Quick summary

Vietnamese Coriander (Persicaria odorata) is a tropical herb traditionally used in Southeast Asia. Current research is preliminary and insufficient to establish clinical efficacy or safety in humans.

What is it

Vietnamese Coriander, also known by its Latin name Persicaria odorata, is a perennial tropical herb commonly found in Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its narrow green leaves and distinctive spicy aroma, and it is often used in local cuisines as a fresh herb.

Traditional uses

Traditionally, Vietnamese Coriander has been used in Southeast Asian culinary practices and folk medicine. It is employed as a flavoring herb in salads, soups, and various dishes. In traditional medicine, it has been used for purported digestive and antimicrobial purposes, although such uses have not been substantiated by rigorous scientific studies.

Active compounds

While detailed phytochemical analyses specific to Vietnamese Coriander are limited, related research indicates the presence of phenolic compounds including tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils, which may contribute to its aroma and potential bioactivity. Comprehensive profiling and standardization of its active components are not yet established.

Potential benefits with evidence levels

  • Potential antimicrobial and gut health effects (Preclinical and animal studies): Studies involving related plants and herbal extracts suggest possible antimicrobial effects and benefits on gut microbiota, particularly in poultry. However, no completed human clinical trials on Persicaria odorata were identified. Thus, these findings cannot be directly applied to humans at this time.

Side effects

No clinical reports or systematic data on adverse effects or toxicity of Vietnamese Coriander in humans are available. The safety profile remains unclear due to lack of human research.

Drug interactions

No evidence regarding drug interactions with Vietnamese Coriander has been identified in the available literature. Caution is advised when combining it with other medications until more information becomes available.

Who should avoid it

Due to insufficient safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid using Vietnamese Coriander. Additionally, people with known allergies to related plants or herbs should exercise caution. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use.

Evidence limitations

  • No randomized controlled trials or human clinical studies specifically evaluating Vietnamese Coriander were located.
  • Most relevant data derive from in vitro, animal, or poultry feed studies, which cannot be directly extrapolated to human use.
  • There is a lack of standardized extracts, dosage information, and human safety assessments.
  • Further rigorous clinical research is needed to evaluate its efficacy, safety, dosage, and potential interactions.

References

  • Dardouri M, Mtibaa MM, Azaiez S, Khachroub AM, Mansour W. Herbs impact on poultry health and antimicrobial resistance: a scoping review with one health perspective. 2025. PMID: 40731351. PMC12306046. https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC12306046.
    Includes data on medicinal plants’ impact on poultry gut microbiota and antimicrobial resistance, with no direct human evidence for Persicaria odorata.
  • Mahawan T, Pornpanom P, Rahmatullah SN, Wongtawan T, Thomrongsuwannakij T. Hydrolyzable tannins in local Thai plants: Potential applications as poultry feed supplements: A systematic review. 2025. PMID: 40926862. PMC12415147. https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC12415147.
    Systematic review on Thai plants with tannins for poultry health; lacks human clinical data for Vietnamese Coriander.
  • Persicaria Odorata as a Potential Medicinal Plant—Mini Review. 2019. DOI: 10.23880/jonam-16000174. Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine.
    A general review of phytochemical and pharmacological properties emphasizing lack of clinical trials.

Last reviewed

April 2024

Informational disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Vietnamese Coriander is not approved by regulatory agencies for the treatment or prevention of any health condition. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before using this herb, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have existing health conditions, or are taking medications.