Evidence supporting the use of: Saponins
For the health condition: Parasites (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Saponins are naturally occurring compounds found in various plants, and they have a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. Many traditional herbalists have used saponin-rich plants such as Quillaja saponaria (soapbark tree), Yucca schidigera, and certain species of beans and legumes to help expel or control intestinal parasites. The basis for their use comes from observations that saponins can form soap-like foams and disrupt cell membranes, which has led to the belief that they may help dislodge or kill intestinal worms and other parasites in humans and animals. Ethnobotanical records document these uses, though precise formulations and dosages are often lacking.
From a scientific perspective, in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that saponins can have antiparasitic effects, particularly against protozoa and helminths, likely due to their membrane-disrupting properties. However, clinical evidence in humans is sparse, and most studies have been preclinical or observational. Therefore, while traditional use is well documented, and there is some preliminary scientific support, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, making the evidence moderate but not conclusive.
Other ingredients used for Parasites (general)
AbrusAbuta
Acetogenin
Achyranthes
Agave
Ajoene
Alantolactone
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Amor seco
anamu
anthraquinone
Asam gelugor
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Baliospermum
barberry
Berberis (unspecified)
betel
black walnut
Blepharis
Borassus aethiopum
Calotropis gigantea
caprylic acid
Chenopodium
chirata
cinquefoil
Clerodendrum indicum
clove
colombo
Combretum quadrangulare
croton seeds
diatomaceous earth
Dichroa
garlic bulb
ginger
Graviola
Guazuma ulmifolia
holarrhena antidysenterica
Java brucea
Kamala
Lantana camara
Leptadenia
Lophira lanceolata
Myrobalan
Nandina
Neem tree
oregano
pau d'arco
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
pumpkin
purple Tephrosia
quassia
rhubarb
saponins
slippery elm bark
Solanum anguivi
soursop
Stemona
sweet wormwood
Tansy
turmeric
typhonium
Vidanga
Wormseed
Other health conditions supported by saponins
Antibiotics (alternatives to)Arthritis
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (prevention)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Inflammation
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
