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

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Synopsis

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

Rhubarb (Rheum spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it has been employed as a purgative and to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive complaints. In some traditional practices, rhubarb has been used as part of herbal combinations to expel intestinal worms or parasites, primarily due to its strong laxative effect attributed to anthraquinone compounds such as emodin and rhein. The logic behind its use is that the purgative action may help dislodge and expel worms from the gastrointestinal tract.

However, there is minimal scientific evidence directly supporting rhubarb as an effective anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) agent against nematodes or worms. Most of the modern studies focus on the plant’s laxative properties, antioxidant activity, or other unrelated medicinal effects. A few in vitro studies have noted some activity of anthraquinones against certain parasitic organisms, but these findings are preliminary and not robustly demonstrated in vivo or in clinical trials. Thus, while rhubarb's traditional use as a supportive agent in clearing parasites exists, scientific validation for its efficacy in treating or supporting the body against nematodes or worms is lacking.

In summary, rhubarb’s use for parasites is rooted in tradition, not modern scientific evidence, and its primary action would be as a supportive laxative rather than a direct anthelmintic.

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