Also called anthelmintic, anti-parasitic herbs can help the body eliminate or destroy worms and parasites such as tapeworm.  Significant essential oils studied include oregano and thyme, and herbs include wormwood and hyssop.  Caution is necessary when using herbs as anti-parasitics, related to their low therapeutic margin.

Recipes to Help with Parasites

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RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

GENERAL

• Plants used for their anti-parasite activities are reviewed.  From:  Mali, R. G., & Mehta, A. A. (2008). A review on anthelmintic plants.

BARBERRY

• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.

BASIL

• Clove, basil, and yarrow were effective against the parasite T. cruzi that feeds on blood and lymph.  From:  Santoro, G. F., Cardoso, M. G., Guimarães, L. G. L., Mendonça, L. Z., & Soares, M. J. (2007). Trypanosoma cruzi: activity of essential oils from Achillea millefolium L., Syzygium aromaticum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. on epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. Experimental parasitology, 116(3), 283-290.
• Ocimum sanctum and eugenol tested in vitro, showed potent anthelmintic activity.  From:  Asha, M. K., Prashanth, D., Murali, B., Padmaja, R., & Amit, A. (2001). Anthelmintic activity of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol. Fitoterapia, 72(6), 669-670.
• Essential oils from fresh leaves of Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum demonstrated an anti-malarial effect in mice.  From:  Tchoumbougnang, F., Zollo, P. A., Dagne, E., & Mekonnen, Y. (2005). In vivo antimalarial activity of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Planta medica, 71(01), 20-23.

BAY

• Laurus nobilis was antiparasitic against Trypanosoma cruzi.  From:  Uchiyama, N., Matsunaga, K., Kiuchi, F., Honda, G., Tsubouchi, A., Nakajima-Shimada, J., & Aoki, T. (2002). Trypanocidal terpenoids from Laurus nobilis L. Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin, 50(11), 1514-1516.

BAYBERRY

• Myrica esculenta (bayberry) showed anthelmintic activity.  From:  Jain, V. K., & Jain, B. (2010). Antihelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of bark of Myrica esculenta. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 1(11), 129.

BONESET

• A blend of Eupatorium perfoliatum and Arsenicum album effectively inhibited malaria parasite multiplication in mice.  From:  Lira-Salazar, G., Marines-Montiel, E., Torres-Monzón, J., Hernández-Hernández, F., & Salas-Benito, J. S. (2006). Effects of homeopathic medications Eupatorium perfoliatum and Arsenicum album on parasitemia of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Homeopathy, 95(4), 223-228.

CASSIA

• Cassia racemosa showed activity against protozoa species.  From:  Moo-Puc, R. E., Mena-Rejon, G. J., Quijano, L., & Cedillo-Rivera, R. (2007). Antiprotozoal activity of Senna racemosa. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 112(2), 415-416. 

CASTOR OIL

• Castor oil was anti-parasitic against Leishmania infantum in vitro. From: Rondon, F. C., Bevilaqua, C. M., Accioly, M. P., Morais, S. M., Andrade-Junior, H. F., Machado, L. K., … & Rodrigues, A. C. M. (2011). In vitro effect of Aloe vera, Coriandrum sativum and Ricinus communis fractions on Leishmania infantum and on murine monocytic cells. Veterinary parasitology, 178(3-4), 235-240.

CEDAR

• Tested in vitro, Justicia spicigera (honeysuckle), Lipia beriandieri (oregano), Psidium guajava (guava), Punica granutus (granado) Magnifera indica (mango), Plantago major (plantain), and Cupressus semperbirens (cedar) showed antigiardiasic activity against the human intestinal parasite.  From:  Ponce-Macotela, M., Navarro-Alegria, I., Martinez-Gordillo, M. N., & Alvarez-Chacon, R. (1993). In vitro effect against Giardia of 14 plant extracts. Revista de investigacion clinica; organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion, 46(5), 343-347.

CHAMOMILE (GERMAN)

• Matricaria recutita extracts showed in vitro antiparasitic activity against Haemonchus contortus. From: Hajaji, S., Alimi, D., Jabri, M. A., Abuseir, S., Gharbi, M., & Akkari, H. (2018). Anthelmintic activity of Tunisian chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) against Haemonchus contortus. Journal of helminthology, 92(2), 168-177.
• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.

