Congestión

Acetogenins from Annona species (Graviola/soursop) potently inhibit parasite mitochondrial complex I in the nanomolar range against Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and helminths in vitro. Caringsunshine databases list acetogenin as a documented antiparasitic compound.

Ajoene is a garlic-derived organosulfur compound with documented in vitro antiparasitic activity against Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Giardia, and Plasmodium falciparum, often more potent than allicin against some protozoan species, acting through microtubule disruption and membrane lipid interference.

Animal studies have documented antiparasitic (anthelmintic) activity of ajwain seed extracts against multiple parasites and worms in pigs, sheep, and chickens. In vitro studies show antifungal activity. The antiparasitic property is listed as established in pharmacological reviews and is supported by preclinical evidence.

Allicin is the primary organosulfur bioactive from crushed garlic that disrupts parasite cell membranes and energy metabolism. In vitro studies confirm activity against Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Leishmania; a 2024 animal study showed enhanced activity when combined with wormwood.

Andrographis paniculata is a traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine antiparasitic with documented in vitro and animal model activity against Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma. A 2023 review identified it among the most popular Ayurvedic antiparasitic plants.

Andrographolide demonstrates in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum (low micromolar IC50), Leishmania donovani, and Trypanosoma brucei, with confirmed anti-malarial efficacy in animal models. It is the primary diterpene lactone antiparasitic compound from Andrographis paniculata.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a primary botanical source of berberine, which has clinical trial evidence for Giardia lamblia treatment and in vitro activity against Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis. EBSCO explicitly identifies berberine from barberry as a proposed antiparasitic.

Bee propolis has documented in vitro antiparasitic activity against Giardia lamblia, Toxoplasma gondii, and Leishmania, and is listed among proposed natural treatments for intestinal parasites in EBSCO's complementary medicine resource.

Berberine has clinical trial evidence for Giardia lamblia treatment and in vitro evidence against Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis. It was historically evaluated as a potential pharmaceutical antiparasitic drug and is one of the most rigorously studied natural antiparasitic compounds.

Black seed (Nigella sativa) and its active compound thymoquinone have documented antiparasitic activity including in vitro inhibition of Babesia, Theileria, and Leishmania, animal studies against Hymenolepis nana and pinworms, and traditional use in Islamic medicine for parasitic conditions.

Carvacrol is the primary phenolic monoterpene in oregano oil with documented in vitro antigiardial and anti-Blastocystis activity. A 2025 published study confirmed carvacrol and thymol activity against Giardia lamblia trophozoites; a small clinical study found high-carvacrol oregano oil cleared intestinal parasites.

A. aspera leaf extracts demonstrated anthelmintic activity against Caenorhabditis elegans in a PMC/Frontiers in Pharmacology study. Traditional use for antiparasitic purposes is also widely documented.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) contains eugenol, demonstrated in a PMC-published study to be an effective anthelmintic against Trichinella spiralis in vitro, with additional evidence against Giardia, Fasciola, and Haemonchus. Traditionally paired with wormwood and black walnut to target parasite eggs.

Commiphora myrrh (as Mirazid, a purified oleoresin extract) was evaluated in Egyptian clinical trials for schistosomiasis (Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni) with initial reports of high cure rates. However, a subsequent randomized trial found limited efficacy vs. praziquantel.

Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread) is a major Traditional Chinese Medicine source of berberine, used for 2,000 years for intestinal infections. Its berberine content provides documented antiprotozoal activity against Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Trichomonas vaginalis.

Cucurbita (pumpkin) seeds contain cucurbitin, which paralyzes intestinal helminths by targeting their neuromuscular function. Published in vitro and animal studies confirm anthelmintic activity against Trichinella spiralis and Heligmosomoides polygyrus, and pumpkin seeds are listed as a proposed natural anthelmintic.

Curcumin directly disrupts Giardia lamblia trophozoite structure by interfering with tubulin assembly, damaging the parasite's ventral disk and flagella. In vitro studies document activity against Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania, and Toxoplasma gondii.

