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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Rhamnus cathartica, commonly known as European Buckthorn, has a history of use in traditional European herbal medicine primarily as a cathartic or laxative. Its purgative effects are attributed to its anthraquinone compounds, which stimulate bowel movements. In traditional folk practices, particularly before the advent of modern anthelmintic drugs, strong laxatives like buckthorn were sometimes used in an attempt to expel intestinal parasites, including nematodes and worms, from the body. However, this use was based on the rationale that increased bowel movements might help clear the intestines of worms, rather than on direct antiparasitic activity.

There is minimal scientific evidence to support the use of European Buckthorn as an effective treatment specifically against parasitic infections. Modern pharmacological studies have not demonstrated significant anthelmintic activity, and its use today is discouraged due to potential side effects and toxicity, especially with prolonged use. Therefore, while there is some traditional precedent for its use as a supportive measure for intestinal parasites (primarily through its laxative action), scientific validation is lacking and the evidence supporting its efficacy is weak (rated 1/5).

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