lassesen 10:03 am on July 4, 2025

Treatment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in ME/CFS Context

While working on a pending post [ME/CFS after EBV in Competitive Athlete] on their microbiome sample I was pleasantly surprised to see their top suggestions have literature on the same substances helping reduce EBV. In one sense, I should have expected it, given the premise that I am working off.

Premise: An infection (including virus) alters the microbiome to be optimal for it survival. Correcting the dysbiosis, weakens the infection (i.e. you may starve it of essential metabolites)

I decided to collect these items in this post for people with ME/CFS and positive for EBV, i.e. chronic active EBV (CAEBV)

Suggestions

Note: [More Info] are links to perplexity.ai, the information may be questionable in some cases.

Vitamins, Minerals and similar
1. Selenomethionine {Selenium supplement}
  - Selenium deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to EBV infection and its complications [more info]
2. Zinc {Zinc Supplements}
  - Zinc is directly required for EBV gene regulation.[more info]
3. Silver nanoparticles {Colloidal silver}
  - Inhibition of EBV replication: Silver nanoparticles stabilized in citrate buffer can inhibit EBV replication by up to 70% [more info]
4. Magnesium Compounds {Magnesium supplements}
  - Magnesium plays a critical role in the immune response to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), particularly in individuals with genetic defects affecting magnesium transport: [more info]
5. alpha-tocopherol {Vitamin E}
  - Vitamin E has demonstrated inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) transformation of human B cells, particularly under conditions of oxidative stress: [more info]
6. Vitamin C
  - Effect of high dose vitamin C on Epstein-Barr viral infection [2014]
Herb or Spice
- Olea europaea {Olive leaf}
  - Olive leaf extract (OLE) has been shown in multiple studies to have significant antiviral and antioxidant activity against Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): [more info]
- Azadirachta indica {Neem}
  - Neem (Azadirachta indica) demonstrates notable antiviral activity against Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and other herpes-type viruses: [more info]
- Allium sativum {garlic}
  - Garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds (OSCs) exhibit notable antiviral activity against Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in preclinical studies: [more info]
- Kaempferol
  - The Dietary Flavonol Kaempferol Inhibits Epstein–Barr Virus Reactivation in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells [2022]
- Commonly recognized antiviral medicinal plants in Ayurveda Medicine. Those with [citation] after them have explicit literature for EBV, most have literature for other virus.
  - Zingiber officinale – Ginger
  - Caesalpinia bonducella – Fever Nut or Bonduc Nut
  - Allium sativum – Garlic
  - Glycyrrhiza glabra – Licorice or Liquorice
    - ts antiviral activity is clearly demonstrated by different studies on the herpes simplex virus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), [2023] [2020]
  - Ferula assafoetida – Asafoetida or Hing
  - Gymnema sylvestre – Gymnema or Gurmar (Sugar Destroyer)
  - Gossypium herbaceum – Levant Cotton or Cotton Plant
  - Phyllanthus niruri – Stonebreaker or Chanca Piedra
  - Trachyspermum ammi – Ajwain or Carom Seeds
  - Withania somnifera – Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng
  - Andrographis paniculata – Andrographis or King of Bitters
    - has a pronounced effect in inactivation or the inhibition of Epstein Virus (EBV) [2021] [2021] [2021]
  - Centella asiatica – Gotu Kola or Indian Pennywort
  - Curcuma longa – Turmeric
    - significantly induced EBV reactivation [2018] [2021]
  - Woodfordia fruticosa – Fire Flame Bush or Dhawai
  - Phyllanthus emblica – Indian Gooseberry or Amla
  - Terminalia chebula – Chebulic Myrobalan or Haritaki
  - Tamarindus indica – Tamarind
  - Terminalia arjuna – Arjuna or Arjun Tree
  - Azadirachta indica – Neem
  - Ficus religiosa – Sacred Fig or Peepal Tree
  - Moringa oleifera – Moringa [2021] [2021]
  - Quercetin [2021]
  - Resveratrol [2023]
  - Saururus chinensis – Chinese lizard’s tail , 三白草 [2019]

Probiotics

Only Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Yakult) has studies, Effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota ingestion on common cold infection and herpes virus antibodies in endurance athletes: a placebo-controlled, randomized trial [2016]

In the above pending post, two probiotics were computed to have significant impact:

Bottom Line

My general advice would be to do the mineral supplementation with appropriate dosage (This Dosages page may help) for at least 2 weeks, then start on some of the Herbs and Spices (Rotating every 2 weeks). Be warned that “die off” like effect may occur with some. Then rotate on to the probiotics for 2 weeks at a time.

