The use of American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) for treating parasites, particularly tapeworms, is primarily rooted in traditional and ethnobotanical practices rather than robust scientific validation. Native American tribes and later herbal practitioners in North America have used various parts of the pawpaw tree, especially the bark and seeds, as a remedy for intestinal worms and other parasites. This traditional use is documented in several ethnobotanical texts and herbal compendiums. The seeds and bark contain acetogenins, a class of compounds known to have pesticidal and insecticidal properties, which may provide some rationale for their historical use against parasites.

However, scientific studies investigating the efficacy and safety of pawpaw specifically for treating human parasitic infections, such as tapeworms, are extremely limited. Most research has focused on the cytotoxic and pesticidal properties of pawpaw acetogenins, with some in vitro and animal studies demonstrating activity against certain pests and protozoa, but not specifically tapeworms. There is a lack of clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies supporting its efficacy or safety for this purpose in humans. Additionally, the seeds are considered toxic and not recommended for consumption due to potential adverse effects.

In summary, while the traditional use of American Pawpaw for parasites is well documented, scientific validation for its effectiveness, particularly against tapeworms in humans, is currently lacking.