventing HPV infection.
* HIV : A phase 3 clinical trial by the Population Council examined whether a carrageenan-based product known as Carraguard was effective as a topical microbicide for blocking HIV infection in women.[13] The trial ran from 2004 to 2007, with more than 4,000 South African women completing the study, but found no statistical difference in infection between those having used the lubricant and those not having used the lubricant. The trial did provide information about usage patterns, however, and showed that the gel is safe at least—not increasing infection any more than the baseline or causing significant side-effects. As such, they expect to use it as a stable delivery vehicle for experimental antiretrovirals in future studies.Concurrent studies in macaques found the same carrageenan gels used in clinical trials to be effective against SIV challenge. This was in direct contrast with in vitro findings, where the compound was found to enhance HIV and SIV infections in various assays. Although compliance was believed to be one issue in clinical versus animal trials, the high viscosity and controlled nature of animal-viral inoculations (atraumatic introduction of virus using a French catheter) may be why the latter animal study observed a positive outcome.
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]