Evidence supporting the use of: Calotropis gigantea
For the health condition: Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Calotropis gigantea, commonly known as the "crown flower," has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and folk medicine in India and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, various parts of the plant—especially the latex, leaves, and roots—have been used to treat parasitic infections, including those caused by intestinal worms (helminths) and nematodes. The plant is often administered as a decoction, powder, or paste, and sometimes combined with other herbal ingredients to enhance its anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) effects.
Scientific validation for these uses is limited, but some in vitro and animal studies have reported that extracts from Calotropis gigantea exhibit anthelmintic activity. For example, studies in rats and earthworms have shown that both aqueous and alcoholic extracts can cause paralysis and death of worms, suggesting some degree of efficacy. The latex contains cardenolides and other bioactive compounds, which are believed to contribute to its anti-parasitic effects. However, these studies are mostly preliminary, and there are few rigorous clinical trials in humans. Toxicity is also a concern, as Calotropis gigantea contains compounds that can be harmful at higher doses.
Therefore, while the traditional use of Calotropis gigantea for treating parasitic infections is well documented, scientific evidence remains limited and largely preclinical. More research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness in humans.
More about Calotropis gigantea
More about Parasites (nematodes, worms)
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Ajoene
Alantolactone
Alchornea
Allium tuberosum
American Pawpaw
Areca
Asam gelugor
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Baliospermum
barberry
Berberis (unspecified)
betel
black walnut
Blepharis
Borassus aethiopum
Calotropis gigantea
Chenopodium
chirata
Clerodendrum indicum
clove
Combretum quadrangulare
croton seeds
diatomaceous earth
Dichroa
garlic bulb
ginger
Graviola
Guazuma ulmifolia
holarrhena antidysenterica
Java brucea
Kamala
Lantana camara
Lophira lanceolata
Myrobalan
Nandina
oregano
pau d'arco
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
pumpkin
purple Tephrosia
quassia
rhubarb
saponins
Solanum anguivi
soursop
Stemona
sweet wormwood
Tansy
typhonium
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Wormseed
Other health conditions supported by Calotropis gigantea
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Edema
Eye Infections
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Inflammation
Injuries
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Snake Bite
Sunburn
