Evidence supporting the use of: Alchornea
For the health condition: Parasites (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Alchornea cordifolia has a longstanding history of traditional use in African ethnomedicine for the treatment of various parasitic infections, including intestinal worms and protozoan infestations. Ethnobotanical surveys document its use across several West and Central African communities, where leaf and root extracts are administered as decoctions or infusions against parasites such as Plasmodium (malaria), Entamoeba histolytica, and helminths. The plant contains bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which are hypothesized to contribute to its antiparasitic effects.
While a limited number of in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated activity against certain parasites (e.g., antiplasmodial and antihelminthic effects), clinical evidence in humans remains insufficient. The majority of available evidence is thus rooted in traditional knowledge and preliminary laboratory research, rather than robust clinical trials. Despite this, the consistency of its use in traditional medicine and some positive laboratory findings support a moderate level of evidence (3/5) for its traditional antiparasitic application. Further clinical research is needed to validate efficacy and safety in human populations.
Other ingredients used for Parasites (general)
Ajoenebarberry
Myrobalan
betel
black walnut
caprylic acid
clove
turmeric
garlic bulb
ginger
quassia
oregano
pumpkin
slippery elm bark
sweet wormwood
typhonium
Neem tree
Clerodendrum indicum
holarrhena antidysenterica
pau d'arco
soursop
anthraquinone
Agave
Achyranthes
anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Acetogenin
Asam gelugor
Abuta
Amor seco
Alantolactone
Baliospermum
Blepharis
Berberis (unspecified)
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Borassus aethiopum
croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Combretum quadrangulare
cinquefoil
Chenopodium
colombo
chirata
Dichroa
diatomaceous earth
Graviola
Guazuma ulmifolia
Java brucea
Kamala
Lophira lanceolata
Leptadenia
Lantana camara
Nandina
purple Tephrosia
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
rhubarb
Stemona
Solanum anguivi
saponins
Tansy
Vidanga
Wormseed
Other health conditions supported by Alchornea
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Cough (general)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dysentery
Ear Infection or Earache
Eye Infections
Fever
Gonorrhea
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Malaria
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (infections)
Snake Bite
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores