Common Parasites, Detection Methods, and Intervention Considerations

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines a parasite as “an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host” (1). This includes a broad-spectrum of parasitic organisms from distinct classes, all of which can cause human disease: protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites.

Protozoa are microscopic one-celled organisms that can live freely in the environment or be parasitic in nature (2). Common examples of protozoa seen in clinical practice include giardia and cryptosporidium, and less commonly encountered strains of entamoeba such as E. histolytica. 

Tapeworm, roundworm, and flukes make up the bulk of parasitic worms in the category of helminths. These are multicellular organisms visible to the naked eye and can be free living in the environment or parasitic in nature. Helminths are less commonly encountered in clinical practice compared to protozoa.

The last group of human parasites are called ectoparasites. This group includes the common malaria carrying mosquito. From a parasitic infection standpoint, malaria is a serious public health pathogen in certain regions globally where the infection leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths every year (3).

In this article I highlight specific parasites often encountered in a general integrative and functional medicine clinical practice: Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia.

There are many different species of Blastocystis that can infect humans (4) with B. hominis being most common. The medical condition blastocystosis is caused by a Blastocystis infection. Blastocystis is a worldwide pathogen transmitted through fecal-oral exposure and can be a contaminate of certain water supplies.

The B. hominis and others are protozoal, single-cell parasites that can invade and inhabit the digestive system and lead to various gastrointestinal problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (5).

Symptoms linked to Blastocystis infection, including B. hominis (6), can vary from mild to severe. Most commonly, the presence of B. hominis can lead to abdominal pain, anal itching, constipation, diarrhea/loose stools, and flatulence.

Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) is one of the most important waterborne pathogens seen in developed countries and has been responsible for large disease outbreaks. It is one of several species of Cryptosporidium parasites to cause cryptosporidiosis (7).

Within the digestive system it can lead to significant mucosal damage as it behaves as an intracellular pathogen migrating into and out of epithelial cells. In some cases, diarrhea can be extreme with up to 10 to 15 episodes per day. There is a concern for electrolyte loss and dehydration, particularly in individuals with immunocompromised disease. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common too.

Dientamoeba fragilis is a single-celled parasite sometimes found in the gastrointestinal tract and seen on comprehensive digestive stool analysis. The infection of D. fragilis called dientamoebiasis. It can be associated with chronic diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, fatigue, and even failure to thrive in children (8).

Literature descriptions of D. fragilis are conflicted in that some list this organism as harmless and some list it as a pathogen (9).

Entamoeba histolytica is another single-cell parasite called an amoeba, which moves by a bulging of cytoplasm called a pseudopod and can alter its shape. It is part of the parasite amoebozoan group called entamoebas, which also includes Entamoeba dispar that is often confused with the more pathogenic E. histolytica because of their similarity under microscopic analysis (10).

There is a significant difference in pathogenicity between E. dispar and E. histolytica with histolytica known to infect between 35 to 50 million people globally leading to more than 55,000 deaths annually (11).  

E. histolytica causes tissue destruction within the intestinal tract which leads to clinical disease, e.g., inflammation. One of the biggest concerns over E. histolytica infection is its ability to become invasive in the body. Abscess formation can occur outside the liver, including the lungs, brain, and spleen. Fortunately, E. histolytica infections are rare compared to the other pathogens discussed in this article.    

Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan because of its characteristic flagella (tail-like structure) it uses to mobilize. There are approximately 40 different strains of Giardia that have been isolated from various animals (12).

It causes most of its problems within the small intestine with intense symptoms being diarrhea, bloating and excessive gas, cramping, urgency, nausea, and greasy stools. Because of its prevalence within the small bowel, the villi become damaged with atrophy and flattening. This leads to poor digestion of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins leading to malabsorption. Lactose intolerance can persist even after successful eradication of Giardia (13).

