Evidence supporting the use of: Vidanga
For the health condition: Parasites (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vidanga (Embelia ribes) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as an anthelmintic, meaning it is employed to expel or destroy intestinal worms and parasites. Historical Ayurvedic texts, such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, have described Vidanga as a potent remedy for "krimi" (worms and parasites). The dried fruit of Embelia ribes is the primary part used for this purpose. Its traditional use is widespread in India and other South Asian countries, where it is incorporated into various herbal formulations targeting parasitic infections.
Scientific research offers some support for these traditional claims. In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that extracts of Embelia ribes possess anthelmintic activity, showing efficacy against certain species of helminths and protozoa. The active compound embelin is thought to be responsible for this activity. However, clinical trials in humans are limited, and most evidence comes from laboratory or animal models rather than large-scale human studies. As such, while Vidanga's use as an anti-parasitic agent is primarily justified by tradition, there is some preliminary scientific validation that warrants further investigation. The overall quality and volume of scientific evidence, however, remain moderate.
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