Human helminth care manual: Difference between revisions

(Also see [[#AlternativeTherapies|Alternative antibiotics]])

==== ✅ Antibiotics that appear safe ====

==== ➿ Antibiotics best to avoid ====  

NB. Some antibiotics are arguably best avoided for other reasons. For example,  

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoroquinolone fluoroquinolone antibiotics], such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciprofloxacin ciprofloxacin] (cipro) [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinolone quinolone]

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levaquin levofloxacin] (Levaquin, Tavanic, etc.)  

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tequin gatifloxacin] (Gatiflo, Tequin, Zymar)

can be [http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/warning-fluoroquinolone-antibiotics-may-cause-permanent-nerve-damage/ extremely dangerous for some people], while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarithromycin clarithromycin] has been shown to [http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g4930 increase the risk of a fatal heart attack] by an estimated 76 per cent compared to penicillin V. No increased risk was seen with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roxithromycin roxithromycin].

These antifungal drugs appear to be safe for use with human helminths

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluconazole fluconazole] (Diflucan and Trican)  

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nystatin nystatin]

* the fatty acid [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caprylic_acid caprylic acid] also appears safe[https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/935151783207444/?comment_id=935208789868410&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]. However, anyone with a coconut allergy/intolerance should note that ''caprylic acid'' is a coconut/palm kernel derivative.  

* the enzyme-based anti-candida product [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candex candex] is also worm-safe. One hookworm host took 4 ''Candex'' capsules twice a day for over a month without any obvious harm to his worms. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/821478984574725/?comment_id=821502387905718&offset=0&total_comments=1&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]

* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23965638 Some probiotics] may help to control candida, especially [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccharomyces_boulardii Saccharomyces boulardii], which significantly inhibits [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20629753 adhesion by C. albicans], thus [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19732158 preventing the formation of biofilms and filamentation], and it is as [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23703468 effective as nystatin] in reducing fungal colonization and invasive fungal infection. '''S. boulardii''' has also been taken by at least two helminth hosts without any obvious effect on their worms. However, there has been one report [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bacteriotherapy/permalink/665492340153123/?comment_id=665494473486243&offset=0&total_comments=9] in an online group of a very slow increase in intestinal inflammation while taking it.

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_butyrate Sodium butyrate] is a powerful antifungal that inhibits pathogenic yeast growth[http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/66/11/2573.long]. It is available as a food supplement and is also manufactured in the human intestines by the fermentation of vegetables. The bacteria responsible for butyrate production are vulnerable to antibiotics, but can be reintroduced, or supplemented, by means of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fecal_bacteriotherapy fecal microbiota transplants] (FMT), or the addition of the butyrate-producing bacterial species, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clostridium_butyricum clostridium butyricum], which generates butyrate directly in the gut. C. butyricum is available as the probiotic, Miyarisan Tablets[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152806891616155&set=p.10152806891616155&type=1&theater], in Japan, and is available online, e.g., from eBay[http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251578568400] and Amazon[http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FQUNBU?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000FQUNBU&linkCode=xm2&tag=tyfs19-20], and in the probiotic formulations, Bifilac and Bifilac HP[http://www.indiamart.com/abpl/probiotic-dietary-supplements.html], the first of which is available from [http://www.internationaldrugmart.eu/pharmacy/over-the-counter-meds/bifilac.html here]. C. butyricum is also available as an animal feed additive[http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/probiotic-clostridium-butyricum_1589202110.html]. Nutrients that help to increase butyric acid concentrations in the colon include pectin[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectin] and larch arabinogalactan[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabinogalactan], which is available as a supplement[http://www.iherb.com/Thorne-Research-Arabinex-3-5-oz-100-g/18737], although arabinogalactan can worsen rheumatic conditions. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/797203453668945/?comment_id=797204570335500&offset=0&total_comments=1], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/797203453668945/?comment_id=797261090329848&offset=0&total_comments=3]

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascorbic_acid Ascorbic acid] (vitamin C) may interfere with the yeast-to-hypha transition[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25084864] of candida.

