Related Items: Giardia, Pinworms, Worms
Parasites Information
are organisms larger than yeast or bacteria that can cause infection, usually in the intestines. The most common
parasites to infect humans in the United States and Canada are giardia (Giardia
lamblia), Entamoeba histolytica, cryptosporidium (Cryptosporidium
spp.), roundworm (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworm (Ancylostoma duodenale and
Necator americanus), pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), and tapeworm
(Taenia spp.).
Infection with parasites can be life-threatening in people with severe impairment of immune function. People should consult a
physician if they suspect a parasitic infection.
What are the symptoms of parasites?
Parasite infections can lead to a variety of symptoms, including gas, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal cramping and pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite,
fever, rash, cough, itching anus, and bloody
or foul-smelling stools.
Medical treatments for parasites
Over the counter antidiarrheal drugs, such as
loperamide (Imodium A-D®), bismuth
subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol®), and attapulgite (Kaopectate®), might be helpful.
Supportive care with the replacement of fluids and electrolytes, sometimes with the use of
oral rehydration solutions (Pedialyte®, Ceralyte®, Infalyte®), is often
recommended.
Prescription medication, such as
mebendazole (Vermox®), thiabendazole
(Mintezol®), metronidazole
(Flagyl®), and praziquantel
(Biltricide®), may be prescribed based on the type of parasite found. Medicines to stop
diarrhea, such as diphenoxylate (Lomotil®, Lonox®, Motofen®), and opiates (codeine), may be prescribed for some individuals.
Severe diarrhea may require hospitalization
for urgent fluid and electrolyte replacement, especially in children and the elderly.
Dietary changes that may be helpful for parasites
When traveling in developing countries, people should avoid drinking tap water and eating uncooked foods, foods prepared by
street vendors, ice, and fruits that cannot be
peeled. All of these are potential sources of parasitic infection. People should not drink
untreated stream water while camping, as it is frequently almost invariably contaminated with
giardia, even in the United States. Undercooked
fish, meat and poultry can also contain
parasites.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful for parasites
Propolis is a resinous substance collected
by bees from the leaf buds and bark of trees, especially poplar and conifer trees. The
antimicrobial properties of propolis may help protect against parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract. One
preliminary trial of propolis extract for children and adults with giardiasis showed a 52%
rate of successful parasite elimination in children and a 60% elimination rate in adults
(amount not stated).1 These results are not as impressive as those achieved with
conventional drugs for giardiasis, though, so propolis should not be used as the sole therapy
for parasites without first consulting a physician about available medical treatment.
Are there any side effects or interactions with Parasites?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful for parasites
Berberine is derived from several plants, including barberry,
Oregon grape, goldenseal, and goldthread
(Coptis chinensis). Preliminary trials have shown that berberine can be used
successfully to treat giardia
infections.2 3 In addition, test tube studies show that berberine
kills amoebae, although it is not known whether this effect occurs in humans.4 The
amount required is approximately 200 mg three times per day for an adult—a level high
enough to potentially cause side effects. Therefore, berberine should not be used without
consulting a healthcare provider.
Emetine and other alkaloids in ipecac kill
several types of parasites, including amoeba, pinworms, and tapeworms.5
6 Generally the amounts of ipecac needed to produce these effects in people are high and
can lead to severe side effects. Emetine or its somewhat safer form, dihydroemetine, are
reserved for rare cases of people infected with amoebae who are not cured by using anti-amoeba
drugs.7 Because of the danger involved, ipecac and emetine should never be used
without first consulting a physician.
In a preliminary trial, patients with schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection) were treated
with a combination of resin and volatile oil of
myrrh, in the amount of 10 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for three days. The
cure rate was 91.7% and, of those who did not respond, 76.5% were cured by a second six-day
course of treatment, increasing the overall cure rate to 98.1%.8
Garlic has been demonstrated to kill
parasites, including amoeba9 and hookworm,10 in test tubes and in
animals. Older studies in humans support the use of garlic to treat roundworm, pinworm, and
hookworm.11 However, due to a lack of clinical trials, the amount of garlic needed
to treat intestinal parasites in humans is not known.
Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides) is a traditional remedy for infections with
worms. However, a study in Mexico found that the powdered herb was not effective at
eradicating hookworm, roundworm, or whipworm.12
Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita
pepo) have purported effects against tapeworms. Given their safety, they are often
recommended as an addition to other, more reliable therapies. In Germany, 200–400 grams
are commonly ground and taken with milk and honey, followed by castor oil two hours
later.13 Tapeworms can cause severe illness and should be treated only with medical
supervision. In China, pumpkin seeds have been shown to effectively treat acute
schistosomiasis, a severe parasitic disease occurring primarily in Asia and Africa that is
transmitted by snails.14 The assistance of a physician is required to help diagnose
and treat any suspected intestinal parasite infection.
Several other herbs are traditionally used for treatment of parasites, including male fern
(Dryopteris filix mas) root, tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) leaf, wormwood,
sweet Annie, black walnut (Juglans nigra) fruit, and cloves (Syzygium
aromaticum). Numerous case reports and preliminary studies
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in
vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of
the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter
medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or
pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications.
References:
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