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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Garlic (Allium sativum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems around the world as a remedy for intestinal parasites, including nematodes and worms. Ancient medical texts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and India reference garlic as a treatment for various parasitic infections. The traditional use is likely due to garlic’s well-known pungent taste and odor, attributed to sulfur-containing compounds such as allicin, which early herbalists believed could “expel” unwanted organisms from the gut.

Modern scientific studies have started to explore these traditional claims. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that garlic extracts can inhibit the growth and survival of some parasitic worms, including Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia species, likely due to the antiparasitic activity of allicin and other organosulfur compounds. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited, and results are variable. Some small studies and case reports suggest garlic may have a modest effect against certain intestinal parasites, but there is insufficient large-scale, standardized evidence to recommend garlic as a primary treatment.

In summary, the use of garlic for treating or supporting the body against parasites is primarily justified by tradition, with some preliminary scientific support. The evidence rating is 3/5, reflecting promising laboratory and animal data and widespread historical use, but a lack of robust clinical trial evidence in humans.

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