Persicaria chinensis (L.) H. Gross.

Persicaria chinensis (L.) H. Gross (Syn. Polygonum chinense L.), is used in folk medicine in Asian countries. Typically, it grows in mountainous regions at elevations of about 1300 m. It is a scrambling herb that is native to tropical and subtropical eastern Asia. It has been traditionally used for detoxification and to treat corneal nebula, diarrhoea and skin diseases, like eczema that are characterized by inflammation. The roots are used for the treatment of fluxes, to eliminate intestinal helminths, and neutralize scorpion poisoning. The leaves are used as tonic and for curing skin diseases and can be eaten as vegetable. The current review provides an overview of the existing knowledge on Persicaria chinensis with respect to its anatomy, phytochemistry and traditional uses, as well as potential applications.