CHAMOMILE (ROMAN)

• Essential oils of lime, Roman chamomile, and lavender were anti-parasitic in vitro against Haemonchus contortus. From: Ferreira, L. E., Benincasa, B. I., Fachin, A. L., Contini, S. H. T., França, S. C., Chagas, A. C. S., & Beleboni, R. O. (2018). Essential oils of Citrus aurantifolia, Anthemis nobile and Lavandula officinalis: in vitro anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus. Parasites & vectors, 11(1), 269.

CLOVE / EUGENOL

• Eugenol and S. aromaticum essential oil showed anti-giardia parasite activity.  From:  Machado, M., Dinis, A. M., Salgueiro, L., Custódio, J. B., Cavaleiro, C., & Sousa, M. C. (2011). Anti-Giardia activity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil and eugenol: effects on growth, viability, adherence and ultrastructure. Experimental parasitology, 127(4), 732-739.
• Clove, basil, and yarrow were effective against the parasite T. cruzi that feeds on blood and lymph.  From:  Santoro, G. F., Cardoso, M. G., Guimarães, L. G. L., Mendonça, L. Z., & Soares, M. J. (2007). Trypanosoma cruzi: activity of essential oils from Achillea millefolium L., Syzygium aromaticum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. on epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. Experimental parasitology, 116(3), 283-290.

CYPRESS

• Extracts of cypress showed antimicrobial and anti-parasitic activities in vitro.  From:  Zhang, J., Rahman, A. A., Jain, S., Jacob, M. R., Khan, S. I., Tekwani, B. L., & Ilias, M. (2012). Antimicrobial and antiparasitic abietane diterpenoids from Cupressus sempervirens. Research and reports in medicinal chemistry, 2(1), 1-6.

DILL

• Extracts of dill administered to pediatric children significantly decreased the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia, comparable to the drug metronidazole.  From:  Sahib, A. S., Mohammed, I. H., & Sloo, S. A. (2014). Antigiardial effect of Anethum graveolens aqueous extract in children. Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology, 3(3), 109–112.

ECHINACEA

• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.

EUCALYPTUS

• Eucalyptus showed anti-parasite activity.  From:  Taur, D. J., Kulkarni, V. B., & Patil, R. Y. (2010). Chromatographic evaluation and anthelmintic activity of Eucalyptus globulus oil. Pharmacognosy research, 2(3), 125.  Ocimum sanctum and eugenol tested in vitro, showed potent anthelmintic activity.  From:  Asha, M. K., Prashanth, D., Murali, B., Padmaja, R., & Amit, A. (2001). Anthelmintic activity of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol. Fitoterapia, 72(6), 669-670.
• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.

FEVERFEW

• Parthenolide from feverfew inhibited the parasite Leishmania amazonensis in vitro. From:  Tiuman, T. S., Ueda-Nakamura, T., Cortez, D. A. G., Dias Filho, B. P., Morgado-Díaz, J. A., de Souza, W., & Nakamura, C. V. (2005). Antileishmanial activity of parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Tanacetum parthenium. Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 49(1), 176-182.

GARLIC

• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.
• Garlic, ginger, black seed squash, and sacred fig showed in vitro anthelmintic activities against multiple parasites tested.  From:  Iqbal, Z., Nadeem, Q. K., Khan, M. N., Akhtar, M. S., & Waraich, F. N. (2001). In vitro anthelmintic activity of Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, Curcurbita mexicana and Ficus religiosa. Int J Agri Biol, 3(4), 454-45.

GINGER

• Gingerenone in ginger exhibited a moderate antiparasite activity in vitro and strong antifungal activity against Pyricularia oryzae. From:  Endo, K., Kanno, E., & Oshima, Y. (1990). Structures of antifungal diarylheptenones, gingerenones A, B, C and isogingerenone B, isolated from the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale. Phytochemistry, 29(3), 797-799.
• Garlic, ginger, black seed squash, and sacred fig showed in vitro anthelmintic activities against multiple parasites tested.  From:  Iqbal, Z., Nadeem, Q. K., Khan, M. N., Akhtar, M. S., & Waraich, F. N. (2001). In vitro anthelmintic activity of Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, Curcurbita mexicana and Ficus religiosa. Int J Agri Biol, 3(4), 454-45.

