Evidence supporting the use of: Houttuynia
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

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, commonly known as fish mint or chameleon plant, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems across East Asia, particularly in Chinese medicine. It is traditionally used for its purported antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the context of viral infections, Houttuynia is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations to support the treatment of respiratory tract infections, including those caused by viruses. The plant is believed to "clear heat" and "remove toxins" according to TCM principles, and thus is often prescribed for conditions such as influenza, pneumonia, and even as an adjunct during outbreaks of viral illnesses like SARS. From a scientific perspective, laboratory studies have identified several bioactive compounds in Houttuynia cordata, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, that exhibit in vitro antiviral activity against certain viruses, including influenza and herpes simplex virus. However, these findings are largely limited to preclinical studies, and robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, while there is some preliminary scientific support, the majority of its use for viral infections is rooted in traditional practices, with only modest evidence from laboratory research. Its overall evidence rating remains low due to the lack of high-quality human studies.

More about Houttuynia
More about Infection (viral)

Products containing Houttuynia

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