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a major organosulfur compound from garlic with documented in vitro antiparasitic activity against Giardia lamblia, Leishmania, and helminth parasites. It contributes to garlic's broad-spectrum antiparasitic effects alongside allicin and diallyl trisulfide.

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a potent organosulfur compound from garlic, shows in vitro antiparasitic activity against Giardia, Leishmania, and Toxoplasma, often more potent than allicin or DADS, through reactive sulfur species generation and cell membrane disruption.

Alantolactone from elecampane root has documented anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) activity, and a published study evaluated traditional herbs including elecampane against Ascaris lumbricoides. The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia and multiple ethnobotanical records confirm historical use against intestinal worms. In vitro and limited animal data are available.

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains allicin and organosulfur compounds with broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity. A 2024 in vivo study in swine confirmed garlic powder reduced gastrointestinal parasite intensity, and in vitro studies document activity against Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica.

The garlic bulb is the primary source of allicin and organosulfur compounds documented to inhibit Giardia, Entamoeba, and gastrointestinal helminths in vitro and in animal models. A 2024 in vivo swine study confirmed reduced parasite intensity with garlic powder.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is the primary North American source of berberine, with clinical trial evidence for Giardia lamblia and in vitro activity against Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis. It has a long tradition in Native American medicine for digestive infections.

Graviola (Annona muricata/soursop) contains acetogenins that inhibit parasite mitochondrial complex I, with documented in vitro activity against Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Trichinella spiralis. A published study found graviola extract caused ultrastructural cuticle destruction in T. spiralis adult worms.

Conessine and related steroidal alkaloids from H. antidysenterica show direct activity against Entamoeba histolytica and documented anthelmintic properties. The herb is listed in the British Materia Medica as an antiprotozoal agent. In vitro and animal studies confirm anti-amoebic and anthelmintic efficacy.

In vitro and animal data show monolaurin has activity against Giardia lamblia and Blastocystis. One animal study showed a reduction of Giardia trophozoites and cysts in intestinal contents by 87–91% in monolaurin-treated infected animals versus controls. Evidence is preclinical only.

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) has documented clinical evidence for treatment of fascioliasis (liver fluke). A myrrh-derived preparation (Mirazid) was assessed in clinical trials in Egypt, reporting high cure rates for fascioliasis and schistosomiasis. In vitro studies confirm cuticle damage to Trichinella spiralis.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) has documented in vitro and animal model activity against helminths, Giardia, Plasmodium falciparum, and Leishmania. Azadirachtin disrupts parasite cholinergic neurotransmission, causing paralysis; Ayurvedic use is documented to approximately 2000 BC.

C. rotundus has documented anthelmintic (antiparasitic) activity. The PMC 2023 review cites Al-Massarani et al. (2016) and Janaki et al. (2018) for anthelmintic activity. Anti-malarial activity against Plasmodium species is also documented. Traditional use as an antiparasitic is extensive.

Oregano essential oil, particularly carvacrol and thymol, shows in vitro antiparasitic activity against Giardia lamblia and Blastocystis hominis. A small clinical study with high-carvacrol oregano oil reported clearance of Blastocystis hominis and Entamoeba hartmanni; a 2025 study confirmed antigiardial activity.

P. foetida has documented anthelmintic activity in preclinical studies. Multiple review sources list anthelmintic action as an established pharmacological property of the plant. Traditional use against parasites is documented across Asia.

Papain is a cysteine protease from papaya that degrades parasite cuticle proteins, contributing to documented anthelmintic activity in papaya seed preparations. It is included in digestive enzyme-based antiparasitic protocols based on its proteolytic mechanism against worm structures.

Papaya seeds have the strongest human clinical evidence among natural antiparasitic agents. A placebo-controlled trial in Nigerian children found papaya seed-honey mixture cleared intestinal parasites in 76.7% of children versus 16.7% in controls at 7 days.

