Orange Power: How Quercetin Fights Worms

The Problem with Worms

Worms are a significant health issue, causing sickness and economic losses. Traditional medicines like albendazole and ivermectin are becoming less effective due to increasing resistance.

The Search for New Solutions

Scientists are exploring new avenues to combat these resilient parasites. One promising area of research involves flavonoids, natural compounds found in plants, particularly in citrus fruits like oranges.

Quercetin: A Standout Flavonoid

Among five tested flavonoids, quercetin emerged as the most effective. It was tested on two types of worms:

• Caenorhabditis elegans (a free-living worm)
• Trichinella spiralis (a parasitic worm)

Quercetin proved effective against both, including worms resistant to conventional treatments.

Safety First

The safety of quercetin was also evaluated. Tests on human cells showed minimal harm, suggesting it could be safe for human use.

How Quercetin Works

Using advanced tools, scientists discovered that quercetin disrupts the worms' metabolism without significantly altering their appearance. It impacts:

• Energy production
• Fat metabolism
• Mitochondrial function

This unique mechanism sets quercetin apart from traditional worm medicines, making it a promising candidate for future treatments.