Can Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) prevent or treat cancer, and what is the scientific evidence?
Aug 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
There is controversy over whether Houttuynia cordata can fight cancer. Relevant scientific studies generally cite evidence such as the anti-cancer effects of houttuynin and the ability of its extracts to kill tumor cells. Houttuynin, a compound found in Houttuynia cordata, has been found in vitro cell experiments to exert certain inhibitory effects on the growth of some cancer cells, such as those of lung and gastric cancers. However, the strength and scope of these effects still require further research to be confirmed.
There is controversy over whether Houttuynia cordata can fight cancer. The evidence cited in related scientific research generally includes the anti-cancer effects of houttuynin, the ability of extracts to kill tumor cells, flavonoids interfering with cancer metabolism, blocking certain cancer proliferation processes, and certain components having anti-mutagenic properties. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Anti-cancer effects of houttuynin: Houttuynin, a compound found in Houttuynia cordata, has been found in vitro cell experiments to exert a certain inhibitory effect on the growth of some cancer cells, such as lung cancer and gastric cancer. However, its strength and scope of action still require further research to confirm.
2. Extracts killing tumor cells: Some studies have extracted active components from Houttuynia cordata and found that they exhibit certain cytotoxic effects against specific types of tumor cells. However, these effects were observed under specific laboratory conditions, which differ from the in vivo environment.
3. Flavonoids interfering with cancer metabolism: The flavonoids contained in Houttuynia cordata are believed in studies to possibly interfere with the metabolic processes of cancer cells, thereby affecting their survival and proliferation. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood, and large-scale clinical data are lacking.
4. Inhibiting cancer proliferation: Some animal experiments have shown that certain Houttuynia cordata-based formulations can inhibit cell proliferation in certain cancers, such as liver cancer and colorectal cancer. However, whether these results can be applied to humans requires further investigation.
5. Components with anti-mutagenic properties: Some components of Houttuynia cordata have shown certain anti-mutagenic activity in vitro studies. Since mutation is a major cause of cancer development, this provides some basis for its potential anti-cancer effects, although further research is still needed.
As food or herbal medicine, the anti-cancer effects of Houttuynia cordata have not been sufficiently confirmed, and it cannot be regarded as an anti-cancer drug. It should be consumed in moderation as part of a regular diet. If suffering from any illness, one should follow the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals and adopt scientifically based and standardized treatment approaches, avoiding reliance on a single ingredient and delaying proper treatment.
