Vietnamese coriander
Persicaria odorata
Persicaria odorata, commonly known as Chinese ginger or sweet flag, is a plant traditionally used in northern Thailand for both culinary and medicinal purposes. While specific traditional uses are not documented, it has been noted for its frequent use alongside other herbs and spices. Scientific evidence suggests that P. odorata exhibits significant effects on cancer cell lines through mechanisms such as apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of proliferation. Additionally, an ethanolic leaf extract showed antioxidant and antibacterial activity, with some improvements in growth performance and disease resistance observed in fish studies; however, statistical significance was not always achieved. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for P. odorata.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Spermogonia and aecia of Puccinia species were found on Persicaria odorata subsp. conspicua, with the species identified as Puccinia abei.
- Persicaria odorata was one of the most frequently utilized wild herbs and spices, alongside Alpinia galanga, in northern Thailand's traditional medicine.
- P. odoratum extracts showed significant effects on various cancer cell lines through mechanisms involving apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of proliferation.
- The study found that P. odorata ethanolic leaf extract showed antioxidant and antibacterial activity and numerically improved growth performance and disease resistance in fish without significant statistical differences.
- The study found that dietary supplementation with Persicaria odorata up to 30 g/kg improved growth, feed utilization, hematological parameters, and immune-related gene expression in Nile tilapia without specifying an optimal dose.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vietnamese coriander?
Vietnamese coriander (Persicaria odorata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Vietnamese coriander?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Vietnamese coriander; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Spermogonia and aecia of Puccinia species were found on Persicaria odorata subsp. conspicua, with the species identified as Puccinia abei.
How strong is the evidence for Vietnamese coriander?
The strongest finding for Vietnamese coriander carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Vietnamese coriander safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Vietnamese coriander in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Vietnamese coriander interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Vietnamese coriander in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Vietnamese coriander?
Vietnamese coriander is also known as: Горец ароматный, Basilic chinois.
Is Vietnamese coriander a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Anticancer Activities of Polygonum odoratum Lour.: A Systematic Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Culinary and medicinal wonders of the wild: An ethnobotanical review of native herbs and spices in Thailand. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effect of Vietnamese coriander Powder on Growth, Body Composition, Hematology, and Immune-Related Gene Expression in Nile Tilapia. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Persicaria odorata Ethanolic Leaf Extract and Evaluation of Growth Performance, Disease Resistance, and Gene Expression in Labeo chrysophekadion (Bleeker, 1849). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Life cycle of Puccinia species producing spermogonial and aecial stages on Persicaria odorata subsp. conspicua. literature abstract metadata