Evidence supporting the use of: Houttynia
For the health condition: Kidney Infection

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Houttuynia cordata (often simply called Houttuynia) is a herb widely used in traditional medicine systems in East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Houttuynia is commonly prescribed for conditions regarded as "heat" or "toxicity" in the body, which can include infections of the urinary tract, including the kidneys. Its use for kidney infections (pyelonephritis) is mostly based on these traditional principles rather than robust modern scientific validation.

There are some laboratory studies indicating that extracts from Houttuynia have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. However, these studies are primarily in vitro (test tube) or in animal models, and they do not specifically address clinical efficacy in treating kidney infections in humans. There is a lack of high-quality, peer-reviewed clinical trials or systematic reviews that confirm its effectiveness for kidney infections.

Therefore, while Houttuynia continues to be used in traditional herbal practice for urinary tract and kidney-related infections, the evidence supporting its effectiveness for this specific condition is weak and mainly anecdotal or based on historical use. Its use should not replace standard medical therapy for kidney infections, which can be serious and require antibiotics.

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