Carica papaya seeds and latex demonstrate well-documented anthelmintic and antiparasitic activity supported by experimental and some clinical evidence. A 2026 systematic review of 47 studies found consistent reductions in faecal egg counts of 60–85% attributable to papaya seed bioactives. Papain and carpaine are considered key active constituents.

Peach leaf extracts show anthelmintic activity in published experimental studies, dose-dependently paralyzing and killing parasitic worms. This confirms the traditional classification of peach leaves as parasiticide and anthelmintic. Evidence is from in vitro/animal models, not human trials.

Pomegranate peel extract demonstrated significant antiparasitic activity in PMC-published studies, reducing Giardia lamblia cysts and trophozoites in infected rats in vitro and in vivo, and showing efficacy against Haemonchus contortus nematode eggs, larvae, and adults.

Bee propolis has demonstrated antiparasitic activity in vitro against Giardia lamblia, Toxoplasma gondii, and Leishmania species, and is listed by EBSCO Research Starters among traditional herbs proposed for intestinal parasite treatment.

Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin, which paralyzes intestinal helminths by disrupting their neuromuscular function. In vitro and animal studies confirm efficacy against tapeworms, roundworms, and Trichinella spiralis, and pumpkin seeds are widely recognized as a traditional anthelmintic across multiple cultures.

Punicalagins are the primary polyphenolic compounds in pomegranate peel responsible for its documented antiparasitic activity against Giardia lamblia and Haemonchus contortus in PMC-published in vitro and animal studies.

Punicalin is a hydrolyzable tannin from pomegranate peel contributing alongside punicalagins and ellagic acid to documented antiparasitic activity against Giardia lamblia and nematodes in published PMC studies.

A. muricata seeds, leaves, and bark are documented antiparasitic and antiprotozoal agents in both traditional medicine and pre-clinical pharmacological studies. Antiprotozoal activity—including against Plasmodium species—constitutes 10% of documented pharmacological activities across 49 research articles.

Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua) is the source of artemisinin, the Nobel Prize-winning antimalarial compound. Beyond malaria, clinical and preclinical evidence supports activity against Schistosoma and Giardia; a large clinical trial found wormwood tea effective against schistosomiasis comparable to praziquantel.

Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is the source of Nobel Prize-winning artemisinin for malaria, with clinical trial evidence against schistosomiasis and in vitro activity against Giardia. Traditional Chinese medicine use is documented since 341 AD.

Anthelmintic (anti-worm) and anti-leishmanial activity of Swertia chirayita are documented in peer-reviewed pharmacological studies. Amarogentin is established as an inhibitor of topoisomerase I from Leishmania donovani. The plant's use for intestinal worms is one of its most consistent traditional indications across Asian medicine systems.

Thymoquinone (from Nigella sativa) demonstrates significant in vitro antiparasitic activity against piroplasm parasites (Babesia, Theileria), Leishmania tropica, and schistosomiasis, acting through reactive oxygen species generation inside parasitic cells.

Turmeric's active compound curcumin disrupts microtubule assembly in Giardia lamblia trophozoites, damaging the parasite's ventral disk and flagella. In vitro studies also document activity against Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Toxoplasma; turmeric appears in traditional Ayurvedic antiparasitic protocols.

Anthelmintic activity of Zanthoxylum species is supported by in vitro and animal studies. Z. armatum seed extract showed efficacy against Haemonchus contortus in a ruminant model. Z. zanthoxyloides is a well-known traditional anthelmintic in Uganda and West Africa, and methanolic root-bark extract has demonstrated anthelmintic activity. Anti-trypanosomal and antimalarial activities of several species are also documented.

10-Undecenoic acid (undecylenic acid) is a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid with established antifungal properties, included in parasite cleanse and Candida protocols for its ability to disrupt fungal and microbial cell membranes. It is listed in antiparasitic supplement databases.

