Wormseed Extract
Also known as: Wormseed extract, Mexican wormseed, Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides, Earthworm extract, Chenopodium ambrosioides
Overview
Wormseed extract primarily refers to extracts derived from the plant *Chenopodium ambrosioides*, also known as Mexican wormseed or epazote. This plant has a long history of traditional use as an anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) agent. It contains bioactive compounds, notably ascaridole, which is believed to be responsible for its anti-parasitic effects. Separately, 'earthworm extract' refers to extracts from species in the class Oligochaeta, which are distinct from plant-based wormseed. Earthworm extracts have been investigated for their potential in wound healing and anticancer properties, containing various proteins and enzymes. While *Chenopodium ambrosioides* is primarily used for its anthelmintic properties, research on its human efficacy is limited, with more robust in vitro and animal studies. Earthworm extracts have seen some human clinical trials, particularly for wound healing, showing moderate research maturity.
Benefits
Wormseed extract (*Chenopodium ambrosioides*) has demonstrated strong in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal effects against nematodes, such as *Haemonchus contortus*. However, in vivo efficacy in animals has shown inconsistent results, with some studies indicating no significant reduction in egg excretion, possibly due to bioavailability issues. The strength of evidence for its anthelmintic properties in humans is limited, primarily relying on traditional use and preclinical data. Earthworm extract, distinct from plant-based wormseed, has shown more promising clinical evidence. A meta-analysis involving 205 patients indicated that earthworm extract reduced wound healing time by approximately 9 days (WMD = −8.94, 95% CI: −17.75 to −0.14, p=0.05), although this finding was accompanied by significant heterogeneity (I²=94%). This suggests a clinically relevant effect, but with a need for more consistent research. Additionally, earthworm extracts have exhibited anticancer potential in vitro against various cancer cell lines, including leukemia, colon, lung, breast, and gastric cancers, inducing dose-dependent cytotoxicity. However, these are preclinical findings and require human trials for validation. Clinical data on humans for wormseed extract is scarce, while earthworm extract's benefits are mainly observed in wound healing.
How it works
Wormseed extract, particularly from *Chenopodium ambrosioides*, contains ascaridole, a compound believed to exert its anthelmintic effects by disrupting parasite metabolism and inducing oxidative stress, ultimately leading to parasite death. This action primarily targets the parasite's internal systems. Earthworm extracts, on the other hand, are thought to promote wound healing through multiple mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and angiogenic effects, likely mediated by their rich content of bioactive proteins and enzymes. Their anticancer effects are hypothesized to involve the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various cancer cells. Both types of extracts interact with body systems by either directly affecting pathogens or cancer cells, or by enhancing the body's natural tissue repair mechanisms.
Side effects
The overall safety of wormseed extract is considered moderate. While traditionally used, high doses can be toxic due to its ascaridole content, potentially leading to neurological symptoms. Common side effects, particularly with wormseed extract, include gastrointestinal upset. Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible. Due to its potential toxicity, wormseed extract is contraindicated in pregnancy and individuals with liver disease. Caution is advised for children and pregnant women. Earthworm extracts, when used topically in clinical wound healing trials, have generally appeared safe with no major adverse events reported, though local irritation is possible. Limited data exist regarding drug interactions for both types of extracts, but potential interactions with other antiparasitic or cytotoxic drugs should be considered. The maximum safe dose for either extract is not clearly established, and toxicity from overdose of wormseed extract has been reported.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for both wormseed extract and earthworm extract are not well established for human use. Traditional wormseed doses vary widely, and clinical trials for earthworm extract have primarily used topical formulations for wound healing. For wormseed extract, animal studies have used doses ranging from 50-200 mg/kg, but these are not directly translatable to humans. The maximum safe dose for wormseed extract is not clearly defined, and toxicity has been reported at high doses. For anthelmintic effects, dosing should ideally align with the parasite's life cycle. Earthworm extract is typically applied topically or administered via injection for wound healing, while wormseed extract is usually taken orally. Bioavailability issues limit the efficacy of wormseed extract, suggesting that formulation improvements may be necessary to enhance its absorption and effectiveness. No specific cofactors are known to be required for either extract.
FAQs
Is wormseed extract effective for human parasitic infections?
Evidence for wormseed extract's efficacy in human parasitic infections is limited, primarily stemming from traditional use and animal studies. Robust clinical trials in humans are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Is earthworm extract safe for wound healing?
Clinical trials suggest that earthworm extract is generally safe when used topically for wound healing. It may help reduce healing time, though more consistent research is needed.
Can wormseed extract be toxic?
Yes, wormseed extract can be toxic, especially at high doses, due to its ascaridole content. It can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in severe cases, neurological symptoms.
How soon can benefits be expected?
For wound healing with earthworm extract, benefits may be observed within days to weeks. Anthelmintic effects of wormseed extract depend on the parasite burden and the specific dosing regimen.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.691742/full – This meta-analysis of two RCTs, involving 205 patients, found that earthworm extract significantly reduced wound healing time by approximately 9 days. However, the study noted high heterogeneity among the included trials, which limits the overall confidence in the findings despite the statistical significance.
- https://phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev_2018_12_23_46.pdf – This systematic review compiled evidence from multiple in vitro and animal cancer models, demonstrating that earthworm extracts exhibit cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines. The review highlighted that these extracts induce apoptosis, suggesting a potential role in cancer therapy, though further human trials are needed.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7070545/ – This controlled animal study on lambs infected with *H. contortus* showed that wormseed extract had strong ovicidal effects in vitro. However, the study found no significant reduction in egg excretion in vivo, suggesting potential bioavailability or metabolic issues that limit its effectiveness in live animals.