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Houttuynia Cordata Extract

Extract of houttuynia leaves, a plant of Asian folk medicine. Anti-inflammatory effects have been seen only in skin cells. The extract alone has not been studied in humans

Evidence by route

C

Topical application

Soothing and antioxidant effects have been seen only in skin cell cultures. The extract itself has not been studied in humans. The one RCT tested a mixture of four plant extracts in acne, and the share of houttuynia is unknown

  • Yang JH et al. Clinical efficacy of herbal extracts in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris: an 8-week, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. J Dermatolog Treat. 2021;32(3):297-301. PMID 31424962
  • Charachit N et al. Hyperoside and Quercitrin in Houttuynia cordata Extract Attenuate UVB-Induced Human Keratinocyte Cell Damage and Oxidative Stress via Modulation of MAPKs and Akt Signaling Pathway. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022;11(2). PMID 35204104
  • Doi K et al. Antioxidant Houttuynia cordata extract upregulates filaggrin expression in an aryl hydrocarbon-dependent manner. Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi. 2014;105(11):205-13. PMID 25816564
  • Sekita Y et al. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract from Houttuynia cordata poultice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2016;80(6):1205-13. PMID 27023331
How to read tiers A–F
  • CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus

Tolerability and safety

Irritation potential
Low
Allergen risk
Low
Pregnancy
Unknown
Suitable for
Oily, Dry, Sensitive, Combination, Normal

About this ingredient

Houttuynia cordata extract is made from the leaves of houttuynia (heartleaf, fishwort), a plant of Asian folk medicine. In Japan, a poultice of fresh leaves is used for boils and carbuncles (Sekita 2016). The leaves contain flavonoids, including quercitrin and hyperoside. All mechanism data come from cell cultures. In keratinocytes exposed to UVB, an extract fraction and its flavonoids reduced cell death, reactive oxygen species and the mediators IL-6, IL-8 and COX-2 (Charachit 2022). The extract activated the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and raised filaggrin gene expression in keratinocytes (Doi 2014). An ethanol extract of the poultice acted against MRSA and lowered IL-8 in stimulated keratinocytes (Sekita 2016). The extract is used in soothing creams, serums and acne products. No study has tested houttuynia extract alone in humans. The only RCT was double-blind and included 60 patients with mild to moderate acne. It compared a mixture of four extracts (mangosteen, Lithospermum officinale, Tribulus terrestris and houttuynia) with vehicle. After 8 weeks, inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions decreased in the extract group. IL-1α, IL-8 and keratin 16 in biopsies fell more than with vehicle (Yang 2021). The share of houttuynia is unknown, and erythema was not assessed. Patch-test data for the extract have not been published. There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Is Houttuynia Cordata Extract safe during pregnancy?

Safety data for Houttuynia Cordata Extract during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.

What skin types is Houttuynia Cordata Extract for?

Houttuynia Cordata Extract suits: oily, dry, sensitive, combination, normal.

What is Houttuynia Cordata Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?

Extract of houttuynia leaves, a plant of Asian folk medicine.

What's the INCI name for Houttuynia Cordata Extract?

The INCI name is Houttuynia Cordata Extract.

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