SynthesisEinstein (Sao Paulo, Brazil)2026
Can photobiomodulation prevent herpes labialis recurrences? A systematic review.
Synthesis in Einstein (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectiveThis systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation for preventing recurrent herpes labialis.
methodsEligibility criteria were defined using the PICOS framework, and only randomized clinical trials were included. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, the Virtual Health Library, and gray-literature sources. Of the records identified, nine reports underwent full-text assessment, and three studies met the eligibility criteria.
resultsTwo trials reported lower recurrence frequencies after photobiomodulation compared to control interventions, while one trial found no difference. Findings regarding recurrence severity and duration were inconsistent across studies. No adverse events were reported in the studies that provided safety data.
conclusionThe available evidence suggests that photobiomodulation may reduce the recurrence frequency, severity, and duration of herpes labialis. However, the certainty of the evidence was rated as low due to small sample sizes, incomplete blinding, and variations in laser parameters and comparators. These limitations restrict generalizability and preclude definitive clinical recommendations. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and consistent outcome measures are needed to establish the clinical utility of photobiomodulation for recurrent herpes labialis.
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