GUAVA

• Tested in vitro, Justicia spicigera (honeysuckle), Lipia beriandieri (oregano), Psidium guajava (guava), Punica granutus (granado) Magnifera indica (mango), Plantago major (plantain), and Cupressus semperbirens (cedar) showed antigiardiasic activity against the human intestinal parasite.  From:  Ponce-Macotela, M., Navarro-Alegria, I., Martinez-Gordillo, M. N., & Alvarez-Chacon, R. (1993). In vitro effect against Giardia of 14 plant extracts. Revista de investigacion clinica; organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion, 46(5), 343-347.

HENNA

• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.

HONEYSUCKLE

• Tested in vitro, Justicia spicigera (honeysuckle), Lipia beriandieri (oregano), Psidium guajava (guava), Punica granutus (granado) Magnifera indica (mango), Plantago major (plantain), and Cupressus semperbirens (cedar) showed antigiardiasic activity against the human intestinal parasite.  From:  Ponce-Macotela, M., Navarro-Alegria, I., Martinez-Gordillo, M. N., & Alvarez-Chacon, R. (1993). In vitro effect against Giardia of 14 plant extracts. Revista de investigacion clinica; organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion, 46(5), 343-347.

HYSSOP

• Hyssop showed anthelmintic activity against chicken worms.  From:  Hilal, S. H., El Alfy, T. S., & El Sherei, M. M. (1978). Investigation of the volatile oil of Hyssopus officinalis L.[Herbaceous ornamental; to study the effect of volatile oil against chicken worms (Ascaridia galli); in Egypt]. Egyptian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

JASMINE

• Jasminum fruticans, Mentha longifolia, Pinus nigra,Zea mays,Citrillus lanatus (watermelon), Juniperus drupacea (fruit), Juniperus oxcycedrus, and Plantago lanceolata displayed significant anthelmintic activity against pinworms. From:  Kozan, E., Küpeli, E., & Yesilada, E. (2006). Evaluation of some plants used in Turkish folk medicine against parasitic infections for their in vivo anthelmintic activity. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 108(2), 211-216.

JAVA

• Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Baeckea frutenscens, Brucea javanica (java), Curcuma xanthorrhiza (tumeric), Strychnos lucida and Swietenia macrophylla showed strong antimalarial and antibabesial and activities.  From:  MURNIGSIH, T., MATSUURA, H., TAKAHASHI, K., YAMASAKI, M., YAMATO, O., MAEDE, Y., … & YOSHIHARA, T. (2005). Evaluation of the inhibitory activities of the extracts of Indonesian traditional medicinal plants against Plasmodium falciparum and Babesia gibsoni. Journal of veterinary medical science, 67(8), 829-831.

JUNIPER

• Jasminum fruticans, Mentha longifolia, Pinus nigra,Zea mays,Citrillus lanatus (watermelon), Juniperus drupacea (fruit), Juniperus oxcycedrus, and Plantago lanceolata displayed significant anthelmintic activity against pinworms. From:  Kozan, E., Küpeli, E., & Yesilada, E. (2006). Evaluation of some plants used in Turkish folk medicine against parasitic infections for their in vivo anthelmintic activity. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 108(2), 211-216.

LAVENDER

• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.
• Essential oils of lime, Roman chamomile, and lavender were anti-parasitic in vitro against Haemonchus contortus. From: Ferreira, L. E., Benincasa, B. I., Fachin, A. L., Contini, S. H. T., França, S. C., Chagas, A. C. S., & Beleboni, R. O. (2018). Essential oils of Citrus aurantifolia, Anthemis nobile and Lavandula officinalis: in vitro anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus. Parasites & vectors, 11(1), 269.

LEMONGRASS

• Essential oils from fresh leaves of Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum demonstrated an anti-malarial effect in mice.  From:  Tchoumbougnang, F., Zollo, P. A., Dagne, E., & Mekonnen, Y. (2005). In vivo antimalarial activity of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Planta medica, 71(01), 20-23.
• Lemongrass essential oil and its constituent citral was effective against T. cruzi trypomastigotes and amastigotes.  From:  Santoro, G. F., Cardoso, M. G., Guimarães, L. G. L., Freire, J. M., & Soares, M. J. (2007). Anti-proliferative effect of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (lemongrass) on intracellular amastigotes, bloodstream trypomastigotes and culture epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida). Parasitology, 134(11), 1649-1656.
• Essential oil extracts of lemongrass were anti-protozoan against Crithidia deanei.  From:  Pedroso, R. B., Ueda-Nakamura, T., Filho, B. P. D., Cortez, D. A. G., Cortez, L. E. R., Morgado-Diaz, J. A., & Nakamura, C. V. (2007). Biological activities of essential oil obtained from Cymbopogon citratus on Crithidia deanei. Acta Protozoologica, 45(3), 231.