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Detection Methods

The common ova & parasite (O&P) detection method (aka parasite fecal exam) is done through microscopy. This method takes a fecal sample, concentrates it, stains it for enhanced visualization of parasite cell structures, and examines under microscope. This type of stool analysis is considered low in technology compared to other methods such as antigen detection or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) but can be highly accurate for a wide range of parasites (14). The accuracy of this test is largely dependent on the skill and experience of the technician. One of the major upsides of this method is being able to differentiate between past and current infections.

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) tests are popular because they provide various markers for overall digestive system assessment and function, e.g., inflammation, digestion imbalances, normal bacteria. They are also comprehensive in evaluating for various pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and fungal species.

Many laboratories will perform the O&P fecal examination through microscopy, in addition to antigen (immunogenic substance) detection, while other labs will profile their analysis via PCR. Some labs provide a combination of methods.

An antigen is a substance, e.g., protein, usually foreign to the body, that stimulates an immune response (15). Many things can be antigens such as endogenous or exogenous toxins, bacteria, and foreign cells. Parasites with their unique cellular configurations such as cell membranes, etc. can be antigenic (16).

Many of the parasite antigens are found on the surface of cells and are highly specific to each individual parasite. An example would be the antigenic variability between Entamoeba dispar (non-pathogenic, relatively) and Entamoeba histolytica (pathogenic). Both have similar appearance as seen through microscopy but are more easily differentiated by antigen analysis (17).

PCR is involved in amplification of DNA sampling in blood, feces, and urine (18). The process helps to identify unique genetic sequences linked to various pathogens, including bacteria, parasites, fungus, and virus.

One of the potential drawbacks to PCR analysis is difficulty in differentiating between an active infection or past exposure to a parasite with genetic information retained in the system, but the infection being resolved. Therefore, with any test it is always important to correlate the test findings with the clinical presentation of the patient and this is especially true of PCR.

There are other testing methods for parasite detection. Typically, these are not considered as sensitive as stool microscopy, antigen analysis, or PCR. Here are some additional options:

• Blood serology – this method measures for antibodies (19) to a parasite(s) often through IgG immunoglobulin. Some laboratories only have a limited number of parasites they test for through antibodies. IgG can be reflective of a past infection and not necessarily an active problem. Additional antibodies such as IgA and IgM can be utilized to assess for more of an acute problem.

• Saliva antibodies – some laboratories provide saliva antibodies such as IgA in the detection of parasites.

• Blood smear – this method is important for blood-borne parasites like malaria (20) but is not useful for primary digestive system parasites like Giardia lamblia or Cryptosporidium parvum.

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Intervention Options with Examples

This antibiotic is commonly used for various parasitic infections, including Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica. It also has effectiveness against other pathogens such as Fusabacteria, Bacteroides, and Clostridia difficile (21, 22).

It is commercially available in both capsule and oral suspension form from most pharmacies, and the safety profile, ease of use, and recognition and coverage from most insurance companies make it an attractive antibiotic for various parasitic infections, e.g., Giardia lamblia. Pediatric use is common using the oral suspension.

The typical dosage amounts of metronidazole for adults are 250mg to 500mg three times daily for 5 to 7 days. Pediatric amounts calculated using 5mg/kg per dose are often used for the same time frame.

Nitazoxanide is a broad-spectrum antibiotic primarily used for acute Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections, but it does have broader application as an anti-helminthic and antiviral (23, 24). Approved for generic use in the United States in 2020 (25), The availability of Alinia for more than just acute diarrheal disease from protozoal parasites has gained wide acceptance.

The standard dosing for Alinia based on age, as well as oral tablet form or oral suspension is as follows:

• Adults (and children 12 years and older), 500mg orally twice daily for 3 days

• Children (4 years to 11 years), 200mg orally twice daily for 3 days

• Children (1 year to 3 years), 100mg orally twice daily for 3 days

• Alina oral suspension comes in 100mg/5ml

Botanicals for the use of eradicating various parasite infections have a long history of use in herbal medicine. The same is true of bacterial and fungal infections, and there is considerable overlap in a botanical’s ability to adversely affect the survivability of various pathogens.

