Ivermectin was developed from a soil bacteria. More specifically, the natural form of Ivermectin, avermectin, is first derived, and then Ivermectin is synthesised. It is considered a semi-synthetic drug. This anthelmintic medication has helped millions of people and countless animals.
However, three decades of intensive use in both humans and animals lead to their resistance to Ivermectin. Besides, the drug is toxic, and scientists are attempting to find a less aggressive alternative.
That is why comes question of the need to develop new means to fight nematode infections, including natural medications. Scientists strive to find new natural alternatives to Ivermectin for humans. Particularly relevant this issue became during the coronavirus pandemic. Many researchers tried to find a natural alternative to Ivermectin for COVID. However, these attempts were not successful.
For that reason, you can only buy the original drug or its generic forms, which are also synthesised.
Ivermectin alternative names:
- Sklice;
- Soolantra;
- Stromectol.
Is There Herbal Equivalent to Ivermectin?
Mainly, this issue was raised by people who believed that Ivermectin could help treat COVID-19. Indeed, natural, plant-based medications, which have antiviral properties, are also used to combat coronavirus.
The study published in 2020 shows that medications made from stems, seeds, roots and leaves of the following plants may be potentially used to treat coronavirus:
- Stephania tetrandra;
- Menispermaceae.
Also, traditional preparations are used to combat COVID-19 (mainly in Asia) and are considered effective. Among them, preparations based on the following:
- garlic;
- cardamom;
- Mentha pulegium;
- licorice;
- pepper;
- turmeric;
- tragacanth;
- nettle.
Medical experts pay special attention to curcumin, a secondary metabolite compound of turmeric.
Also, in Asia, people use traditional Chinese plant-based preparations with high antiviral activity and low risk of side effects, developed on the basis of the following herbs:
- Gancao;
- Fangfeng;
- Baizhu;
- Iinyinhua;
- Huangqi.
A natural drug called Lianhua Qingwen is widely used. It is made from yinhuapinggan granules and the decoction of San Wu huangqin.
However, neither of the preparations mentioned above can be called a herbal substitute for Ivermectin.
Conclusion
Scientists continue to search for a herbal alternative to Ivermectin.
Preparations from stems, seeds, roots, and leaves of Stephania tetrandra and Menispermaceae may be potentially used to treat people with coronavirus.
As well as traditional Chinese medicine drugs made from natural ingredients.
Unfortunately, scientists haven’t found natural alternatives to Ivermectin for humans to treat patients with parasitic diseases.
