Research advances on the antiviral mechanisms and clinical applications of the active ingredients in Houttuynia cordata

Houttuynia cordata is a kind of medicinal and edible homologous plant containing various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, volatile oils, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. It possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities, highlighting its dual utility as both a therapeutic agent and a food source. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that extracts of H. cordata exert antiviral effects by interfering with viral RNA replication and suppressing viral protein expression. Further research indicated that polysaccharides derived from H. cordata exhibit inhibitory activity against influenza virus and Norovirus, while its flavonoids and essential oil components can suppress the activity of Herpes simplex virus and influenza virus, demonstrating promising potential for clinical application. To facilitate the rational development and medicinal use of H. cordata, further investigation is necessary to clarify its specific antiviral constituents and their in vivo action mechanisms. This review summarizes current research progress on the major active components, antiviral effects, and clinical application of H. cordata, aiming to provide insights for its development of antiviral drugs and related health products.