AID grant to Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia to evaluate the usefulness of traditional Peruvian remedies for diarrhea and parasites

Researchers will test at least 10 herbal remedies for diarrhea and 5 for parasites in animal models. The popular names of those to be tested for anti-diarrheal efficacy are: higuera, grenado, huitoc, mullacka, membrillero, tara, zarza, llanten major, setosa, hierba buena, and ratania. For countering parasites: oje, paicco, calabacera, helecho macho, and papayo. Significant numbers of Peruvian mothers rely on these traditional herbal remedies, which are found in every marketplace. The study will aim to determine which ones are ineffective, too toxic, or have undesirable side effects. If these remedies can be endorsed after study, they will provide inexpensive, readily available products that are already highly accepted. Johns Hopkins University will assist in the research.