New research has shown that polysaccharides isolated from a marine alga can block the herpes simplex virus (HSV) from entering host cells¹. These polysaccharides might therefore yield drugs for curing herpes.

HSV-1 is the main cause of herpes infections that affect the mouth and lips, with symptoms such as cold sores and fever blisters. The viruses lie dormant in nerve cells and infection recurs. Antiviral drugs do not provide a complete cure. Herpes antidote from marine algae (nature.com)