Evidence supporting the use of: Anthraquinone
For the health condition: Parasites (general)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Anthraquinone and its derivatives are primarily known for their use as laxatives, especially in compounds such as senna and cascara. Their use as antiparasitic agents, especially against intestinal parasites, is rooted in traditional medicine rather than robust scientific validation. The traditional basis stems from the observation that increased intestinal motility and purgation caused by anthraquinone-containing plants can help expel intestinal worms and other parasites. This purgative action was historically interpreted as a way to "cleanse" the digestive tract of unwanted organisms. However, direct evidence of anthraquinones having antiparasitic effects (such as being lethal or inhibitory to parasites themselves) is limited and mostly anecdotal. Some in vitro studies suggest certain anthraquinone derivatives may have weak activity against protozoans, but these findings have not translated into accepted clinical use or guidelines. Therefore, while the use of anthraquinones for parasites persists in some traditional systems, high-quality clinical trials or robust pharmacological data supporting their efficacy or safety for this purpose are lacking. Their main recognized medical use remains as stimulant laxatives rather than direct antiparasitic agents.

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