Changes in melanosis, microbiology, and fat oxidation in Pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) when treated with Houttuynia cordata extract (designated E-DC) were monitored during cold storage for seven days at 20 C. Whole shrimps treated with E-DC solution (, w/v) revealed slow growth of total aerobic microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, throughout cold storage in comparison to the control sample treated by water (). These results suggested the potential of using natural compounds from vegetable extraction as a safe and effective alternative for commercial chemical-derived preservatives in shrimp storage. | Melanosis and quality changes of Pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) treated with Houttuynia cordata extract during cold storage