Evidence supporting the use of: Anthraquinone
For the health condition: Parasites (tapeworm)

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Synopsis

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

Anthraquinone compounds, particularly those found in certain plants such as senna (Senna alexandrina), rhubarb (Rheum palmatum), and cascara sagrada (Frangula purshiana), have a long history of traditional use as laxatives. Their action promotes bowel movements, which has historically led to their application in expelling intestinal parasites, including tapeworms. In traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and various folk remedies, anthraquinone-containing herbs were often administered as a part of purgative therapies aimed at "cleansing" the digestive tract of unwanted organisms.

However, scientific validation for the efficacy of anthraquinones specifically against tapeworms or other parasites is limited. Most evidence consists of anecdotal reports or historical usage rather than controlled studies. The purgative effect may facilitate expulsion of tapeworm segments, but anthraquinones do not possess direct antiparasitic properties comparable to modern anthelmintic drugs. Clinical guidelines and modern research do not recommend anthraquinones for the treatment of tapeworm infections due to the availability of more effective and targeted medications with established safety profiles.

In summary, while anthraquinones have traditional use for this purpose, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy against tapeworms is weak, and they are not considered a standard or recommended treatment in contemporary medicine.

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Products containing Anthraquinone

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