Wormseed Oil Extract
Also known as: Wormseed oil, Epazote oil, American wormseed oil, Mexican tea, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Dysphania ambrosioides
Overview
Wormseed oil extract is derived from the leaves and flowering tops of *Dysphania ambrosioides*, a plant native to Central and South America. Historically, it has been primarily used as an anthelmintic, a substance that expels intestinal worms, particularly nematodes. The oil's biological activity is largely attributed to its main active constituent, ascaridole, a volatile terpenoid. While traditional uses and some preclinical studies suggest potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, the primary focus of research has been its anti-parasitic effects. The research on wormseed oil extract is considered moderate in maturity, with most evidence stemming from traditional use, in vitro studies, and small clinical trials. High-quality randomized controlled trials and comprehensive meta-analyses specifically on wormseed oil extract are limited, and significant safety concerns exist due to its narrow therapeutic window and potential toxicity at higher doses.
Benefits
The primary benefit of wormseed oil extract is its anthelmintic activity. It has demonstrated efficacy against intestinal nematodes, such as *Ascaris lumbricoides* and *Ancylostoma duodenale*, in traditional medicine and some small clinical studies. This effect is mainly observed in populations with endemic parasitic infections. While some in vitro studies suggest antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, and limited evidence points to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, these secondary effects are not well-established in human clinical contexts. Clinical trials are scarce and often small, meaning effect sizes are not well quantified, and the overall quality of evidence for its benefits is limited, especially when compared to modern anthelmintics. Due to toxicity concerns, traditional dosing regimens are typically short-term, lasting only a few days.
How it works
The anthelmintic action of wormseed oil extract is primarily mediated by ascaridole, its main active compound. Ascaridole is believed to disrupt the metabolism and cellular respiration of parasites, ultimately leading to their death. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, it is thought to interfere with the mitochondrial electron transport chain within the parasites. The extract primarily acts on intestinal parasites, with systemic absorption being limited. However, even limited systemic absorption can lead to toxicity. Oral absorption is variable, and first-pass metabolism may help reduce systemic toxicity.
Side effects
Wormseed oil extract has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning toxic effects can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels. Common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include weakness, dizziness, and headache. Rare but severe side effects (<1%), particularly with overdose, include neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, seizures, and even death. Due to these risks, medical supervision is strongly recommended. Limited data exist on drug interactions, but potential interactions with other hepatotoxic drugs or central nervous system depressants should be considered. Wormseed oil extract is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects, in individuals with liver disease, and generally in children due to their increased susceptibility to toxicity.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for wormseed oil extract is not well-standardized due to its toxicity concerns. Traditional doses vary, but clinical studies suggest daily doses delivering 0.2–0.5 mL of wormseed oil. Doses above 0.5 mL daily significantly increase the risk of adverse effects. There is no formally established maximum safe dose, as toxicity has been reported at doses exceeding 1 mL daily. Due to its narrow therapeutic window, short-term use, typically 3–5 days, is recommended to minimize the risk of toxicity. The oil extract is usually administered orally, often diluted. While fatty meals may enhance absorption, this could also increase the risk of toxicity. No specific cofactors are established as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is wormseed oil extract safe?
Wormseed oil extract has a narrow safety margin. Mild side effects are common, and serious toxicity, including neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, can occur with overdose. Medical supervision is strongly recommended due to these risks.
How quickly does it work?
When used for its anthelmintic properties, the effects of wormseed oil extract typically manifest within a few days of administration, consistent with its short-term dosing recommendations.
Can it be used for other infections?
While some in vitro studies suggest antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties, the clinical evidence for these uses is very limited and not well-established in humans. Its primary traditional use is as an anthelmintic.
Is it suitable for children?
Wormseed oil extract is generally not recommended for children due to their increased susceptibility to its toxic effects and the availability of safer, more effective modern anthelmintics.
Are there safer alternatives?
Yes, modern anthelmintics such as albendazole and mebendazole are generally preferred over wormseed oil extract due to their significantly better safety profiles and established efficacy in treating parasitic infections.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10086143/ – This systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies on *Nigella sativa* (black seed oil) found no high-quality evidence for its efficacy, noting common digestive side effects but no serious adverse events. It's important to note this source is about *Nigella sativa*, not *Dysphania ambrosioides*, so its direct relevance to wormseed oil extract is limited, primarily serving as a comparison for the quality of evidence in seed oils.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11849496/ – This systematic review focused on the metabolic effects of various seed oils, suggesting they might improve lipid and glycemic profiles. However, it did not specifically analyze wormseed oil extract, limiting its direct applicability to the benefits or mechanisms of *Dysphania ambrosioides*.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.644027/full – This systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the nematicidal (anti-nematode) activity of wormseed oil, noting that its toxicity varies by administration route. The review highlights the potential of wormseed oil as an anthelmintic but also points to the need for more human clinical trials and careful consideration of its toxicity.
- https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.19534 – This meta-analysis on phytochemical coevolution explored how specialist herbivores are sensitive to compounds like those found in wormseed oil. While providing ecological context on the plant's chemical defenses, it is not a clinical study and does not offer direct evidence on the efficacy or safety of wormseed oil extract in humans.