LIME

• Essential oils of lime, Roman chamomile, and lavender were anti-parasitic in vitro against Haemonchus contortus. From: Ferreira, L. E., Benincasa, B. I., Fachin, A. L., Contini, S. H. T., França, S. C., Chagas, A. C. S., & Beleboni, R. O. (2018). Essential oils of Citrus aurantifolia, Anthemis nobile and Lavandula officinalis: in vitro anthelmintic activities against Haemonchus contortus. Parasites & vectors, 11(1), 269.

MANGO

• Tested in vitro, Justicia spicigera (honeysuckle), Lipia beriandieri (oregano), Psidium guajava (guava), Punica granutus (granado) Magnifera indica (mango), Plantago major (plantain), and Cupressus semperbirens (cedar) showed antigiardiasic activity against the human intestinal parasite.  From:  Ponce-Macotela, M., Navarro-Alegria, I., Martinez-Gordillo, M. N., & Alvarez-Chacon, R. (1993). In vitro effect against Giardia of 14 plant extracts. Revista de investigacion clinica; organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion, 46(5), 343-347.

MOTHERWORT

• Extracts of motherwort containing labdane diterpenes were active against the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum in vitro.  From:  Agnihotri, V. K., ElSohly, H. N., Smillie, T. J., Khan, I. A., & Walker, L. A. (2008). New labdane diterpenes from Leonurus cardiaca. Planta medica, 74(10), 1288-1290.

NIAOULI

• Citrus sinensis and Melaleuca quinquenervia showed varying anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal nematodes with 1,8-cineole and limonene being active constituents.  Amounts needed to by anti-parasitic may not have been safe for the host; more research is necessary.   From:  Gaínza, Y. A., Domingues, L. F., Perez, O. P., Rabelo, M. D., López, E. R., & de Souza Chagas, A. C. (2015). Anthelmintic activity in vitro of Citrus sinensis and Melaleuca quinquenervia essential oil from Cuba on Haemonchus contortus. Industrial Crops and Products, 76, 647-652.

ORANGE

• Citrus sinensis and Melaleuca quinquenervia showed varying anthelmintic activity against gastrointestinal nematodes with 1,8-cineole and limonene being active constituents.  Amounts needed to by anti-parasitic may not have been safe for the host; more research is necessary.   From:  Gaínza, Y. A., Domingues, L. F., Perez, O. P., Rabelo, M. D., López, E. R., & de Souza Chagas, A. C. (2015). Anthelmintic activity in vitro of Citrus sinensis and Melaleuca quinquenervia essential oil from Cuba on Haemonchus contortus. Industrial Crops and Products, 76, 647-652.

OREGANO

• Oregano and thyme essential oils were effective against T. cruzi.  From:  Santoro, G. F., das Graças Cardoso, M., Guimarães, L. G. L., Salgado, A. P. S., Menna-Barreto, R. F., & Soares, M. J. (2007). Effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oils on Trypanosoma cruzi (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida) growth and ultrastructure. Parasitology research, 100(4), 783-790.
• Tested in vitro, Justicia spicigera (honeysuckle), Lipia beriandieri (oregano), Psidium guajava (guava), Punica granutus (granado) Magnifera indica (mango), Plantago major (plantain), and Cupressus semperbirens (cedar) showed antigiardiasic activity against the human intestinal parasite.  From:  Ponce-Macotela, M., Navarro-Alegria, I., Martinez-Gordillo, M. N., & Alvarez-Chacon, R. (1993). In vitro effect against Giardia of 14 plant extracts. Revista de investigacion clinica; organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion, 46(5), 343-347.
• Oreganum vulgare was orally administered to 14 adult patients whose stools tested positive for enteric parasites, reducing the incidence of, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana, and improving gastrointestinal symptoms.  From:  Force, M., Sparks, W. S., & Ronzio, R. A. (2000). Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. Phytotherapy Research, 14(3), 213-214.

PALMAROSA

• Palmarosa and its geraniol constituent both showed potent anthelmintic activity against Caenorhabditis elegans.  From:  Kumaran, A. M., D’Souza, P., Agarwal, A., Bokkolla, R. M., & Balasubramaniam, M. (2003). Geraniol, the putative anthelmintic principle of Cymbopogon martinii. Phytotherapy Research, 17(8), 957-957.

