Salicylanilide anthelmintic
Niclosamide
Uncouples oxidative phosphorylation in susceptible cestodes. Host signalling effects (Wnt// and related pathways) are investigational/preclinical.
Primary Mechanism of Action
Clinical / Scientific
As a protonophore, niclosamide uncouples oxidative phosphorylation in tapeworms, collapsing ATP production. In mammalian systems it has been reported to affect Wnt/β-catenin, , , and NF-κB in experimental models — observations that motivate research, not labelled human anticancer or antiviral indications.
Pathway Targets
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
Scientific explanation
Protonophoric uncoupling in susceptible cestodes.
STAT3
Scientific explanation
Reported downregulation in cell models.
Wnt / β-catenin
Scientific explanation
Experimental pathway modulation.
mTOR
Scientific explanation
Reported downstream metabolic signalling effects in models.
Pathway Convergence
Clinical / Scientific
Target → pathway → downstream effect → biological consequence. This is a mechanistic map, not a treatment claim.
Parasite ATP collapse
Target to downstream effect: Inner-membrane proton leak → Uncoupled respiration → ATP depletion → Cestode death
Mechanistically Relevant Repurposed & Adjunctive Applications
Intestinal tapeworm infection
EstablishedMechanistic rationale
Established taeniacide for labelled cestode indications in jurisdictions where it is approved.
Host signalling modulation
PreclinicalMechanistic rationale
Wnt, , and findings are laboratory/investigational and do not establish clinical efficacy.
Mechanistic Application Matrix
| Biological Target | Mechanism | Potential Relevance | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| OXPHOS | Uncoupling | Cestode energy metabolism | Established mechanism |
| STAT3 / Wnt / mTOR | Experimental modulation | Oncology-related signalling in models | Preclinical |
In Plain Language
Niclosamide makes tapeworm leak protons so they cannot charge their energy battery (ATP). Other effects seen in lab dishes are still research-level.
Compounds Sharing Pathways
Other library compounds whose structured pathway data overlap this ingredient. Shared pathways are not combination recommendations.
Oncology Mechanistic Relevance
Cancers in the atlas where this compound has a mapped mechanistic rationale. Evidence tiers are not equivalent and do not imply treatment.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Models report Wnt/β-catenin, and effects. Host signalling findings remain investigational.
Mechanistic information is provided for scientific and educational purposes. Discussion of biological pathways or investigational applications does not establish clinical efficacy or constitute individualized medical advice.