Either the whole plant or components of a plant may contain various compounds, e.g., active substances, that provide antimicrobial properties, i.e., either inhibitory (fungistatic or bacteriostatic) or killing (fungicidal or bacteriocidal). Many of the “static” and/or “cidal” effects of botanicals (e.g., whole plant or components) are also applied against parasitic pathogens.  

Black Walnut

Black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a type of walnut (American walnut) that contains a compound called juglone that is reported to be cytotoxic to various parasites (26). Its primarily mode of action is through expelling various parasitic worms, although it does have inhibitory enzyme activity against parasite cell metabolism.

Bilberry

Bilberry is an edible fruit from the plant species Vaccinium myrtillus. The berry has similarities to the American blueberry and goes by various names such as “wimberry”, “wortleberry”, and European blueberry (27). Much of the beneficial effects of bilberry extract focus on its antioxidant and circulatory properties for improved cardiovascular function. However, the phenolic properties of bilberry extract are known to affect the growth of certain bacteria such as Clostridiaand H. pylori (28). Because of its diverse nature, this botanical has also been shown to adversely affect various parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium (29).

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a perennial herb that flourishes in the eastern regions of the United States and Canada (southeastern). As an antimicrobial, an interesting characteristic is a proposed efflux pump inhibition effect (30). Efflux pumps are intracellular mechanisms of various organisms that allow it to excrete antimicrobial chemicals that are transported or diffuse into the cell.

As an anti-parasitic botanical, Goldenseal appears to have activity against various protozoan parasites, including Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia (31). 

Oregano

Oregano, aka Origanum vulgare, is in the mint family of plants. It too has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries and as an oil extracted from the oregano plant it is used extensively in dietary herbal supplements with a good safety profile (32).

Its antimicrobial properties are diverse, but much of it comes down to two polyphenols called carvacrol and thymol (33). Other medicinal constituents of oregano oils are various terpenes which also contain antimicrobial properties.

Like many botanicals, oregano has been shown to adversely affect the ability of various parasites to survive, including Blastocystis hominis and various entamoeba species (34).

Many other botanical remedies like wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), echinacea, tea tree oil, etc. found in combination botanical products such as Biocidin (from BioBotanical Research) seem to play a supportive role overall for digestive health with pathogen reduction, including many parasites.

Regardless of which intervention option is used, it is always important to confirm eradication of parasitic pathogens. Therefore, repeating a stool analysis that initially detected the presence of a parasite should be done approximately 2 to 3 weeks after completing the course of treatment. If using antibiotics, most dosing regimens are relatively short lasting about 3 to 14 days depending on which antibiotic is being used such as Alinia versus Metronidazole, respectively. If using botanicals there is often not an exact set time frame for usage, but on average between 6 to 8 weeks is often sufficient. If attempting to eradicate E. histolytica with botanicals it is strongly recommended to also implement antibiotics because of the potentially invasive nature of the pathogen.

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Kurt Woeller, DO
Founder of Integrative Medicine Academy and Functional Medicine Clinical Rounds
Kurt N. Woeller, DO has been an integrative medicine physician and biomedical Autism specialist for over 20+ years. He is an author of several health books including Autism – The Road To Recovery, Methyl-B12 Therapy For Autism, Methyl-B12 for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, and 5 Things You MUST Do Right Now To Help With Your Rheumatoid Arthritis. He is an international speaker, educator, and practicing clinician offering specialized interventions for individuals with complex medical conditions. His health consulting practice for Autism alone is multinational with families from various countries. Dr. Woeller serves as a clinical and lab consult for Functional Medicine Clinical Rounds, as well as provides educational seminars for Great Plains Laboratory. He is co-founder of Integrative Medicine Academy (www.IntegrativeMedicineAcademy.com), which is an online training academy for health practitioners learning integrative medicine.

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5. Rostami, A.; Riahi, SM.; Haghighi, A.; Saber, V.; Armon, B.; Seyyedtabaei, SJ. The role of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasitol Res, 2017. 116 (9): 2361–2371.

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15. MedlinePlus. “Immune system and disorders" US National Institute of Medicine. 28 September 2020.

