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

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Synopsis

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

Chenopodium, particularly Chenopodium ambrosioides (commonly known as American wormseed or epazote), has a long history of traditional use as an anthelmintic, especially for the expulsion of intestinal parasites like tapeworms and roundworms. The plant's use for this purpose dates back to indigenous peoples in Central and South America and was later adopted in Western herbal medicine practices during the 18th and 19th centuries. The active compound isolated from the plant, known as ascaridole, was used in the form of "wormseed oil" as a treatment for helminthic infections, especially before the advent of modern anti-parasitic drugs. However, while there is robust historical documentation and anecdotal reports supporting its efficacy, modern clinical evidence is limited and concerns about toxicity (especially due to ascaridole) have curtailed its widespread use. Some early pharmacological studies did confirm its activity against intestinal worms, but side effects such as gastrointestinal irritation and neurotoxicity were noted. Today, safer and more effective pharmaceutical anti-parasitics are preferred, and the use of Chenopodium for this purpose has largely fallen out of favor in mainstream medicine. Overall, its use is justified mainly by tradition and historical precedent, with only limited scientific validation and significant safety concerns.

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