Ascaridole is an oxide, as found in wormseed and boldo. It is a toxic peroxide!
Oxides contribute to an oil’s aroma, and have strong therapeutic actions, but can be neurotoxic, liver toxic, and a respiratory irritant in excess.
Links to Plants Containing Ascaridole
Research
The listings of research below represents 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.
TOXIC
- This article discussed the toxicity of carvacrol, caryophyllene oxide, and ascaridole found in wormseed. From: Monzote, L., Stamberg, W., Staniek, K., & Gille, L. (2009). Toxic effects of carvacrol, caryophyllene oxide, and ascaridole from essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioides on mitochondria. Toxicology and applied pharmacology, 240(3), 337-347.
ANTI-PARASITIC
- Ascaridole is a terpene isolated from Chenopodium ambrosioides (wormseed) and a known anthelmintic. It was tested in vitro against the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. From: Pollack, Y., Segal, R., & Golenser, J. (1990). The effect of ascaridole on the in vitro development of Plasmodium falciparum. Parasitology Research, 76(7), 570-572.
By: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 01/04/19
