Clinical Efficacy?of?Herbal?Formulations?in?Pediatric? Worm?Infestation?(Krimi)

Abstract

Abstract: Soil?transmitted helminthiasis affects more than a quarter of the world’s population, with preschool? and school?age children bearing the greatest morbidity through anaemia, stunting and impaired cognition. Although albendazole and mebendazole remain the frontline drugs, emerging resistance, sub?optimal cure rates against whipworm and Strongyloides, and the need for repeated mass?drug?administration programmes have renewed interest in plant?based Krimighna therapies described in Ayurveda. This narrative review synthesises the best?quality human data (2007?2024) on Vidang?di Churna, Krimighna?Da?hemani?Churna, Carica?papaya seed preparations and other herb?based formulations, mapping their clinical outcomes, mechanisms and safety in children. Evidence from three randomised or quasi?randomised trials and multiple observational reports indicates parasitological cure rates of 63– 100?%, haemoglobin gains of up to 2?g?dL?¹ and excellent tolerability. While methodological heterogeneity precludes meta?analysis, the cumulative data suggest that selected Ayurvedic formulations can serve as effective, low?cost adjuncts or alternatives in integrated deworming programmes.

Keywords: Pediatric helminthiasis; Krimi; Vidang?di?Churna; Carica?papaya seeds; Embelia?ribes (Vidanga); Ayurvedic deworming; Anthelmintic phytotherapy; Integrated NTD control