–

Postscript and Reminder

As a statistician with relevant degrees and professional memberships, I present data and statistical models for evaluation by medical professionals. I am not a licensed medical practitioner and must adhere to strict laws regarding the appearance of practicing medicine. My work focuses on academic models and scientific language, particularly statistics. I cannot provide direct medical advice or tell individuals what to take or avoid. My analyses aim to inform about items that statistically show better odds of improving the microbiome. All suggestions should be reviewed by a qualified medical professional before implementation. The information provided describes my logic and thinking and is not intended as personal medical advice. Always consult with your knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Implementation Strategies

Rotate bacteria inhibitors (antibiotics, herbs, probiotics) every 1-2 weeks
Some herbs/spices are compatible with probiotics (e.g., Wormwood with Bifidobacteria)
Verify dosages against reliable sources or research studies, not commercial product labels. This Dosages page may help.
There are 3 suppliers of probiotics that I prefer: Custom Probiotics , Maple Life Science™, Bulk Probiotics: see Probiotics post for why

22knowinggmailcom 5:36 pm on July 4, 2025

Are you
woolfie87 3:14 am on July 5, 2025

No typos!
But a bit of clarification please- are you suggesting people take these on top of the suggestions that they system has given them?
Sue Woolfe
- lassesen 7:48 am on July 5, 2025
  
  This was intended for the microbiomeless readers. With microbiome prescriptions suggestions, you may see some of these suggested — in which case, increase their importance and add earlier.
Pingback: ME/CFS after EBV in Competitive Athlete – Microbiome Prescription Blog
Captain B 12:15 am on July 20, 2025

Hello Ken.

This is out of topic but I have some questions for you.

Do you know why Small Fiber Neuropathy happens and why it’s a common comorbidity of ME/CFS?

Did you experienced neuropathy at any of the occasions you were sick with ME/CFS?
- lassesen 6:42 am on July 20, 2025
  
  SImple and keeping with my model the ME/CFS is a microbiome dysfunction. Below with links to studies
  
  Overview
  Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) involves damage to small sensory nerve fibers, often resulting in pain, numbness, and autonomic dysfunction. Emerging research suggests a significant interaction between the gut microbiome and the pathogenesis and progression of neuropathic conditions, including SFN.
  
  Mechanistic Links Between the Microbiome and Small Fiber Neuropathy
  Neuroinflammation and Immune Modulation:
  The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and neuroinflammatory pathways. Altered microbiota composition (dysbiosis) impacts the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which are key mediators in neuropathic pain and small fiber dysfunction. Antigens and metabolites from gut bacteria can activate immune cells, leading to systemic inflammation that may contribute to nerve damage.
  
  Direct Microbial Influence on Nerves:
  Certain bacteria and their metabolites can directly activate nociceptor neurons, leading to heightened pain sensitivity. Microbial products such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) may penetrate the gut barrier, enter circulation, and sensitize or damage peripheral nerves, including the small fibers affected in SFN.
  
  Microbiome–Immune System Cross-Talk:
  The intricate connections between the gut microbiota and the immune system can mediate environmental influences on immunity that affect small fiber integrity. Experimental studies demonstrate that modifications to gut microbes can trigger immune changes and microglial activation in the nervous system, processes associated with both neuropathic pain and fiber loss found in SFN.
  
  Clinical and Preclinical Evidence
  Fibromyalgia and SFN:
  SFN is highly prevalent among fibromyalgia patients, a population where microbiome disruption is well documented. Research indicates that gut microbiota transfers from fibromyalgia patients to healthy mice can induce neuroimmune activation and small fiber impairment.
  
  Peripheral Neuropathy Models:
  Changes in the gut microbiome, particularly from high-fat diets, have been linked to increased peripheral nerve inflammation and damage. Restoration of microbiome balance through interventions such as probiotics or dietary change may alleviate symptoms and potentially slow or reverse nerve damage.
  
