Acyclovir and Quercetin, a synergy.
Quercetin has demonstrated antiviral activity against HSV-1 in vitro and in animal models, primarily by interfering with viral attachment and replication. While clinical trials in HSV are lacking, the mechanism is non-overlapping with acyclovir, and combination use during recurrent outbreaks is biologically plausible and low-risk at typical supplement doses.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Pair type
- Synergy
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Emerging
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Synergy · Emerging evidence
Synergy
What is happening. Quercetin has demonstrated antiviral activity against HSV-1 in vitro and in animal models, primarily by interfering with viral attachment and replication. While clinical trials in HSV are lacking, the mechanism is non-overlapping with acyclovir, and combination use during recurrent outbreaks is biologically plausible and low-risk at typical supplement doses.
Mechanism. Quercetin disrupts HSV attachment, entry, and replication in vitro. Acyclovir is phosphorylated by viral thymidine kinase and inhibits DNA polymerase. The mechanisms target different steps of the viral life cycle.
Recommendation. Quercetin 250-500 mg/day is reasonable as an adjunct during HSV outbreaks while taking acyclovir. Do not use quercetin as a substitute for prescribed antiviral therapy.
Sources (2)
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Acyclovir and Quercetin are in the same stack, this pair applies +2 to your Stack Score (per scored synergy row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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