Houttuynia cordata Thunb: Ethnobotanical and availability notes in the Cu Chi district, Vietnam

Abstract

Houttuynia cordata, a plant with a long history of traditional medicinal and culinary uses across different cultures, has shown effectiveness in treating various ailments in Southeast Asia. The Cu Chi district of southern Vietnam, is home to 35 out of the country's 54 ethnic minority groups, making it an ideal location to investigate the traditional uses and availability of H. cordata within the local community. The study findings reveal notable differences in leaf anatomy, thickness, and vascular bundles, which can be attributed to variations in soil conditions. The Phu My Hung area, characterized by lower soil moisture and nutrient content, indicates more pronounced drought conditions. H. cordata from this region exhibits higher antioxidant capacity and develops lignified cells as an adaptation to dry conditions, thereby enhancing water use efficiency. The findings of this study highlight the significant implications of the distinct populations of H. cordata belonging to the same species. These populations have undergone morphological and physiological adaptations in response to their specific ecological conditions. Notably, the H. cordata population from drought-prone areas such as Phu My Hung exhibits remarkable potential for medicinal applications. This suggests that the unique environmental pressures in these regions have influenced the plant's composition and properties, making it a valuable resource for medicinal research and potential therapeutic developments. The identification and utilization of such adaptations in H. cordata populations could have far-reaching implications in the field of medicine, offering new avenues for drug discovery and the treatment of various ailments.