Berberine Containing Anti-Parasite Products
There a number of different products for Giardia and intestinal parasite control. We recommend their use PRIOR to the use of Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazzole tend to destroy the entire gut micro-flora, so we recommend against their use in most situations.
Some of the ingredients you should look for in any anti-parasite herbal product:
- Berberine sulfate is an alkaloid extracted from the roots and bark of various plants and possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal activities. Berberine Sulfate seems very effective against Giardia and bacteria, where it has been shown to disrupt the ability of bacteria to adhere to the intestinal wall.
- Goldenseal is a plant of the buttercup family. It grows naturally in North America. Goldenseal has the following herbal properties (whole herb): bitter, hepatic, alterative, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, laxative, emmenagogue, and oxytocic. Goldenseal Root enhances mucus in the intestinal lining, thus helping heal the gut. Goldenseal is somewhat endangered in the wild due to over-harvesting, so only domestically cultivated plants should be used in herbal prescriptions.
- Garlic has long been understood to be antimicrobial and has immune-enhancing properties (it was known to be used by the Egyptian pharaohs). Numerous modern studies confirm that garlic has definite antibiotic properties and is effective against many bacteria, fungi and viruses. One significant advantage of garlic is that the bacteria do not seem to evolve to build up a resistance to it. It has been shown in studies to reduce the incidence of the common cold.
- Quassia Bark has Anthelmintic, Antiulcerogenic, Aperitif, Astringent, Digestive, Febrifuge, Insecticidal, Larvicidal, Laxative, Pediculicide, Stomachic, and Vermifuge properties. It contains quassin, a bitter-tasting chemical that is the bitterest substance found in nature. Extracts of Q. amara bark containing quassinoids are used as natural insecticides. It is believed to be able to remove intestinal worms, such as ascarids. Like quinine (the natural malaria herb), it is a febrifuge and is used by the traditional healers of Brazil for malaria, fevers, as a bitter digestive aid, an insecticide, and for liver and gallbladder problems among other conditions.
- Black Walnut, Juglans nigra, contains bitter tannins. The tannins in Black Walnut are considered to be helpful in parasitic problems. Black Walnut is toxic in higher doses, used in food (walnuts), used for its high-quality wood, and used in herbal medicine. Besides tannins, Black Walnut has Juglone. Juglone (5-hydroxy-alphanapthaquinone) is a powerful defensive adaptation of Black Walnut and is known as a phytotoxic allelochemical. Juglone demonstrates potential as an effective bactericide, fungicide, and even parricide.
- The grapefruit seed extract has antimicrobial action against bacteria and fungi. It seems to disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane of these pathogens, thereby preventing the uptake of amino acids. At the same time, there is a leakage of the cellular contents with low molecular weight through the cytoplasmic membrane. The pathogen is then inactivated.
Para-GARD is a botanical supplement designed for gastrointestinal problems. Most of the ingredients in this formula have shown antimicrobial activity and antiparasitic properties. Some ingredients also dry excessive secretions, which help alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea. This combination of actions makes Para-Gard an excellent product for acute diarrhea, and some cases of chronic diarrhea.
Please read our article on the treatment of Diarrhea in Dogs. Follow this link to read about Diarrhea in Cats.
At WellVet.com, we have used Para-Gard to treat acute diarrhea of unknown cause with good success. One of Para-Gard's best uses seems to be in treating chronic (or acute) Giardia problems.
Indications for the use of these products:
- Acute diarrhea, due to:
Stress
Travel
Kenneling/boarding
Post-surgical diarrhea
Separation Anxiety
- Dietary indiscretions
- Unknown causes of acute diarrhea
- Giardia caused diarrhea
- Chronic diarrhea
- Bacterial overgrowth caused diarrhea
- Clostridia caused diarrhea
Para-Gard (Integrative Therapies)
Para-GARD is one product we have used extensively, and it is a botanical supplement designed for gastrointestinal problems. Most of the ingredients in this formula have shown antimicrobial activity and antiparasitic properties. Some ingredients also dry excessive secretions, which help alleviate the symptoms of diarrhea. This combination of actions makes Para-Gard an excellent product for acute diarrhea, and some cases of chronic diarrhea.
At WellVet.com, we have used Para-Gard to treat acute diarrhea of unknown cause with good success. One of Para-Gard's best uses seems to be in treating chronic (or acute) Giardia problems.