16. Restif, Olivier; Reece, Sarah E.; Webster, Joanne P.; Brown, Sam P. (2013). "Life in cells, hosts, and vectors: Parasite evolution across scales". Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 13: 344–347.

17. Tachibana, H., Kobayashi, S., Cheng, XJ. et al. “Differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica from E. dispar facilitated by monoclonal antibodies against a 150-kDa surface antigen.” Parasitol Res 83, 435–439 (1997).

18. Saiki, R.; Gelfand, D.; Stoffel, S.; Scharf, S.; Higuchi, R.; Horn, G.; Mullis, K.; Erlich, H. “Primer-directed enzymatic amplification of DNA with a thermostable DNA polymerase.” 1988; Science. 239 (4839): 487–491. 

19. K. Abbas, Abul; Lichtman, Andrew; Pillai, Shiv (2018). “Cellular and molecular immunology” (Ninth ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier. p. 97.

20. Krafts K, Hempelmann E, Oleksyn B (2011). "The color purple: from royalty to laboratory, with apologies to Malachowski". Biotech Histochem. 86 (1): 7–35.

21. “Metronidazole". The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. 

22. McDonald LC, Gerding DN, Johnson S, Bakken JS, Carroll KC, Coffin SE, et al. (March 2018). "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults and Children: 2017 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA)". Clinical Infectious Diseases. 66 (7): e1–e48.

23. White CA (2004). "Nitazoxanide: a new broad spectrum antiparasitic agent". Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2 (1): 43–9. doi:10.1586/14787210.2.1.43. PMID 15482170.

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27. Bilberry: Science and Safety | NCCIH". Nccih.nih.gov. Retrieved 2018-03-19.

28. Puupponen-Pimiä R, Nohynek L, Alakomi H.-L, Oksman-Caldentey K.-M. Bioactive berry compounds-novel tools against human pathogens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2005a; 67:8–19.

29. Anthony JP, Fyfe L, Stewart D, McDougall GJ, Smith HV. The effect of blueberry extracts onGiardia duodenalis viability and spontaneous excystation of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, in vitro. Methods 2007; 42(4):339-348.

30. Ettefagh K.A., Burns J.T., Junio H.A., Kaatz G.W., Cech N.B., "Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) Extracts Synergistically Enhance the Antibacterial Activity of Berberine via Efflux Pump Inhibition", Planta Medica 2010.

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Benefits of Essential Oils

By JASMYNE BROWN, ND, MS

For years, essential oils have been touted for their wonderful healing properties. They are described as stress relieving, calming, good for hair and skin, and uplifting beyond other things. In addition, they are antimicrobial. Many of the plants the oils are extracted from are known for their great medicinal properties. As a rule, essential oils should not be taken internally or used topically without proper dilution or formulation with other herbal agents. In continuance with the previous discussion of fungal overgrowth and the agents that support their reduction, this post will look at antifungal essential oils. These herbs work well with herbs discussed in 5 Herbal Agents for Antifungal Therapy. Here, we will investigate five extraordinary essential oils and their benefit in fighting fungal overgrowths.

Melaleuca alternifolia, a very common essential oil, is known as tea tree. This oil has been used for years as a topical antimicrobial agent. For good reason, as tea tree oil is full of antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has been shown to have efficacy against E. coli, S. aureus, Candida, and Aspergillus.

Topically, it is also effective in killing Trichophyton mentagrophytes, the organism that causes ringworm. This plant works by inhibiting fungal growth and by directly killing the fungi. It has the ability to penetrate the organisms’ cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane. This compromise leads to cellular death of the fungi and bacteria.

Its active compounds are alpha terpineol and terpene 4-alcohol. These compounds work to cause leakage of the cytoplasm, distortion of hyphae, and spore distortion. This wonderfully antimicrobial herb works well against different mold species. It has been shown effective in killing Aspergillus species and Penicillium most readily. This herb would make a great addition to any antifungal topical or oral rinse. Tea tree oil can be harmful if ingested and should be limited to topical usage unless carefully formulated with other herbs in an oral formula. In cases of topical fungal overgrowth, tea tree oil is essential. For mycotoxins, the use of tea tree is beneficial. Not only is it going to kill the mold that produces the toxin, but it will also directly inhibit mycotoxin activity. Tea tree is beneficial in inhibiting zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON).

