Houttuynia cordata (Pwèv-Chin) : medicinal properties in alcoholic extraction

Houttuynia cordata (Pwèv-Chin) — family Saururacées.

This database documents alcoholic (ethanol) extractions of active substances. Our monograph currently lists 17 indications in alcoholic extraction for this species. The monograph draws on 193 scientific references recorded for the species.

Therapeutic indications in alcoholic extraction:

Note: scientific reference excerpts are kept in their original language (most often English), without translation, to respect the source text of publications.

1. Cancer : Plant part used: Fruit.
   Selon Gao L (2021) : Most of reports of its anti-cancer activity were conducted in vitro, & its effects on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has not been investigated yet. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic effects of HCT on cutaneous SCC & indicate it might inhibit cancer through regulating tumor infiltrating lymphocytes & the tumor immune microenvironments. Selon Liu J (2020) : Liu J et al, Effect of Heat Treatment on the Anticancer Activity of Houttuynia Cordata Thunb Aerial Stem Extract in Human Gastric Cancer SGC-7901 Cells.
2. Type II diabetes mellitus : Plant part used: Sheet. Documented pharmacological profile: Metformine-like. Mentioned synergistic association: Metformine.
   Selon RAHMAN S (2024) : This study aimed to explore the potential antidiabetic & hypolipidemic effects of Plu kaow (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.) ethanolic extract (PK) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, focusing on its molecular mechanisms. Diabetes was induced in fasting Long Evans rats using streptozotocin (65 mg/kg b. Selon RAHMAN SS (2025) : To induce diabetes, the rats received an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.
3. Immunodeficiency : Plant part used: Aerial parts.
   Selon LIU J (2024) : Studies have confirmed that HCPs exhibit various bifunctionalities, such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, regulation of gut microbiota, & gut-lung axis, as well as anti-radiation, & anti-cancer properties. Selon Cheng BH (2014) : The bioactivity assays showed that HCP-2 could increase the secretions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), macrophage inhibitory protein-1α (MIP-1α), macrophage inhibitory protein-1β (MIP-1β), & RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed & secreted) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which play critical roles in the innate immune system & shape the adaptive immunity. Our results implied that HCP-2 could be an immune enhancer.

Further indications (including other extraction modes where applicable), dosages, precautions for use and full scientific references are available in the complete monograph.

Photo credit : Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek without modification (CC BY-SA 4.0). License : CC BY-SA 4.0.