Evidence supporting the use of: Barberry
For the health condition: Parasites (tapeworm)

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Synopsis

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

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Middle Eastern, Ayurvedic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine systems. It has been used for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and infections. Against intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, the use of barberry is primarily based on its traditional reputation as a bitter tonic and its content of the alkaloid berberine. Historical texts and herbal compendia reference barberry’s application for expelling worms and treating parasitic infections, with berberine believed to possess antiparasitic activity. However, while berberine has demonstrated some efficacy against protozoan parasites in laboratory studies, direct evidence for its effectiveness against tapeworms and other helminths is limited and largely anecdotal. Few clinical studies validate its use specifically for tapeworm infections in humans, and most available research involves in vitro or animal models, or focuses on different types of parasites. As a result, the justification for using barberry for tapeworms is mainly traditional, with a moderate evidence rating due to some supporting preclinical data but a lack of robust clinical trials. Those considering barberry for this purpose should consult a healthcare provider, as conventional antiparasitic medications are better studied and more reliably effective.

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