This essential oil is derived from one of my favorite spices, oregano. Also known as Origanum vulgare, oregano, is a well-known, often utilized antimicrobial agent. With its active ingredients of carvacrol and thymol this herb’s active against various pathogens stands the test of time.

Oregano has been well researched in its efficacy against various bacteria. Some common bacteria it is effective against include Staph aureus, Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, Listeria, and Campylobacter. Orally, this plant is efficacious against thrush caused by candida albicans.

Along with its active ingredients of carvacrol, thymol, 4 terpineol work by inhibiting the candida phospholipase enzyme activity. This inhibition stops growth of the fungi and leads to their death. When it comes to mold, this herb works by inhibiting the growth of mold in a similar manner as candida. It is fungistatic and fungicidal. Its inhibitory effect works efficiently for Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium species of mold. Carvone and p-cymene are other active ingredients that work with the carvacrol and thymol for its mold inhibitory effect. The target is the ergosterol of the fungal cell wall. This herb and cinnamon can reduce up to 83% of the ergosterol. Most of its inhibitory effect has been seen in relation to fungal growth and mycotoxin synthesis. It is most effective for blocking aflatoxin and fumonisin B1 toxins. This herb is a classic that will most likely continue to stand the test of time in treating fungal overgrowths.

The next herb is my absolute favorite. Cinnamon! Cinnamon is such a wonderful herb. It is an antioxidant, blood sugar regulating, antimicrobial plus has many other medicinal properties. Because of its medicinal and flavor profiles I find myself adding it to my tea, coffee, meals, and healthy desserts. Other than its flavoring enhancing powers, cinnamon is, in my opinion, an under used antimicrobial. Its active ingredients are cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol. They work together to inhibit growth of Bacillus species, E. coli, Pseudomonas, and MRSA. Cinnamaldehyde is the main aldehyde responsible for its antimicrobial properties in various ways. By inhibiting cell wall synthesis, membrane function, and enzymatic activity of the microorganism’s cinnamon exerts its fungicidal effect. There has also been evidence of biofilm disruption properties from this herb. The same effect is exhibited on various fungal species. Most notably are Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Candida. When it comes to penicillium, cinnamon works by disrupting carbohydrate metabolism. Approximately 14 genes associated with fungal glycolysis, Krebs cycle, cellulose hydrolyzation, and the pentose phosphate shuttle are downregulated. There is also a decreased carb consumption and accumulation with a down regulated ATP production by the fungal organism. This is the mechanism in which cinnamon destroys this organism. It has similar effects on Aspergillus. The cinnamaldehyde works by downregulating the following genes of the mold: polyketide synthase (pks), nonribosomal peptide synthase (nrps), and velvet regulating proteins (veA, laeA, and velB). These are needed for biosynthetic and regulatory processes for sustaining fungal life. They regulated the cell wall and plasma membrane synthesis, mitochondrial and other intracellular organelle presence and function. The pks and nrps genes along with cytochrome p450 monooxygenase and halogenase enzymes regulate ochratoxin A production. The velvet regulating proteins coordinate fungal development and secondary metabolism that can also lead to OTA production. Due to the multiple properties of cinnamaldehyde it not only kills the fungal organism but also downregulates the production of OTA before the organism is destroyed. The action against Fusarium mold is similar. It works by inhibiting mycelial growth and mycotoxin production by causing cytoplasmic leakage.  The direct antioxygenic effects work on the following toxins: OTA, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), DON, ZEA, Fumonisin b1.  These properties make cinnamon a great addition in any anti mold or anti-bacterial protocol.

