cucurbitin

Cucurbitin is a naturally occurring amino acid primarily found in seeds of the Cucurbitaceae family, such as pumpkins, squashes, and gourds. It is best known for its anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) properties, notably its ability to paralyze and help eliminate intestinal worms, including roundworms and tapeworms. The compound is widely used as a traditional remedy for intestinal helminth infections in both human and veterinary medicine. While its efficacy is supported by preclinical and some clinical studies, cucurbitin describes a bioactive compound rather than a conventional molecular target like a receptor or enzyme.

Other names

cucurbitinepumpkin seed amino acid

Paralysis of worms, which allows their expulsion from the body. Potential disruption of worm energy metabolism, muscle function, or cuticle integrity (suggested by related anthelmintic plant compounds, but direct mechanisms for cucurbitin are not fully elucidated).