Evidence supporting the use of: Houttuynia
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Houttuynia cordata, known as "fish mint" or "dokudami," has been used in traditional Asian medicine, particularly in China and Japan, for a variety of conditions, including infections. Its use for treating or supporting fungal infections is primarily rooted in traditional practice. Traditional medicine systems have utilized Houttuynia for its perceived "detoxifying" and antimicrobial properties, which are believed to extend to fungal pathogens. However, while laboratory studies have demonstrated that extracts of Houttuynia cordata may have some antifungal activity in vitro against certain fungal species (such as Candida albicans), these findings are preliminary and have not been robustly validated in human clinical studies.

The evidence supporting its antifungal effectiveness in humans is limited, and most available data are from cell culture or animal studies. No large-scale, high-quality clinical trials have established its efficacy or safety for fungal infections in humans. Thus, while its use is justified by tradition and there is some low-level scientific interest, the overall evidence is weak. Most recommendations for Houttuynia in fungal infection contexts are based on its long history of traditional use rather than strong scientific validation.

More about Houttuynia
More about Fungal Infections

Products containing Houttuynia

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.