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

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Synopsis

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

Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), also known as Haritaki, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and Unani, for its purported benefits against intestinal parasites such as nematodes and worms. Its use is grounded in traditional practices, where it is believed to possess anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Haritaki as effective in expelling worms and cleansing the digestive tract. The traditional use often involves powders or decoctions of the fruit, sometimes in combination with other herbs.

Modern scientific research on myrobalan's anthelmintic activity is limited but not entirely absent. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that extracts of Terminalia chebula may exhibit modest activity against certain parasitic worms, such as Ascaris lumbricoides and earthworm models. These effects are generally attributed to its diverse phytochemical content, including tannins and chebulinic acid, which may disrupt the metabolism or structural integrity of the parasites. However, the overall scientific evidence is preliminary, often limited to laboratory or animal studies with a lack of rigorous clinical trials in humans.

In summary, the use of myrobalan for parasitic infections is primarily justified by traditional use, with only limited and low-quality scientific evidence available. More robust clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication.

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