Houttuynia cordata
Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as chameleon plant or fish mint, is a versatile medicinal herb valued in traditional Eastern medicine. Renowned for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is frequently used to treat skin ailments, respiratory issues, and infections, offering a unique blend of healing and culinary utility.
- Scientific name: Houttuynia cordata
- Family: Saururaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Piperales and the family Saururaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Houttuynia, specifically the species Houttuynia cordata.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Piperales | WCVP |
| Family | Saururaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Houttuynia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is noted in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the central part of the continent, the species is also found throughout Middle Europe. Specifically, it can be located within the territories of Austria and the Czech-Slovakia region. Furthermore, the geographical range extends into Germany, solidifying its foothold in Middle Europe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
Chemicals
Houttuynia cordata has 137 reported phytochemicals identified across 194 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, quercitrin, 2-undecanone, quercetin, isoquercitrin.
- Total chemicals
- 137
- Scientific sources
- 194
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| quercitrin | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| 2-undecanone | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| quercetin | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| isoquercitrin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| afzelin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| decanal | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Houttuynia cordata has 14 reported activities identified across 27 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antiviral, Anticancer, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 27
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Allelopathic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiacetylcholinesterase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Houttuynia cordata has 55 reported medicinal uses identified across 74 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, dysentery, inflammation, oxidative stress, pneumonia.
- Total uses
- 55
- Scientific sources
- 74
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| dysentery | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| pneumonia | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cold | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatocellular carcinoma | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| influenza virus | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mumps | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |