Evidence supporting the use of: Ajoene
For the health condition: Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ajoene is a sulfur-containing compound derived from garlic (Allium sativum). Its use for treating or supporting the management of parasitic infections, particularly nematodes and worms, is primarily based on traditional medicine practices. Garlic has a long-standing reputation in various cultures as a remedy for intestinal worms and other parasites. Historical texts and ethnobotanical reports from Asia, Africa, and Europe describe the use of garlic and its preparations for deworming and treating parasitic infestations. While ajoene itself is a specific compound isolated from garlic, most traditional uses refer to whole garlic or garlic extracts, which naturally contain ajoene among other sulfur compounds. The proposed mechanism behind its anti-parasitic effect is related to the general antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties of garlic’s organosulfur compounds, including ajoene. Some in vitro studies suggest ajoene may disrupt parasite cell membranes or metabolism, but robust clinical data in humans are lacking. Overall, while there is a plausible biological basis and a history of use for garlic against worms, the direct evidence for ajoene specifically is limited and mainly supported by traditional practices, not modern clinical trials. Thus, the justification for its use in this context is predominantly traditional, with a moderate but not strong level of supporting evidence.
Other ingredients used for Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Ajoenebarberry
Myrobalan
betel
black walnut
clove
garlic bulb
ginger
quassia
oregano
pumpkin
sweet wormwood
typhonium
Clerodendrum indicum
holarrhena antidysenterica
pau d'arco
soursop
Abrus
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Asam gelugor
Areca
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Alantolactone
Baliospermum
Blepharis
Berberis (unspecified)
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Borassus aethiopum
croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Combretum quadrangulare
Chenopodium
chirata
Dichroa
diatomaceous earth
Graviola
Guazuma ulmifolia
Java brucea
Kamala
Lophira lanceolata
Lantana camara
Nandina
purple Tephrosia
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
rhubarb
Stemona
Solanum anguivi
saponins
Tansy
Vidanga
Wormseed
Other health conditions supported by Ajoene
AcneAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Arteriosclerosis
Athlete's Foot
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Boils
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Parasites (tapeworm)
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Thrombosis
Warts
Wounds and Sores