Allium tuberosum (garlic chives/Chinese chives) is a traditional culinary and medicinal plant in East Asian medicine related to garlic, with similar organosulfur compounds. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for intestinal worms and digestive parasites.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is explicitly listed by EBSCO Research Starters among herbs commonly mentioned for intestinal parasite treatment in complementary medicine. Traditional use spans ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Arabic medicine for worm expulsion.

Baccharoides anthelmintica (formerly Vernonia anthelmintica, Ayurvedic Somraj/Kali Jeeri) is a classical Ayurvedic anthelmintic whose species name directly reflects its traditional use against intestinal worms. Seeds are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for worm expulsion.

Belleric myrobalan is classified as an anthelmintic in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha medical systems, with use for intestinal worms documented across classical texts and ethnobotanical surveys from South Asia. Traditional combinations with butea seeds for antiparasitic use are referenced. Pharmacologically, the triterpenoid and polyphenol content provides mechanistic plausibility, though controlled human antiparasitic trials have not been identified.

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) hull has been used for centuries in North American and European folk medicine to expel intestinal worms. Its active compound juglone shows antiparasitic activity in vitro and in animal models against nematodes, Giardia, and Entamoeba, though robust human clinical trials are lacking.

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme complex from pineapple, is included in parasite cleanse protocols based on its ability to digest parasite cuticle proteins, paralleling papain's anthelmintic mechanism. Traditional tropical folk medicine uses pineapple for digestive and parasitic conditions.

Caprylic acid (octanoic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid from coconut oil) is used in natural parasite cleanse protocols for its proposed ability to disrupt Candida and parasite cell membranes. It appears in traditional antiparasitic supplement formulations and is listed in parasite-related herb databases.

Anthraquinone-containing herbs including cascara sagrada have a traditional history of use as purgatives to expel intestinal parasites. The premise is that forceful bowel evacuation mechanically removes parasites from the gut. In vitro studies show emodin (a constituent) has antimicrobial properties, but no clinical trials validate cascara for antiparasitic efficacy in humans.

Cat's claw has been used traditionally as a vermifuge (antiparasitic agent) and blood purifier in Amazonian folk medicine. A 2020 MDPI review notes that biological activities have been examined against parasites 'including Plasmodium, Babesia and Theileria.' No human clinical trials for antiparasitic use have been published.

Chenopodium (wormseed/epazote) has centuries-long documented anthelmintic use across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Its essential oil ascaridole was listed in the US Pharmacopeia as an official anthelmintic until the 1950s.

Dulse has a documented historical use in folk medicine for treating parasitic infections, recorded in Irish, Scottish, and broader northern European herbal traditions. No scientific studies have investigated dulse-specific antiparasitic mechanisms or efficacy in humans or animals.

Asafoetida is documented as a vermifuge and anthelmintic across Chinese, Egyptian, Nepalese, and Middle Eastern traditional medicine. Decoctions are taken orally as a vermifuge in China; aqueous extracts as anthelmintic in Nepal. In vitro evidence also shows activity against Trichomonas vaginalis.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has traditional use in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and African medicine for intestinal parasite conditions. A published in vitro study evaluated ginger extracts against Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella britovi larvae; ginger is included in multiple published natural antiparasitic protocols.

Green chiretta has a long history of use as an anthelmintic (worm-expelling) and antiprotozoal herb in Ayurveda and TCM. It is used against intestinal parasites, protozoal infections, and has demonstrated preclinical antileishmanial and antimalarial activity. Modern herbal medicine continues this use for parasitic and protozoal gastric infections.

Hyssop is listed as a vermifuge (intestinal worm expellant) in classical Western herbalism. Traditional herbalists including Grieve and King's American Dispensatory document its use for expelling intestinal worms.

Several milkweed species have traditional use as vermifuges and antiparasitic agents. A. curassavica is used in Caribbean and Central American traditional medicine as a vermifuge and antiparasitic syrup. Preclinical in vitro studies show antiparasitic activity against Trichomonas vaginalis, though with poor potency. No human clinical trials exist.