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_cider_vinegar Apple cider vinegar] has been revealed[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25219289] as a possible treatment for Candida species involved in denture stomatitis, and there have been suggestions[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150608151952.htm] that, if ingested, vinegar might induce the body's gut defence system to help combat a Candida albicans infection. Advice on using apple cider vinegar as part of an anti-candida treatment regimen can be found here: [http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/how-to-treat-chronic-yeast-overgrowth-with-apple-cider-vinegar/] and [http://www.candida-cure-recipes.com/apple-cider-vinegar-cure.html].

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine Iodine] appears to have antifungal properties, is worm-friendly, and has proved effective against candida for one hookworm host.[https://gettinghealthiernow.wordpress.com/2014/11/29/iodine-protocol-destroying-candida/]

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_D Vitamin D] turns on genes that make antimicrobial peptides, including cathelicidin[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathelicidin], which has been shown to kill Candida. However, dosage with this vitamin may be critical, and excessive amounts might be counter-productive[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25612733]. Aiming for the optimum blood level[http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-needs/] of vitamin D would therefore appear to be ideal.

* Some foods[http://www.thecandidadiet.com/candida-fighting-foods.htm], eaten in normal dietary amounts, may help support an anti-candida programme, but see the separate notes on ⚡'''cayenne''', ⚡'''coconut''' and ⚡'''ginger'''. Fresh ✅'''garlic''' may be particularly helpful[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC538912/], and dietary forms of garlic are known to be worm-safe. However, we don’t yet know what effect a garlic extract might have on helminths.

* Some herbal antifungal products may adversely affect helminths, especially if they are in a concentrated form, so any herbal medicine that claims to have antifungal properties should be approached with caution.

* When candida is a problem, very low carbohydrate (VLC) diets are best avoided because these cause ketosis, and yeasts love ketones.

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monolaurin Monolaurin] (also known as lauric acid, glycerol monolaurate, glyceryl laurate and 1-Lauroyl-glycerol) is a fatty acid found naturally in coconut oil and human breast milk. Shown in test tube studies to have antibacterial and antiviral activity, it is commonly used as a surfactant in cosmetics, including deodorants, and as an emulsifier in foods. While it is active against candida[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20008774], one subject has reported that taking two teaspoons of monolaurin daily, for a few weeks, produced no obvious effect on his worms. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/872052362850720/?comment_id=872137176175572&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R7%22%7D], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/872052362850720/?comment_id=872142719508351&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R4%22%7D] Another believes that she probably ingested a significant dose of monolaurin by drinking full fat coconut milk daily, but that her hookworms and whipworms both survived this. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/872052362850720/?comment_id=872162672839689&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D] Others have also confirmed that monolaurin is worm-safe. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/974642915924997/?comment_id=975547445834544&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R0%22%7D]

 

 

* ❓ '''Cellular silver''' (see [[#AlternativeTherapies|Alternative therapies]] section). The manufacturers of Advanced Cellular Silver (ACS) 200 Extra Strength[http://www.resultsrna.com/products/acs_200_overview/] claim that this product achieves a 99.9989% kill against C. albicans. Although there have been no reports to date of its possible effect on human helminths, its similarity to ➿'''colloidal silver''' (see [[#AlternativeTherapies|Alternative therapies]] section) suggest that it may not kill the worms but only cause a temporary reduction of benefits.

* ✅ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorophyll Chlorophyll]. A chlorophyll-based solution has been found to be [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/43335937_Antimicrobial_activity_of_chlorophyll-based_solution_on_Candida_albicans_and_Enterococcus_faecalis effective against candida albicans] and there have been no reports to suggest this might be harmful to helminths. (Also see ❓ '''Chlorophyllin'''.)

* ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactoferrin Lactoferrin] (also known as lactotransferrin [LTF]) is found naturally in secretory fluids, such as milk, saliva, tears and nasal secretions. It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, and is effective against candida. It’s antimicrobial properties are enhanced by the peptide, ❓[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactoferricin lactoferricin], the anti fungal effects of which exceed those of lactoferrin. However, there have been no reports so far of the possible effect of lactoferricin on helminths.

