Evidence supporting the use of: Alantolactone
For the health condition: Parasites (nematodes, worms)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Alantolactone is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene lactone found in plants such as Inula helenium (elecampane). There is some scientific evidence supporting its use against parasites, particularly nematodes and worms. Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that alantolactone exhibits significant anthelmintic (anti-worm) activity. For example, research published in journals like Parasitology Research and Veterinary Parasitology has shown that alantolactone can reduce the viability and motility of nematodes such as Haemonchus contortus and Caenorhabditis elegans. The mechanism is thought to involve disruption of parasite metabolism and induction of oxidative stress within the worms.

However, despite these promising preclinical results, there is a lack of robust clinical data in humans demonstrating efficacy or safety for the treatment of parasitic infections. Most of the evidence is limited to laboratory and animal models. Historically, plants containing alantolactone have been used in folk medicine for respiratory and digestive ailments, but their use specifically for treating parasitic infections is primarily based on recent scientific exploration rather than longstanding traditional practice. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some experimental evidence for its anthelmintic effects, the strength of this evidence remains modest (rated 2/5), and alantolactone cannot currently be recommended for clinical use against parasites without further human studies.

More about Alantolactone
More about Parasites (nematodes, worms)

Products containing Alantolactone

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.