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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American and early North American herbalists. It has been employed for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and infections. With regard to parasites such as tapeworms, traditional use suggests that goldenseal was sometimes recommended as a bitter tonic and "cleansing" agent for the gastrointestinal tract. The rationale likely stemmed from its general antimicrobial properties and its use for improving digestive health, rather than specific anti-parasitic actions.

However, scientific evidence supporting goldenseal’s efficacy against tapeworms or other intestinal parasites is extremely limited. The main active constituents of goldenseal, berberine and hydrastine, exhibit broad antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings, primarily against bacteria and some fungi. While there is some in vitro (test tube) evidence that berberine may act against certain protozoan parasites (such as Giardia), there is virtually no direct research demonstrating effectiveness against tapeworms or other helminths in humans. Major clinical or animal studies specifically targeting tapeworms are lacking. Due to this, the evidence rating is low.

In summary, goldenseal's use for tapeworms is justified primarily by traditional practices rather than scientific validation. Modern clinical guidelines do not recommend it for treating tapeworm infections, and safer, proven pharmaceutical treatments are available.

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