Abstract: Objective To compare the curative effect of oral praziquantel and areca nut decoction plus use of raw pumpkin seeds in the treatment of taeniasis for improving the level of treatment via summarizing the therapy experience in this infection.Methods The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed in 250 cases of taeniasis from 2014 to 2019.The patients were divided into praziquantel group(n=142) and areca nut decoction plus pumpkin seeds group (n=108).Then the therapeutic efficacies were compared between group.Results The cure rate was 93.66% and 91.67%,respectively for praziquantel group and areca nut decoction plus pumpkin seeds group.The difference was insignificant(P >0.05).Examination of the feces within 24 hours after the treatment showed that the total rate of worms retrieved was 84.51% by praziquantel treatment and 81.48% by areca nut decoction plus pumpkin seeds therapy.The difference was not significantly different between the two groups(P >0.05),yet the rate of full worms retrieved was higher in patients treated with areca nut decoction plus pumpkin seeds than in those by praziquantel(P <0.05).The average time of deworming with praziquantel was (82.41±51.36)min,which was longer than that of areca nut decoction plus pumpkin seeds (236.20±173.49)min.More patients had adverse reactions of digestive tract treated by areca nut decoction plus pumpkin seeds,yet the symptoms were less serious than praziquantel,and the adverse reactions in nervous system were observed in several cases in praziquantel group.Conclusion Although praziquantel and areca nut decoction plus pumpkin seeds can have definite therapeutic effect in the treatment of taeniasis, yet praziquantel is appropriate for use on hospital basis because of its convenience and quickness.Treatment regimen by areca nut decoction plus pumpkin seeds may be the first choice for general survey of taeniasis.

Key words: Taeniasis Praziquantel, Areca nuts, Pumpkin seeds , Curative effect