PEPPERMINT

• Peppermint showed antigiardial activity against the parasite. From:  Vidal, F., Vidal, J. C., Gadelha, A. P. R., Lopes, C. S., Coelho, M. G. P., & Monteiro-Leal, L. H. (2007). Giardia lamblia: the effects of extracts and fractions from Mentha x piperita Lin.(Lamiaceae) on trophozoites. Experimental parasitology, 115(1), 25-31.

PERIWINKLE

• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.

PINE

• Jasminum fruticans, Mentha longifolia, Pinus nigra,Zea mays,Citrillus lanatus (watermelon), Juniperus drupacea (fruit), Juniperus oxcycedrus, and Plantago lanceolata displayed significant anthelmintic activity against pinworms. From:  Kozan, E., Küpeli, E., & Yesilada, E. (2006). Evaluation of some plants used in Turkish folk medicine against parasitic infections for their in vivo anthelmintic activity. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 108(2), 211-216.

PLANTAIN

• Tested in vitro, Justicia spicigera (honeysuckle), Lipia beriandieri (oregano), Psidium guajava (guava), Punica granutus (granado) Magnifera indica (mango), Plantago major (plantain), and Cupressus semperbirens (cedar) showed antigiardiasic activity against the human intestinal parasite.  From:  Ponce-Macotela, M., Navarro-Alegria, I., Martinez-Gordillo, M. N., & Alvarez-Chacon, R. (1993). In vitro effect against Giardia of 14 plant extracts. Revista de investigacion clinica; organo del Hospital de Enfermedades de la Nutricion, 46(5), 343-347.
• Jasminum fruticans, Mentha longifolia, Pinus nigra,Zea mays,Citrillus lanatus (watermelon), Juniperus drupacea (fruit), Juniperus oxcycedrus, and Plantago lanceolata displayed significant anthelmintic activity against pinworms. From:  Kozan, E., Küpeli, E., & Yesilada, E. (2006). Evaluation of some plants used in Turkish folk medicine against parasitic infections for their in vivo anthelmintic activity. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 108(2), 211-216.

SPEARMINT

• Jasminum fruticans, Mentha longifolia, Pinus nigra,Zea mays,Citrillus lanatus (watermelon), Juniperus drupacea (fruit), Juniperus oxcycedrus, and Plantago lanceolata displayed significant anthelmintic activity against pinworms. From:  Kozan, E., Küpeli, E., & Yesilada, E. (2006). Evaluation of some plants used in Turkish folk medicine against parasitic infections for their in vivo anthelmintic activity. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 108(2), 211-216.

TEA TREE

• Tea tree oil and terpinen-4-ol were highly effective in reducing the human mite infection: sarcoptes scabiei.  From:  Walton, S. F., McKinnon, M., Pizzutto, S., Dougall, A., Williams, E., & Currie, B. J. (2004). Acaricidal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: in vitro sensitivity of sarcoptes scabiei var hominis to terpinen-4-ol. Archives of dermatology, 140(5), 563-566.
• Terpinen-4-ol, a monoterpene alcohol, killed bloodstream forms of the protozoa: T. brucei. From:  Mikus, J., Harkenthal, M., Steverding, D., & Reichling, J. (2000). In vitro effect of essential oils and isolated mono-and sesquiterpenes on Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei. Planta Medica, 66(04), 366-368.

TERPINEN-4-OL

• Terpinen-4-ol, a monoterpene alcohol, killed bloodstream forms of the protozoa: T. brucei. From:  Mikus, J., Harkenthal, M., Steverding, D., & Reichling, J. (2000). In vitro effect of essential oils and isolated mono-and sesquiterpenes on Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei. Planta Medica, 66(04), 366-368.

THYME

• Oregano and thyme essential oils were effective against T. cruzi.  From:  Santoro, G. F., das Graças Cardoso, M., Guimarães, L. G. L., Salgado, A. P. S., Menna-Barreto, R. F., & Soares, M. J. (2007). Effect of oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oils on Trypanosoma cruzi (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida) growth and ultrastructure. Parasitology research, 100(4), 783-790.
• T. vulgaris was effective against the protozoan parasite, E. histolytica.  From:  Behnia, M., Haghighi, A., Komeylizadeh, H., Tabaei, S. J. S., & Abadi, A. (2008). Inhibitory effects of Iranian Thymus vulgaris extracts on in vitro growth of Entamoeba histolytica. The Korean journal of parasitology, 46(3), 153-156.

