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

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Synopsis

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

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in North American herbalism, for the treatment of intestinal parasites such as nematodes and worms. Indigenous peoples and later European settlers used preparations of black walnut hulls as a remedy for various parasitic infections. The traditional rationale lies in the presence of compounds like juglone, tannins, and other bioactive substances believed to have anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties.

Despite its widespread historical use, scientific evidence supporting black walnut's efficacy against intestinal parasites in humans is limited. Most available studies have been conducted in vitro (in test tubes) or in animal models, demonstrating some degree of activity against certain parasites. For example, juglone has shown inhibitory effects on parasitic worms in laboratory settings. However, clinical trials in humans are lacking, and safety profiles have not been thoroughly established, especially for long-term or high-dose use.

Overall, while black walnut continues to be used in herbal medicine traditions for parasite cleansing, its use is supported more by traditional practice and anecdotal reports than by rigorous scientific validation. The strength of the evidence, therefore, can be rated as low to moderate (2/5), reflecting a need for more robust studies to confirm efficacy and safety in human populations.

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