  Gut Barrier and Immune Dysregulation:
  SFN can influence gastrointestinal motility and barrier function, further perpetuating microbiome alterations and immune activation, creating a feedback loop that can sustain or worsen neuropathic symptoms.
  
  Potential Therapeutic Implications
  Probiotics and Microbiota Modulation:
  Interventions targeting the gut microbiome, such as probiotics, prebiotics, or even fecal microbiota transplantation, are being explored as adjunct therapies for neuropathic pain and SFN.
  
  Dietary Interventions:
  Adjusting dietary patterns to restore a healthy gut microbiome may help modulate peripheral nerve health and inflammation, highlighting the importance of holistic approaches to SFN management.
  
  Summary Table: Key Connections
  Mechanism Evidence in SFN/Neuropathic Pain Microbiome Role
  Immune activation, cytokine production Increased in SFN, fibromyalgia Gut dysbiosis heightens systemic inflammation
  Direct bacterial metabolite effects on nerves Seen in preclinical neuropathy models LPS and other metabolites sensitize/damage nerves
  Neuroimmune cross-talk Detected in transfer and animal studies Microbiota changes trigger neuroinflammation
  Barrier dysfunction, GI symptoms Comorbid in SFN SFN and microbiota alterations are interrelated
  Conclusions
  There is accumulating evidence that gut microbiome dysregulation contributes to immune activation and neuroinflammation in Small Fiber Neuropathy.
  
  Interventions to modulate the microbiome may hold promise for preventing or treating SFN, meriting further clinical and translational research.
Captain B 8:00 pm on July 20, 2025

I recently started having an episode of neuropathy after 14 days of Rifaxamin. Coincidentally, microbiome prescription recommendations put Rifaxamin at the top of things to avoid.

I wonder if it’s related, I should have listened…

I was also taking Saccharomyces Boulardii and NAC and Natto-Serrapeptase as Biofilm busters.
- lassesen 8:09 pm on July 20, 2025
  
  Very often I have gotten emails saying the same things… a naturopath suggested a,b,c and symptoms got worst. When I looked at the suggestions from Microbiome Prescription, they were items to avoid.
  
  The suggestions are based solely on your microbiome and published literature (some 7 million facts are considered)… of course, every medical professional keep the same volume of data in their brain 😉
Captain B 9:47 pm on July 20, 2025

To be honest, this was not fault of a medical professional. It was my idea since I wanted to clean the microbiome before seeding the good probiotics.

I have an overgrowth of Bacteroides and microbiome prescription told me to avoid Rifaxamin because it would increase Bacteroides but I doubt and shrugged it off.

ChatGPT told me Rifaxamin was eubiotic and that Bifidobacterium was seen to increase after it’s use so I listened to it instead. This may have been a mistake.

However I am digressing. All of this concerns me because I am suffering from vaccine injury and have experienced neuropathy on other occasions after that but it went away and only have returned until now.

I have had all the symptoms of ME/CFS and Post-viral illness but I fear the neuropathy could be something truly autoimmune or more serious.
- lassesen 5:13 am on July 21, 2025
  
  Just a FYI, ChatGPT is effectively doing hearsay. It is sucking in whatever information it can scrap off the internet.
Captain B 10:51 am on July 21, 2025

Even o3 model? What about the advanced research option?

By the way, I know you are very busy and have a life apart from this but have you taken a look to my email? It was called “Microbiome Review Request – HPV Vaccine Injury.”
- lassesen 1:35 pm on July 21, 2025
  
  Yes, it is the nature of Large Language Models. It is all imitation and not thinking.
- lassesen 1:40 pm on July 21, 2025
  
  I can’t find that email. Please resend to Research@microbiomeprescription.com
  
  A vaccination WILL cause microbiome dysbiosis. Usually it resolves itself in days or weeks.
Captain B 2:26 pm on July 21, 2025

I forwarded the message. If you still don’t receive it, let me know.

I hope it was an issue of just weeks. I’ve been suffering from more than a year, so whatever it did, it was a big deal.

Apparently the vaccine I got is infamous for causing ME/CFS. I wish I knew that before.