Houttuynia cordata is a common Chinese herb that is widely used for colds, coughs and other diseases. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in negative reports about Houttuynia cordata, most notably that Houttuynia cordata contains a substance called "aristolochic acid", which is not only nephrotoxic but also thought to have carcinogenic potential. So, what kind of effects does regular consumption of Houttuynia cordata have on the human body?
First, let's take a look at the ingredients and benefits of Houttuynia cordata. Houttuynia cordata mainly contains aristolochic acid, houttuynin, houttuynic acid and other components. Among them, aristolochic acid is a toxic substance, which is nephrotoxic and may cause damage to the kidneys if ingested for a long time. Houttuynin is the active ingredient of Houttuynia cordata, which has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and other effects, and can be used for colds, coughs and other diseases. Houttuynia cordata has antioxidant and antitumor effects.
However, despite Houttuynia cordata's medicinal properties, the aristolochic acid it contains is a cause for concern. Aristolochic acid is a toxic substance that can cause damage to the kidneys, leading to abnormal kidney function and even kidney failure. In addition, aristolochic acid is also thought to have carcinogenic potential. Studies have found that aristolochic acid can cause DNA damage, which can increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, long-term consumption of Houttuynia cordata may adversely affect human health.
So, what kind of effects does regular consumption of Houttuynia cordata have on the human body?First, long-term ingestion of Houttuynia cordata, which contains aristolochic acid, may cause kidney damage. Aristolochic acid is nephrotoxic and can cause abnormal kidney function and even kidney failure. Second, aristolochic acid is thought to have carcinogenic potential.
Long-term intake of aristolochic acid may increase the risk of cancer. In addition, other components in Houttuynia cordata such as Houttuynin and Houttuynic acid, although they have certain medicinal value, may have adverse reactions to the human body when consumed in large amounts over a long period of time.
However, we also can't generalize that Houttuynia cordata is harmful. In fact, Houttuynia cordata is safe when used in moderation. Many studies have shown that moderate consumption of Houttuynia cordata can boost immunity and prevent illnesses such as colds and coughs. Therefore, we should pay attention to the appropriate amount when consuming Houttuynia cordata and not overdo it.
In addition, in order to reduce the harm of aristolochic acid to the human body, we can choose processed Houttuynia cordata products. Processed Houttuynia cordata products often remove or reduce the amount of aristolochic acid, which reduces the risk of kidney damage and cancer. In addition, we can also choose other Chinese herbs with similar effects, such as honeysuckle, forsythia, etc., to replace the use of Houttuynia cordata.
In summary, Houttuynia cordata contains aristolochic acid, a substance that has nephrotoxic and carcinogenic potential. Long-term consumption of Houttuynia cordata may adversely affect human health. Therefore, we should pay attention to the appropriate amount when consuming Houttuynia cordata and not overdo it. In addition, in order to reduce the harm of aristolochic acid to the human body, we can choose processed Houttuynia cordata products or other Chinese herbs with similar effects instead. Take care of your kidneys and health so that you can enjoy life better.