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

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Synopsis

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

Buckthorn (which may refer to various species such as Rhamnus cathartica or Frangula alnus) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly as a laxative. In European and North American folk medicine, buckthorn bark and berries were used to treat constipation and, less commonly, to expel intestinal parasites such as tapeworms. The rationale behind this was primarily the strong purgative (laxative) effect of buckthorn, which was thought to help mechanically remove worms from the gastrointestinal tract.

However, there is very limited scientific evidence to support the efficacy of buckthorn specifically against tapeworms or other parasites. Most references to its use for parasites are anecdotal or appear in older herbal texts rather than supported by modern clinical trials or pharmacological studies. The active compounds in buckthorn, such as anthraquinones, stimulate bowel movements but do not have known direct antiparasitic properties. Therefore, its use is justified by tradition rather than robust scientific validation, and the evidence supporting its effectiveness for this purpose is weak. Modern medicine does not recommend buckthorn for treating tapeworm infestations, as there are more effective and safer pharmaceutical antiparasitic agents available.

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