Synopsis

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

Saponins have a long history of traditional use in various cultures for treating intestinal parasites, including nematodes and worms. In ethnobotanical practices, plants rich in saponins—such as Quillaja saponaria, Medicago sativa (alfalfa), and certain species of Yucca—have been used as natural remedies for expelling or killing gastrointestinal worms. The traditional rationale is that saponins, due to their surfactant properties, can disrupt cell membranes, possibly leading to the paralysis or death of worms in the digestive tract. Scientific studies supporting this use are limited but do exist, primarily in vitro or in animal models. Some research indicates that saponins can have anthelmintic (anti-worm) effects, interfering with the integrity of the parasite's cuticle or surface structures. For instance, studies have reported that saponin extracts from certain plants show activity against nematodes in livestock. However, these results are not consistent across all types of saponins or host species, and there is a lack of robust clinical data in humans. Furthermore, issues of dosing, safety, and efficacy remain insufficiently addressed in scientific literature. Overall, while saponins are traditionally used for parasite management and some preliminary scientific evidence exists, the support is not strong enough to justify routine clinical use without further study.

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