Affiliation:
1. Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine University of Florence Florence Italy
2. Institut für Philosophie I Ruhr‐Universität Bochum Bochum Germany
3. Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine Unit Careggi University Hospital Florence Italy
Abstract
AbstractIn this manuscript, we explore the potential therapeutic use of helminths. After analyzing helminths’ role in connection with human health from the perspective of their symbiotic and evolutionary relationship, we critically examine some studies on their therapeutic applications. In doing so, we focus on some prominent mechanisms of action and potential benefits, but also on the exaggerations and theoretical and methodological difficulties of such proposals. We conclude that further studies are needed to fully explore the potential benefits of this perspective, and we encourage the scientific community in doing so.