Usefulness of pumpkin seeds combined with areca nut extract in community-based treatment of human taeniasis in northwest Sichuan Province, China

► The curative effect of the treatment with pumpkin seeds combined areca nut extract, pumpkin seeds only or areca nut extract alone is assessed in taeniasis patients. ► The pumpkin seed/areca nut extract treatment has much better effect on eliminating of intact tapeworms, compared to either pumpkin seeds or areca nut extract alone. ► Common side-effects include mild and short-term nausea and dizziness. ► The pumpkin seed/areca nut extract treatment is a safe and effective measure for control of cysticercosis in endemic areas.