TURMERIC

• Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Baeckea frutenscens, Brucea javanica (java), Curcuma xanthorrhiza (tumeric), Strychnos lucida and Swietenia macrophylla showed strong antimalarial and antibabesial and activities.  From:  MURNIGSIH, T., MATSUURA, H., TAKAHASHI, K., YAMASAKI, M., YAMATO, O., MAEDE, Y., … & YOSHIHARA, T. (2005). Evaluation of the inhibitory activities of the extracts of Indonesian traditional medicinal plants against Plasmodium falciparum and Babesia gibsoni. Journal of veterinary medical science, 67(8), 829-831.

WORMWOOD

• In this review of research, the following herbs have shown potential against cutaneous leishmaniasis in vivo: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Matricaria chamomilla, Cathrantus roseus, Echinacea purpurea, Lawsonia inermis, Artemisia sieberi, Berberis vulgaris, Allium sativum, and Lavandula spica. This is a skin disease caused by a parasite and transmitted by a bite from a sandfly. From: Shamsi, M. O. R. T. E. Z. A., Abbasi, N., Mohajer, A. S. A. D. O. L. L. A. H., Hoseini, M. A. S. I. H., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. A. H. M. O. U. D. (2018). THE MOST IMPORTANT NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN MOUSE. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 8(2), P1-P7.
• Artemesia santonica (wormseed), Albizzia lebbek, and Inula helenium (elecampane) were antihelmintics against Ascaris lumbricoides.  From:  El Garhy, M. F., & Mahmoud, L. H. (2002). Anthelminthic efficacy of traditional herbs on Ascaris lumbricoides. Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology, 32(3), 893-900.

YARROW

• Clove, basil, and yarrow were effective against the parasite T. cruzi that feeds on blood and lymph.  From:  Santoro, G. F., Cardoso, M. G., Guimarães, L. G. L., Mendonça, L. Z., & Soares, M. J. (2007). Trypanosoma cruzi: activity of essential oils from Achillea millefolium L., Syzygium aromaticum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. on epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. Experimental parasitology, 116(3), 283-290.
• Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Baeckea frutenscens, Brucea javanica (java), Curcuma xanthorrhiza (tumeric), Strychnos lucida and Swietenia macrophylla showed strong antimalarial and antibabesial and activities.  From:  MURNIGSIH, T., MATSUURA, H., TAKAHASHI, K., YAMASAKI, M., YAMATO, O., MAEDE, Y., … & YOSHIHARA, T. (2005). Evaluation of the inhibitory activities of the extracts of Indonesian traditional medicinal plants against Plasmodium falciparum and Babesia gibsoni. Journal of veterinary medical science, 67(8), 829-831.

ANTI-MALARIA

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is spread via a mosquito bite.

