Kamala

Botanical

What is it

Kamala (Mallotus philippensis) is a small tree native to South and Southeast Asia. The reddish powder obtained from its fruit capsules has been used in traditional medicine for intestinal worms and skin complaints, and as a dye for silk.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Tapeworm infection (historical)

Limited Evidence

Historical clinical reports describe successful expulsion of tapeworms. Modern antiparasitic drugs have superseded kamala.

How it works

The fruit gland powder contains rottlerin and related chalcone derivatives. Rottlerin has been studied as a kinase inhibitor in cell biology research and shows anti-parasitic activity in laboratory and historical clinical reports. The compound is also somewhat irritating. Historically, kamala was used as an oral anthelmintic against tapeworms. Modern antiparasitic medications (praziquantel, niclosamide, albendazole) are far more effective and safer, and kamala is rarely used clinically today.

Dosage

Historical anthelmintic use specified 1-5 g of kamala powder in a single dose. There is no modern validated supplemental dose. Self-administration is not recommended.

When and how to take it

Not for self-use. Historical antiparasitic dosing required follow-up purgative; modern medicines do not.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Fruit gland powder

Historical preparation; rarely used today.

Traditional preparation; rottlerin content variable.

Safety

Kamala can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain at therapeutic doses. Skin contact can be irritating. Long-term safety has not been formally evaluated. The historical antiparasitic dose carries notable GI toxicity.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Not for children. People taking any prescription medication should not self-use due to potential kinase interactions. Modern antiparasitic drugs are preferred for tapeworm infections.

Interactions

Rottlerin is a non-specific kinase inhibitor in laboratory studies, raising theoretical concerns about interactions with multiple medications. Specific clinical interaction data are sparse.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use kamala to treat parasites?⌄

No. Modern antiparasitic medications are more effective and have a far better safety profile. See a clinician if you suspect a parasitic infection.

Is kamala safe?⌄

Historical doses cause notable GI toxicity. Long-term modern safety has not been established. Self-use is not recommended.

References

Kamala on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Kamala (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.