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

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Synopsis

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

Pumpkin seeds have a long history of traditional use as a remedy for intestinal parasites, including tapeworms, especially in folk medicine systems in North America, China, and parts of Europe. The active compound believed to be responsible for the antiparasitic effect is cucurbitacin, which is found in the seeds. Historical records, such as those from the United States Pharmacopoeia (1863-1936), list pumpkin seeds as a treatment for tapeworm infestations. The seeds were commonly ground and mixed with water or honey and administered as a purgative to expel tapeworms from the intestine.

Scientific research on the efficacy of pumpkin seeds against tapeworms in humans is limited, but some in vitro and animal studies suggest potential antiparasitic properties. For example, studies have demonstrated that pumpkin seed extracts can paralyze certain intestinal worms, leading to their expulsion. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the evidence is not strong enough to recommend pumpkin seeds as a primary treatment for tapeworm infections. Modern medicine relies on more effective anthelmintic drugs. Still, in settings where pharmaceuticals are not readily available, pumpkin seeds may offer some traditional benefit, particularly as a complementary approach. Overall, while there is a historical and traditional foundation for the use of pumpkin seeds against tapeworms, scientific validation is limited, and the evidence supporting their efficacy is modest.

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