Thiabendazole

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 233

Food additives Europe numbers: E233 

Thiabendazol, a benzimidazole fungicide developed by Sankyo Corporation, is a white powder. It is not only registered as an agricultural chemical, but also is a specified food additive as a preservative for use in citrus and banana. In the USA, it is also used as a post-harvest agricultural chemical.

Thiabendazol 2-(thiazol-4-yl)benzimidazole

Thiabendazole is a medication with a two-pronged attack: it can act as both an antifungal and an antiparasitic agent. Here's a breakdown of its key functionalities:

Antifungal Properties:

• Combats fungal diseases on fruits and vegetables after harvest, protecting them from spoilage caused by mold, blight, and other fungal foes.
• Used as a food additive with the E number E233 (INS number 233) to extend shelf life.

Antiparasitic Properties:

• Targets a variety of parasitic worms, including roundworms (like those causing strongyloidiasis) and hookworms, that can infect humans, livestock, and wild animals.
• Effective against pinworm infections, though other medications might be preferred due to better tolerability.

Other Uses:

• Less commonly, thiabendazole may be used to treat cutaneous larva migrans (creeping eruption) caused by parasitic larvae burrowing under the skin.
• In rare cases, it can bind to metals in the body, functioning as a chelating agent to help remove them in cases of metal poisoning (lead, mercury, antimony).

Important Points to Consider:

• Safer alternatives: For some parasitic worm infections, there might be better-tolerated medications available with fewer side effects.
• Potential side effects: Thiabendazole can cause side effects like dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and hair loss.
• Liver function: It can rarely cause liver problems, so consulting a doctor is essential before use.
• Not a first-line treatment: Due to the availability of safer options, thiabendazole is not typically the first choice for many of the conditions it can treat.