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Anthelminthic Agents

Anthelminthic Agents

Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:

Allergic Reactions

Allergic Reactions

Upper Respiratory Drugs: First and Second-Generation Antihistamines

Upper Respiratory Drugs: First and Second-Generation Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a class of drugs widely used to alleviate the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. They work by inhibiting the actions of histamine, which is released by immune cells in response to allergenic substances or tissue injuries.
Histamine binds to specific receptor sites, known as H1 receptors, on tissue cells, triggering inflammation and swelling. Antihistamines combat these effects by competing with histamine for these receptor sites. By...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Cultivation of Heligmosomoides Polygyrus: An Immunomodulatory Nematode Parasite and its Secreted Products

Cultivation of Heligmosomoides Polygyrus: An Immunomodulatory Nematode Parasite and its Secreted Products

Published on: April 6, 2015

Helminth therapy (worms) for allergic rhinitis.

Ashley M Croft¹, Peter Bager, Sushil Kumar

¹Headquarters SurgeonGeneral,Whittington Barracks, Lichfield,UK. Ashley.Croft810@mod.uk

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

|April 20, 2012

Summary

Helminth therapy shows no significant improvement for allergic rhinitis symptoms, though it may reduce the need for rescue medication. More research is needed to confirm efficacy and costs before routine use.

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Cultivation of Heligmosomoides Polygyrus: An Immunomodulatory Nematode Parasite and its Secreted Products

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Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis

Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis

Published on: December 20, 2024

Area of Science:

Immunology
Parasitology
Allergy Research

Background:

Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent global health issue affecting nasal passages.
Helminths, or parasitic worms, can modulate host immune responses.
Emerging evidence suggests helminths may influence allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of helminth therapy for allergic rhinitis.
To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials on helminth treatment for allergic rhinitis.

Main Methods:

Conducted a systematic search of multiple databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Included studies involving any helminth species administered to individuals with allergic rhinitis.
Extracted data independently and assessed risk of bias; combined data using risk ratios and mean differences.

Main Results:

Two low-risk-of-bias RCTs (130 participants) were analyzed.
Helminth therapy did not improve allergic rhinitis symptoms, well days, lung function, or quality of life.
A significant reduction in the need for oral rescue medication during pollen season was observed with helminth treatment.
Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the helminth group, but serious adverse events did not differ.

Conclusions:

Insufficient evidence currently supports helminth therapy for routine allergic rhinitis management.
Helminths appear safe when administered in controlled doses.
Further preclinical and larger clinical trials are recommended, focusing on comparative cost-effectiveness.