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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for its purported ability to expel intestinal parasites such as tapeworms. Historical texts and folk remedies often recommend garlic for deworming, attributing its efficacy to its potent sulfur-containing compounds, primarily allicin, which is released when garlic is crushed or chopped. These compounds are believed to have antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties.

Scientific studies investigating garlic's effectiveness against intestinal parasites are limited, and most available evidence comes from in vitro (test tube) or animal studies rather than well-designed human clinical trials. Some studies have demonstrated that garlic extracts can inhibit the growth and survival of various parasites, including tapeworms, in laboratory settings. For example, a study in mice showed reduced worm burden after garlic administration. However, these studies often use high concentrations of garlic extract not easily achievable through dietary intake alone.

Despite its long history of traditional use, clinical evidence in humans is lacking or of low quality. No large-scale randomized controlled trials have established garlic as a reliable treatment for tapeworm infection in people. Therefore, while garlic continues to be used in folk medicine for this purpose, scientific validation remains weak, and garlic should not replace evidence-based antiparasitic medications prescribed by healthcare professionals.

More about garlic bulb
More about Parasites (tapeworm)