Oral zinc sulphate reduces the recurrence rate and provides significant therapeutic effects for viral warts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #zinc-sulfate #warts #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #administration-oral

Oral zinc sulphate reduces the recurrence rate and provides significant therapeutic effects for viral warts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Wang et al., 2025 | PLoS One | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Chen-Chi, Wang Wei-Xiang, Wu Po-Yuan. Oral zinc sulphate reduces the recurrence rate and provides significant therapeutic effects for viral warts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One. 2025;20(5):e0323051. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0323051

Abstract

Zinc plays a crucial role in maintaining immune balance in the human body. Zinc is believed to substantially affect cytokine synthesis and signaling; thus potentially combating viral infections, including Human Papillomavirus infection, through various mechanisms. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated whether oral zinc sulphate can improve viral warts; however, no comprehensive data is currently available. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of oral zinc sulphate for the treatment of viral warts. On July 1, 2024, we performed an extensive database search on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Initially, 952 studies were identified, and after screening, 7 studies were included in the final analysis. Our findings showed that the total clearance rate of warts was significantly higher in the oral zinc sulphate group than in the control group (risk difference = 0.288; 95% CI = 0.087-0.489; p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis revealed that this therapeutic effect was more pronounced in individuals with low initial plasma zinc levels (risk difference = 0.767; 95% CI = 0.649-0.885; p < 0.001). Additionally, meta-regression showed that rise in zinc ion levels post-treatment were correlated with better treatment outcomes (coefficient = 0.0068; p < 0.001). Furthermore, for patients receiving traditional warts treatment, combining oral zinc sulphate significantly reduced the 6-month recurrence rate (log risk ratio = -1.043; 95% CI = -1.666 - -0.420; p = 0.001). The most common treatment-related side effects were nausea (risk difference = 0.562; 95% CI = 0.088-1.036; p = 0.020) and vomiting (risk difference = 0.205; 95% CI = 0.092-0.317; p < 0.001). Based on this evidence, oral zinc sulphate monotherapy offers notable benefits to those avoiding conventional treatments, and when combined with traditional therapies for viral warts, it can notably reduce recurrence rates over six months.

Key Findings

Based on this evidence, oral zinc sulphate monotherapy offers notable benefits to those avoiding conventional treatments, and when combined with traditional therapies for viral warts, it can notably reduce recurrence rates over six months.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population low initial plasma zinc
Sample Size 952
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Zinc Sulfate
  • Warts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Administration, Oral
  • Recurrence
  • Zinc

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: zinc

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09