Evidence supporting the use of: Chirata
For the health condition: Parasites (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chirata (Swertia chirata) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for addressing various ailments, including intestinal parasites (helminths and protozoa). The herb is traditionally believed to possess bitter principles (such as swertiamarin and amarogentin) that are thought to help expel or inhibit the growth of intestinal worms and other parasites. Texts and ethnobotanical records describe chirata as an anthelmintic, and it has been prescribed in decoctions or powders for this purpose in traditional systems.
However, the scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have explored the antiparasitic and anthelmintic activity of Chirata extracts, showing modest efficacy against some worm species. Still, the research is preliminary, often lacking clinical trials in humans or standardized extract dosing. Therefore, while its use for parasites is well rooted in tradition and supported by some early pharmacological studies, the overall scientific evidence remains modest. Use for this indication should be considered with caution pending further research.
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
Rhubarb
Wormseed
Other health conditions supported by Chirata
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Cholera
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Leprosy
Liver Detoxification
Malaria
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Pneumonia
Psoriasis