* ❓ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula Lavender] has antifungal activity and may be of value in treating candida. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26550521]

* ❓ '''Propolis''' (see [[#NutritionalSupplements|Nutritional supplements]] section). Candida has been shown to be susceptible to propolis extract [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26149083], and to red propolis alcoholic extract. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26154370]

* ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygodial Polygodial], which has both antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is used as an insecticide, is an active constituent of  

** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmannia_stipitata Dorrigo pepper],  

** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmannia mountain pepper],  

** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudowintera horopito],  

** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudowintera_colorata mountain horopito],  

** ❌[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudowintera_colorata Kolorex],  

** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drimys_winteri canelo] (Drimys winteri, winter's bark)  

** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acmella_oleracea paracress] and  

** ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persicaria_hydropiper water pepper].  

Whilst polygodial has been shown to be effective against single-celled parasites such as protozoa, the only report so far that it might also have an adverse effect on helminths comes from a hookworm host who suspects that she killed her colony by taking '''Kolorex''', which contains a mixture of horopito and ⚡'''aniseed'''.  

* ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus Sambucus], a form of elderberry, contains ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinoresinol pinoresinol], which has antifungal properties[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20657496]. However, the European elder, ❓ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra sambucus nigra], also known as European elderberry, European black elderberry, elder, elderberry and black elder, may not contain pinoresinol, so may not be an effective antifungal. There have been no reports as yet about the effect on helminths of any form of elderberry.

* ⚡ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undecylenic_acid Undecylenic Acid]. This is the common name for 10-Undecenoic Acid, which is used in the Thorne Research product, [https://www.thorne.com/products/dp/formula-sf722-reg Formula SF722]. It is a potent antifungal mono-unsaturated fatty acid extracted from coconut and the castor bean. It has been shown to be 11 times stronger than [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caprylic_acid caprylic acid], and is also claimed to have antiparasitic properties, although there have been no reports about this from hosts of therapeutic helminths.

* ⚡ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curcumin Curcumin] inhibits candida[http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/63/2/337.long], even at low concentrations, but see this separate entry below on curcumin for more details.

* ❌ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigella_sativa Black cumin] (nigella sativa). Also known as blackseed, black caraway, fennel-flower, nutmeg flower, Roman coriander, and 'Love in the Mist'. Extracts of this herb have shown antifungal effects[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/] against different strains of Candida albicans, but it has also been used as an anthelminthic since ancient times. In India, today, nigella seeds are combined with various purgatives to help kill and expel intestinal parasites.

* ❌ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gymnema_sylvestre Gymnema sylvestre] is effective against candida[http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/jun13/vediyappan91213.html], but hydroalcoholic extracts of this herb have been found to have anthelminthic activity against the Indian earthworm, Pheretima posthuma. [http://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/525_pdf.pdf] Even though the research worm, C. elegans, appears to be unaffected by gymnema[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=gymnema+sylvestre+candida] and there are genetic similarities[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11812491] between C. elegans and N. americanus, one helminth host suspects that gymnema was responsible for the loss of his hookworm colony.

* ❌ [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lufenuron Lufenuron] is a benzoylurea pesticide used on crops and in veterinary medicine (in flea control, heartworm treatments and other anthelminthic products). Its powerful anti-fungal effects may be due to its ability to inhibit the synthesis of chitin, which is unfortunately an important constituent of the mouthparts of the hookworm.

Some foods are coated with edible films containing antifungal compounds such as ❓[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natamycin natamycin] (pimaricin) and ❌ '''oregano oil''' (see [[#Oregano|Oregano leaf]] reference)

but the quantities used in this application are probably insufficient to affect helminths, and there is no evidence[http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v48je06.htm] to date that natamycin harms intestinal flora.

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil Essential oils]. These are also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetherolea, or simply as the "oil of" the plant from which they were extracted. Certain essential oils contain some of the most potent antimicrobial compounds available and can be considered to be [http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/01/the-new-antibiotics-might-be-essential-oils/384247/ natural antibiotics]. For example ❌'''oregano oil''' (see [[#Oregano|Oregano leaf]] reference) and ⚡'''peppermint oil''' can affect human helminths if ingested. However when essential oils are diffused into the air using a nebuliser, heated over a candle flame or burned, these should not harm helminths, even when using blends containing oregano or peppermint oil. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/807989739256983/?comment_id=808058079250149&offset=0&total_comments=3], [https://www.facebook.com/groups/htsupport/permalink/807989739256983/?comment_id=809316062457684&offset=0&total_comments=6&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22:%22R%22%7D]