Another commonly used essential oil is Eucalyptus. Many species of eucalyptus are antimicrobial. Globulus, citrodora, and camaldulensis are common species.  Commonly this herb is used for its calming effect and in nasal inhalations for sinusitis. The great benefit of this is that chronic sinusitis is one of the most common symptoms of mold exposure. Other common symptoms and conditions associated with antimicrobial overgrowths are keratitis, conjunctivitis, and other allergy symptoms. Eucalyptus has been shown effective in treating allergic type symptoms. Along with other essential oils like lemongrass this herb is a beneficial addition for those with allergies and upper respiratory conditions. This herb has shown efficacy along with tea tree oil in treating Fusarium keratitis. Dermophytes like, Trichophyton, are also affected by this oil. Eradication by topical application to nail and skin fungal overgrowths have been documented as well. The actual antimicrobial mechanism, unfortunately, is not very well studied. The active ingredients of eucalyptus oil are 1,8-cineole, limonene, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, α-pinene, α-terpineol, camphene, linalool, and ocimene. 1,8 cineole is the most active. Of the volatile component of the oil, up to 75-95% can be active antimicrobial components. This makes this oil very potent. The mechanism of action is thought to be due its targeting of the cytoplasmic membrane integrity leading to impair cell stability and permeability. This causes cellular leakage ultimately killing the organism. In a study that looked at the antimicrobial activity against Staph, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, and Candida albicans. This study showed that while the extracted 1,8 cineole was beneficial in killing these organisms, most were better addressed with the crude essential oil rather than the extract alone. This shows us that the whole plant is necessary for the full antimicrobial punch that it packs. Another compound found in eucalypts is eucarobustol E. The compound works by inhibiting the yeast to hyphal transformation, causing a reduction of the hydrophobicity of the biofilm, making it more susceptible. It does this by inhibiting genes required for hyphal synthesis which include: EFG1, CPH1, TEC1, EED1, UME6, and HGC. The other way eucarobustol E works is downregulating genes involved in ergosterol synthesis. Ergosterol is the main fungal sterol that gives cell membranes their integrity. It is the cholesterol of the fungal world.  The inhibition of this sterol is another way that the fungal cell is destroyed.

The last essential oil on the list is lemongrass. Sometimes confused with lemon oil, which is extracted from the peel of lemon, lemongrass comes from a type of grass. Also known as Cymbopogon citratus, lemongrass is a commonly used essential oil. Its properties include antibacterial, antidiarrheal, cholesterol reducing, hypoglycemic, sedative, hypnotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. This herb is full of active ingredients. They range from flavonoids and phenolic compounds to ketones and aldehydes. Specific constituents are luteolin, isoorientin2’-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin to phytonutrients like citral alpha and beta, nerol geraniol, citronellal, terpineol, limonene, myrcene, and methylheptenone. The alpha and beta citral are what makes it antibacterial. These constituents work together to disrupt and inhibit the growth of fusarium mold. Due to this disruption it also works to block the biosynthesis of mycotoxins. When it comes to candida, lemongrass works to down regulate hyphal adhesion and the virulent factors candida possesses. It is also effective against Staph aureus. Against staph, lemongrass works by inhibiting the gene expression of quorum sensing peptidoglycan and fatty acid biosynthesis. In addition, it has been shown effective in treating aspergillus orally. Another action of attack is its effect as a biofilm disruptor. No matter what the bacterial or fungal overgrowth your patient would benefit with the addition of lemongrass.

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To wrap things up, natural agents can play a giant part in the correction of microorganism overgrowth. Whether they be your main treatment, adjunct to prescriptions, or even a nice topical support for dermal fungal overgrowths. Tea tree, oregano, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and lemongrass are great essential oils to begin with. Do not forget these other honorable mention essential oils: thyme, clove, lavender, clary sage, coriander, basil, rosemary, peppermint, anise, ginger, and sage. With positive OAT mold and yeast markers and positive MycoTOX Profiles these herbs make great additions to treatment. Many formulations take advantage of the antimicrobial nature of these herbs. Check out New Beginnings Nutritional’s for all your antimicrobial supplement needs and keep essential oils in your tool belt as they are highly efficacious.

