Evidence supporting the use of: Balsam pear
For the health condition: Parasites (nematodes, worms)

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Synopsis

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

Balsam pear (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter melon, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems—including those of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean—for the treatment of intestinal parasites such as nematodes and worms. Traditional healers have employed various parts of the plant, particularly the fruit and seeds, to expel or manage parasitic infections in humans. Reports from ethnobotanical surveys and folk medicine records indicate that decoctions or extracts of the fruit are commonly administered for this purpose. Scientific investigation into the antiparasitic effects of balsam pear is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that extracts of Momordica charantia possess mild anthelmintic activity, showing some efficacy against certain parasitic worms. However, the evidence is not robust or consistent, and the doses required for significant effects are often higher than those used traditionally. Additionally, there is a lack of well-designed human clinical trials validating its effectiveness for treating parasitic infections. As a result, while there is a clear tradition of use, and some preliminary laboratory evidence, rigorous scientific validation is lacking, and the overall strength of evidence is modest.

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