Momordica charantia is documented as an anthelmintic (antiparasitic) in traditional medicine across Asia and Africa. Multiple ethnopharmacological records note use against intestinal worms. Preclinical anthelmintic activity has been confirmed in animal studies. No human clinical trials exist.

A. vulgaris is documented as an antiparasitic and anthelmintic (worm-expelling) herb across European, Asian, and Ayurvedic traditions. The plant's use against intestinal worms is one of its oldest recorded applications. Preclinical evidence supports antiparasitic activity of Artemisia species generally. No human clinical trials specifically on A. vulgaris for parasites exist.

Nimbidin is a key bioactive triterpenoid from neem (Azadirachta indica) used in traditional Ayurvedic and Indian medicine as an antiparasitic agent against helminths and protozoa. A US patent specifically names nimbidin among neem isolates employed as antiparasitic agents in India.

Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) inner bark is a traditional South American antiparasitic listed among herbs for intestinal parasite treatment. Its naphthoquinones lapachol and beta-lapachone show in vitro activity against Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Plasmodium.

Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum simulans) is recorded in traditional Chinese medicine as being used 'for killing parasites.' Z. armatum is documented in Indian traditional medicine as an anthelmintic (anti-worm) agent. Traditional Chinese medicine texts note 'destroying insects' as a primary function of prickly ash. Preclinical anthelmintic evidence exists for related African species. No human clinical trial data are available.

Quassia (Quassia amara) bark is a traditional South American bitter antiparasitic for intestinal worms listed among traditional parasite treatments. Its quassinoids demonstrate in vitro antiprotozoal activity against Plasmodium, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma in the nanomolar range.

Senna species have documented traditional use as anthelmintics in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, and in Latin American and African folk practice. In vitro studies confirm vermicidal and vermifugal activity of Senna leaf extracts against tapeworms and trematodes, including dose-dependent paralysis and ROS-mediated apoptosis in parasites. No human clinical trials support senna as an antiparasitic treatment in the conventional sense; its modern 'parasite cleanse' role is primarily mechanical—using its purgative action to expel intestinal contents.

Sheep's sorrel is documented in traditional herbalism as a vermifuge (worm-expelling agent). Its constituents—particularly anthraquinones—are considered toxic to intestinal parasites. No clinical evidence supports this use for R. acetosella specifically.

Hua Jiao is a classical TCM antiparasitic herb, documented in texts including the Shang Han Lun as a component of Wu Mei Wan for roundworm reversal. In vitro antimicrobial data support biological plausibility, but modern human antiparasitic trials do not exist.

Sophora flavescens has been traditionally used for antiparasitic purposes, including scabies and other skin parasites, documented in classical TCM texts. Its alkaloids have demonstrated antiparasitic activity in preclinical research. TCM references its use for clearing insects and parasites.

A. calamus is classified as anthelmintic (krimighna) in Ayurveda and used with milk to dispel intestinal worms in South Indian and other traditions. Anthelmintic properties appear in multiple ethnomedicinal and pharmacopoeial references. No clinical anthelmintic trial data are available.

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) has centuries-long use in European herbal medicine as an anthelmintic for roundworms, tapeworms, and pinworms. Its thujone content disrupts parasite nervous systems by GABA-A receptor antagonism; it appears in EBSCO's list of traditional parasite herbs.

Vidanga (Embelia ribes) is one of the most frequently cited classical Ayurvedic anthelmintics, referenced in foundational texts (Charaka Samhita) for intestinal worm expulsion. Its active compound embelin demonstrates anthelmintic activity against nematodes in animal models.

Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides/epazote) has centuries-long documented use as an anthelmintic across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Its active compound ascaridole was listed in the US Pharmacopeia as an official pharmaceutical anthelmintic until the 1950s.