Evidence supporting the use of: Artemisinin
For the health condition: Parasites (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Artemisinin is a compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua) and is primarily known for its use in the treatment of malaria, a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species. Its antimalarial efficacy is well supported by extensive clinical research, and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The scientific evidence supporting artemisinin's effectiveness against malaria is robust, with numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses demonstrating rapid parasite clearance and high cure rates.
Beyond malaria, artemisinin and its derivatives have shown activity against other protozoan and helminthic parasites in preclinical studies. Laboratory and animal studies have suggested potential efficacy against Schistosoma (the causative agent of schistosomiasis), Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis), and certain intestinal parasites. However, clinical evidence for these uses is limited and not as well established as for malaria. As such, while there is promising preclinical data, routine clinical use of artemisinin for non-malarial parasitic infections is not currently recommended by major health authorities due to insufficient human trial data.
In summary, the use of artemisinin for treating malaria (a parasitic infection) is strongly supported by scientific evidence, but its use for other parasitic diseases remains experimental and not yet validated by large-scale clinical studies.
Other ingredients used for Parasites (general)
ajoenebarberry
myrobalan
betel
black walnut
caprylic acid
clove
turmeric
garlic bulb
ginger
quassia
oregano
pumpkin
slippery elm bark
sweet wormwood
typhonium
neem tree
clerodendrum indicum
holarrhena antidysenterica
pau d'arco
soursop
Anthraquinone
Agave
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Acetogenin
Asam gelugor
Abuta
Amor seco
Alantolactone
Baliospermum
Blepharis
Berberis (unspecified)
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Borassus aethiopum
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Combretum quadrangulare
Cinquefoil
Chenopodium
Colombo
Chirata
Dichroa
Diatomaceous Earth
Rhubarb
Wormseed
Other health conditions supported by Artemisinin
Cancer (natural therapy for)Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Contagious Diseases
Fever
Infection
Inflammation
Malaria
Parasites (general)