• In a review of research, the following plants showed antimalarial activities: Argemone mexicana (Mexican poppy), Artemisia annua (wormwood), Citrus aurantifolia (lime), Nauclea pobeguinni (nauclea), Nycthanthes arbor-tristis (night flowering jasmine), and Vernonia amygdalina (grawa). From: Aracil, A., & Green, J. (2019). Plants with antimalarial properties: A systematic review of the current clinical evidence. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 28, 76-85.
• Geranium treated bed nets repelled malaria causing mosquitos. From: Alipour, H., Mahdian, S. M. A., Rami, A., Abad, M. O. K., Amin, M., & Dinparast, N. (2015). Excito-repellency effects of Pelargonium roseum wild (Geraniaceae) essential oil-treated bed nets on the malaria mosquito, Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae).
• Essential oils from fresh leaves of Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum demonstrated an anti-malarial effect in mice. From: Tchoumbougnang, F., Zollo, P. A., Dagne, E., & Mekonnen, Y. (2005). In vivo antimalarial activity of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Planta medica, 71(01), 20-23.
• Vetiver and basil extracts were larvicidal agains the malaria vector: Anopheles stephensi Liston. From: Aarthi, N., & Murugan, K. (2010). Larvicidal and repellent activity of Vetiveria zizanioides L, Ocimum basilicum Linn and the microbial pesticide spinosad against malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae). Journal of Biopesticides, 3(Special Issue), 199.
• Citrus aurantium (bergamot) and Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) showed good larviciding effect against An. stephensi, the malaria vector. From: Sedaghat, M. M., Sanei-Dehkordi, A., Vatandoost, H., & Abai, M. R. (2016). Chemical Compositions of the Peel Essential Oil of Citrus aurantium and its Natural Larvicidal Activity against the Malaria Vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Comparison with Citrus paradisi. Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases.
• Essential oils were tested against the yellow fever mosquito, the malaria vector, and the filariasis and encephalitis vector. The five most effective oils were those of Litsea cubeba, Melaleuca leucadendron, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Viola odorata, and Nepeta cataria, with a protection time of 8 hours at 100% repellency against all three species. From: Amer, A., & Mehlhorn, H. (2006). Repellency effect of forty-one essential oils against Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex mosquitoes. Parasitology research, 99(4), 478-490.
• In this double blind randomized study of over 4000 participants, the use of a bed net treated with a natural insect repellent whose key ingredient was Eucalyptus maculata citriodon, was effective in repelling the mosquito that causes malaria. Hill, N., Lenglet, A., Arnez, A. M., & Carneiro, I. (2007). Plant based insect repellent and insecticide treated bed nets to protect against malaria in areas of early evening biting vectors: double blind randomised placebo controlled clinical trial in the Bolivian Amazon. bmj, 335(7628), 1023.
• Various actions of oregano were analyzed in vitro. From: Babili, F. E., Bouajila, J., Souchard, J. P., Bertrand, C., Bellvert, F., Fouraste, I., … & Valentin, A. (2011). Oregano: chemical analysis and evaluation of its antimalarial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. Journal of food science, 76(3), C512-C518.
• Angelica ssp. have traditionally been used to treat malaria, female diseases, fever, anemia, and joint pains. Science has shown the following activities: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and insecticidal. From: Sowndhararajan, K., Deepa, P., Kim, M., Park, S. J., & Kim, S. (2017). A review of the composition of the essential oils and biological activities of angelica species. Scientia pharmaceutica, 85(3), 33.
• Artemisinin from wormwood is known for treating malaria. From: Dondorp, A. M., Nosten, F., Yi, P., Das, D., Phyo, A. P., Tarning, J., … & Ringwald, P. (2009). Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. New England Journal of Medicine, 361(5), 455-467.
• Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) was effective against Anopheles arabiensis. From: Karunamoorthi, K., Ilango, K., & Murugan, K. (2010). Laboratory evaluation of traditionally used plant-based insect repellent against the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 106(5), 1217-1223.
• Piperitenone oxide from spearmint was found to be highly toxic and repellent toward the malarial vector A. stephensi. From: Tripathi, A. K., Prajapati, V., Ahmad, A., Aggarwal, K. K., & Khanuja, S. P. (2004). Piperitenone oxide as toxic, repellent, and reproduction retardant toward malarial vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Anophelinae). Journal of medical entomology, 41(4), 691-698.
• In a double blind study, wormwood showed anti-malaria activity, but not as strong as quinine. From: Mueller, M. S., Runyambo, N., Wagner, I., Borrmann, S., Dietz, K., & Heide, L. (2004). Randomized controlled trial of a traditional preparation of Artemisia annua L.(Annual Wormwood) in the treatment of malaria. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 98(5), 318-321.
• Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Baeckea frutenscens, Brucea javanica (java), Curcuma xanthorrhiza (tumeric), Strychnos lucida and Swietenia macrophylla showed strong antimalarial and antibabesial and activities. From: MURNIGSIH, T., MATSUURA, H., TAKAHASHI, K., YAMASAKI, M., YAMATO, O., MAEDE, Y., … & YOSHIHARA, T. (2005). Evaluation of the inhibitory activities of the extracts of Indonesian traditional medicinal plants against Plasmodium falciparum and Babesia gibsoni. Journal of veterinary medical science, 67(8), 829-831.
• A blend of Eupatorium perfoliatum and Arsenicum album effectively inhibited malaria parasite multiplication in mice. From: Lira-Salazar, G., Marines-Montiel, E., Torres-Monzón, J., Hernández-Hernández, F., & Salas-Benito, J. S. (2006). Effects of homeopathic medications Eupatorium perfoliatum and Arsenicum album on parasitemia of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Homeopathy, 95(4), 223-228.
• A two percent neem oil mixed in coconut oil, applied to the skin of humans gave complete protection for 12 hours against the anopheline species of mosquito associated with malaria. From: Sharma, V. P., Ansari, M. A., & Razdan, R. K. (1993). Mosquito repellent action of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 9(3), 359.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 9/19/19