Synopsis

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

Kamala (Mallotus philippensis), also known as "kamala powder" or "red kamala," has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems for its purported anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties, particularly against tapeworms. Historical texts from Ayurveda describe the use of Kamala fruit or its powder as a remedy to expel intestinal worms, including tapeworms, due to its supposed laxative and anti-parasitic effects. The active compounds in Kamala, such as rottlerin and related phloroglucinol derivatives, are believed to be responsible for its anti-parasitic action. These compounds have demonstrated some activity against intestinal parasites in laboratory settings, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The majority of the evidence supporting Kamala's use for tapeworms is derived from traditional usage and case reports, rather than modern scientific validation. Contemporary pharmacopeias and some monographs still list Kamala as a traditional remedy for helminthic infections, but they also caution about potential side effects, including gastrointestinal irritation and toxicity with excessive use. Thus, while Kamala is firmly rooted in traditional practice for treating tapeworms, scientific validation remains limited, and the overall quality of evidence is moderate at best.

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