Experts dismiss online posts touting homemade treatment for parasitic worms

"Today I want to share some tips passed down from generation to generation on how to get rid of worms on children. Can try it with children," read part of a Malay-language Facebook post about a purported worm infestation treatment from August 18, 2024.

The Facebook user then suggested preparing a natural remedy by adding salt and tamarind slices to boiled water before bathing in it twice daily for two to three days. 

The post featured several images of the purported remedy's ingredients and an illustration of parasitic worms.

The infection spreads through eggs in human faeces that have contaminated soil in areas with poor sanitation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it impacts the growth and development of millions of children (archived link). 

Image

Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured on October 16, 2024

The same image was shared alongside a similar false claim more than 700 times on Facebook here, here and here; as well as on TikTok here and here.

Similar claims circulated on Facebook in Malaysia as early as 2017 before resurfacing in 2020.

However, medical experts told AFP that the touted home remedy has not been scientifically proven to be effective.

 No scientific benefits

"No evidence for the practice. Studies have shown some anti-helminth (antiparasitic) activities in tamarind, however, the worm infestations are in the gut," said University Malaya Medical Centre paediatrician Dr Muhamad Faiz Sulieman on October 16 (archived link). 

Faiz added that in health facilities, patients with worm infestation are prescribed the antiparasitic drug albendazole, which is effective in treating most cases. 

Dr Mohamad Ikram Ilias, a consultant paediatrician at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital, advised that the current treatment for worm infestation is antiparasitic medication like albendazole every six months (archived link). 

"It is evidence-based and supported by many literature reviews," he told AFP on October 15. 

The WHO also recommends albendazole as the medication treatment as it is "effective, affordable, and can be easily administered by non-medical personnel."

Ikram added the purported benefits of the treatment cited in the false posts are not supported by scientific evidence.

Both paediatricians said that worm infection may result in chronic blood loss which may result in anaemia, poor appetite and weight loss, and adults also have a similar risk as children. 

AFP has previously fact-checked other purported health remedies here and here.