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Mycotoxins (toxins from mold) are some of the most prevalent toxins in the environment. Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi like mold, which can infest buildings, vehicles, and foodstuffs.

Our primary goals for this test were to design a test that would be more sensitive and accurate as well as more affordable than those currently on the market. We were able to achieve these goals with our state-of-the-art liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology. Using this technology, we have a very sensitive test, which is important because mycotoxins can cause serious health issues even in small quantities.

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5 Herbal Agents for Antifungal Therapy

By JASMYNE BROWN, ND, MS

Throughout life, almost everyone will experience some type of microbial overgrowth or infection. Whether it be as common as a cold or as debilitating as a systemic mold infection, pretty much everyone will go through this. Being aware of as many antimicrobial agents is beneficial in treatment. We are finding fungal overgrowths to be quite common. Our offered profiles including: OAT, MycoTOX, and the Comprehensive Stool Analysis, all can help to diagnose and understand the effect of a fungal overgrowth. Herbal agents are effective in treating fungal overgrowths and are great options in most clinical cases. This post will aim to shed light on a few herbs that have shown antifungal properties.

The first herb to discuss is a popular one. Hydrastis canadensis, more commonly known as goldenseal, has been used for many decades for its antimicrobial effects. The active ingredient of goldenseal is berberine. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid. This is the component that gives the plant its antifungal properties. This alkaloid is cytotoxic. It works by affecting the cell membrane of fungus. Ergosterol is the most prevalent and abundant sterol in the cell membrane, giving fungal cells their permeability and fluidity. Berberine acts to inhibit ergosterol synthesis. By inhibiting the synthesis, the cell membrane of the fungus becomes unstable and increases its permeability. This causes a loss of internal contents, DNA and protein, of the fungus and subsequently death. Berberine also plays a role in direct lipid peroxidation of the membrane, acting directly to destroy the membrane. Other herbs with berberine as a constituent include Oregon grape root, barberry and goldthread. Any of these, including goldenseal, are valuable components of any antifungal therapy.

This herb, also known as Juglans nigra, is widely known and used as an antiparasitic agent. It is also a potent antifungal herb. The active component is called juglone. Juglone is a type of organic compound called naphthoquinone. It has shown antifungal properties against topical, intestinal and vaginal candida overgrowth. This compound, in its nanoparticle form, has shown promising efficacy against aspergillus and fusarium mold species. When acting, the juglone also increases cellular catalase and superoxide dismutase. These are common defense enzymes that act at the cellular membrane of the fungal cell to cause damage and death.

Juglone has also shown direct inhibition in cellular respiration of Fusarium mold, a common mold exposure as depicted by the OAT and MycoTOX Profile. It stimulates the increase of glutathione reductase enzyme in addition to its antifungal properties. This enzyme helps to reduce the increase in ROS. Other compounds, phenols, have also been extracted from black walnut. Some include: 3- and 5-caffeoylquinic acids, 3- and 4-p-coumaroylquinic acids, p-coumaric acid, quercetin 3-galactoside, quercetin 3-pentoside derivative, quercetin 3-arabinoside, quercetin 3-xyloside and quercetin 3-rhamnoside. These phenolic compounds have also shown antifungal properties, in particular to candida. With juglone and these phenolic compounds working synergistically, black walnut is a potent option to consider in fungal overgrowth treatment. 

This next herb is a common immune boosting supplement known and used by many. Echinacea purpurea has been long touted for its immunomodulatory effects and antiviral nature. It has also shown efficacy against fungal infections and overgrowths. Vaginal candidiasis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been successfully treated with this herb. It acts using its polysaccharide rich composition. They work by enhancing the natural killer cells and macrophages of the host. This causes an increase in the phagocytosis of the fungal cells. Other active compounds in Echinacea that give it its immune modulating properties include the alkamide and caffeic acid derivatives. Echinacea’s direct antifungal, along with UV light therapy, is from the acetylenic isobutyl amides it contains. The UV light therapy isn't necessary, but its addition does enhance Echinacea’s antifungal property.   

