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 Chinese medicine (TCM) and other Asian medicinal systems, especially for treating infections and inflammation. In TCM, Houttuynia is often prescribed to "clear heat and toxins," and is believed to be effective for respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. The plant is commonly included in herbal formulas for its purported antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Modern scientific studies have explored Houttuynia’s bioactive compounds—such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and volatile oils—that exhibit in vitro antibacterial and antiviral effects. However, the majority of these studies are preliminary, conducted either in test tubes or in animal models, with limited clinical evidence in humans. While some recent laboratory research suggests that extracts of Houttuynia may inhibit the growth of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and viruses such as influenza, these findings have not yet translated into robust clinical recommendations or guidelines. Overall, Houttuynia continues to be used to support infection treatment primarily due to tradition and historical precedent, with some suggestive but not conclusive scientific evidence. As such, while its use is justified in traditional medicine, scientific validation remains limited, and more rigorous human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for treating infections.

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