BHT is a synthetic food preservative with a cult following for herpes virus suppression. One 1985 paper reported BHT dissolved the lipid envelope of herpes simplex virus. Despite ZERO human clinical trials, BHT is sold online as an anti-herpes supplement. The FDA classifies BHT as GRAS for food preservation at small doses but NOT for therapeutic use. At supplement doses (250-1,000mg/day), liver enzyme elevation and potential carcinogenicity (conflicting animal data) are concerns. Our assessment: NO clinical evidence supports therapeutic BHT. The risk:benefit ratio is unfavorable. --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.