Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordada)

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Both the leaf and root of Chameleon plant are consumed as a vegetable in Vietnam and in Southwest China. Studies have demonstrated that this plant has broad-spectrum anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties.

Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordada) gains its common name for its changing colors as the plant matures, from pink to burgundy to deep green. Both its leaf and root are consumed as a vegetable in Vietnam and in Southwest China. A significant amount of research conducted in Korea, China and Japan demonstrate that the extract of the whole plant has broad-spectrum antiviral and antibacterial effects, including antiviral effects on the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus.

Facts About Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordada)

Grown as a leaf vegetable, particularly in Vietnam, chameleon plant is used as a fresh herbal garnish.
The leaf has an unusual taste that is often described as fishy (earning it the nickname "fish mint"), so it is not enjoyed as universally as basil, mint, or other more commonly used herbs.

History of Chameleon Plant as Food and Medicinial Herb

Chameleon plant has also been used as herbal medicine for clearing heat, eliminating toxin and draining pus. Studies have demonstrated that Chameleon plant has broad-spectrum anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating activity. Clinically it has been used to treat pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, inflammation, cervical erosion, astrophic sinusitis, and angioma.

WinVivo uses Chameleon Plant in products that address the following Health Concerns:

Articles about this botanical

Anti-Viral Infection and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Chameleon Plant

The antiviral activity of H. cordata extract was greater in cells pretreated with extract than those treated after infection. We conclude that H. cordata extract has antiviral activity, and it offers a potential to develop a new anti-EV71 agent.

Inhibitory Effects on Influenza A Virus Replication (Chameleon Plant)

Influenza viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans through epidemics or pandemics. The lack of effective therapeutical treatment underlines the importance of research for new antiviral compounds.

Antiviral and Immuno-Modulatory Activies (Chameleon Plant)

The results of this study provided scientific data to support the efficient and safe use of HC to combat SARS.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity (Japanese Honeysuckle and Chameleon Plant)

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC), Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer (GU), Forsythia suspense (Thunb.) Vahl (FS), and Lonicera japonica Thunb. (LJ) are Chinese herbs known to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Suppression of Th2-Mediated Allergic Inflammation in the Treatment of Herpes, Chronic Sinusitis and, Allergy

This study may show the usefulness of HcFs in the ethnopharmacological treatment of Th2-mediated or allergic inflammation, through the down-regulation of the production of Th2 cytokines and TARC, as well as cell migration.

Anti-Herpes Simplex Virus Activity ( of Houttuynia cordada or Chameleon Plant)

The present study evaluated the antiviral activity of Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (Blume) Sherff and Houttuynia cordata Thunb., using cytotoxicity test with XTT-based colorimetric assay.

Product containing this botanical

Botano Guard

Botano Guard™ capsules deliver a synergistic combination of natural immune boosters with broad-spectrum antiviral and antibacterial herbs that, together, build defensive and offensive protection against harmful microorganisms.

BOTANO GUARD:
Naturally Anti-Microbial
Anti-inflammatory

BOTANO GUARD + BOTANO THROAT:
Synergy for Faster Relief
of Lung Inflammation

BOTANO GUARD + IMMUNE REBALANCER:
Synergy for Faster Relief of Inflammation

BOTANO THROAT:
Dissolves Mucus/Phlegm
Repairs Inflamed Throat

IMMUNE REBALANCER:
Naturally Anti-inflammatory
Desensitizes the Body to Allergens