Echinacea also works in a different way to exert antifungal properties. Fungi, including Aspergillus and Candida, have been studied tirelessly and it has been found that they possess lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. Their LOX is like the ones found in humans. Echinacea exerts its anti-inflammatory nature by inhibiting these types of enzymes. So, in the presence of LOX enzyme in fungus, Echinacea exhibits the same inhibitory effect, thus affecting the fungal cell negatively. This makes it more susceptible to the polysaccharide function of enhancing immunity. Echinacea is a great addition to any formula for immune support and for antifungal properties. 

Another herbal option for antifungal therapy is grapefruit seed extract (GSE). This potent extract is used often over the counter for many antimicrobial needs. Its antifungal nature is due to a few mechanisms. One includes its flavone content. The flavones are found in high concentrations in all citrus including grapefruit. The flavones in question are naringin and hesperidin and their derivatives like prunin decanoate. They have been shown to inhibit mycelial growth of not only Candida yeast, but also Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium. 

GSE works by inhibiting fungal cell growth and energy production. It works at the mitochondrial level of the fungal cell. The GSE induces apoptosis by destroying the 60S and L14-A ribosomal proteins found in the mitochondria. Through this inhibition, the conversion of pantothenic acid to coenzyme A. This inhibition disrupts the fungal cellular respiration needed for its own energy production and cellular function. The blockage caused eventually will kill the fungus and disrupt replication. GSE also works by eliminating biofilms that are already present. It also inhibits the formation of new biofilms. GSE can be used not only as a star antifungal player in treatment, but also as a novel biofilm disruptor set in place to enhance the activity of other potent antifungals being used.

For centuries, Allium sativum, more commonly known as garlic, has been used for its medicinal properties. Now, most people use garlic only as a nice addition to many savory meals for enhanced flavor. Luckily, its medicinal properties have not been forgotten. Garlic has been touted as antilipidemic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, amongst other great properties. For our purpose we will focus on the more antimicrobial properties and effects of the amazing plant. Allium has shown great efficacy as an antimicrobial agent and as an antifungal. 

This plant has various active compounds that give it its medicinal properties. Two are ajoene and allicin. Allicin is the commonly known active compound in garlic. In its pure form, allicin is a potent antifungal with great efficacy against Candida albicans. It has been shown to inhibit candida growth with topical and internal application. The allicin is released from the plant by the alliin that is acted upon by the phospho-pyridoxal enzyme alliinase. Therefore, it's best to crush garlic cloves and let them sit before adding to your dish when cooking. This time allows for the allicin to be fully released. Once the active allicin is released it can exert its antifungal properties. It works due to its sulfur content. The sulfur, when in contact with the fungus, enters the fungal cell and binds to the sulfur in the DNA and proteins of the fungus and disrupts synthesis thus killing the organism. One would be suspicious that this compound would do the same to human cells when ingested. This is prevented as the sulfur in the glutathione our cells possess binds synergistically with the allicin and thus inactives this action of the garlic. It’s pretty interesting how plants can be helpful to one organism, yet harmful to another. Allicin has also been shown to cause 100% mycelial growth inhibition of Aspergillus niger.

This other compound ajoene is also an organosulfur compound from garlic. It happens to be from allicin. The further degradation of the allicin, allows for the release of this other potent compound. Ajoene has also shown great efficacy in the killing of fungus. Studies have shown its success in treating Candida and Aspergillus. Some other molds that have been found to be common in water damage building exposure that ajoene can combat include Fusarium and Penicillium. Another plant, highly related to garlic, Allium cepa or onion, has also shown great efficacy in killing mold and yeast. With the same compounds found in both these plants, both would be beneficial to any antifungal protocol.

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In the discovery of fungal overgrowths, whether yeast or mold, treatment options are vast. These 5 herbs discussed: goldenseal, echinacea, grapefruit seed extract, garlic, and black walnut are options that should be considered. When deciding which herbs to use to treat your clients consider formulations that include these options. For a convenient place to procure supplementation consider visiting New Beginnings Nutritionals at www.nbnus.com.

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