Alisma Orientalis
Also known as: Alisma orientale, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale, Alisma, Ze Xie
Overview
Alisma orientale, also known as Ze Xie, is an aquatic plant traditionally used in Chinese medicine for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. It is primarily investigated for its potential in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, obesity, insulin resistance, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Key bioactive compounds include Alisol A 24-acetate, Alisol B 23-acetate, Alisol F, and Alismol. While preclinical research, including in vitro and animal studies, along with network pharmacology analyses, shows promise, high-quality human clinical trial data are currently limited. The evidence quality is predominantly preclinical, with some systematic reviews of animal models, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.
Benefits
Alisma orientale demonstrates several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical evidence. It shows anti-NAFLD and metabolic syndrome effects by suppressing hepatic triglyceride accumulation, inhibiting de novo lipogenesis, and enhancing lipid export. It also reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in liver tissue, as highlighted in a 2019 systematic review of preclinical studies. Furthermore, it exhibits lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic properties, reducing serum total cholesterol and inflammatory cytokines, and improving gut microbiota composition in animal models, leading to decreased atherosclerosis markers (Zhu et al., 2020). Network pharmacology suggests potential anti-hypertensive effects, particularly for pregnancy-induced hypertension, though clinical validation is lacking (Liao et al., 2022). Secondary effects include anti-obesity and appetite regulation in animal models, possibly through activation of adiponectin and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) pathways. These benefits are mostly observed in rodent models of metabolic syndrome and NAFLD, with human data being insufficient to establish clinical significance or effect sizes.
How it works
Alisma orientale exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. It primarily inhibits lipogenesis and enhances lipid export, contributing to its anti-NAFLD properties. The herb also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. It modulates gut microbiota composition, which can positively impact lipid metabolism and reduce atherosclerosis markers. Molecularly, it is believed to activate adiponectin receptors and act as a potential farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, both crucial for metabolic regulation. Network pharmacology studies have identified various molecular targets involved in hypertension and liver fibrosis, suggesting its broad interaction with body systems. The absorption and bioavailability of its bioactive triterpenoids, such as Alisol A and B derivatives, are considered key to its mechanism of action, though not fully characterized.
Side effects
The safety profile of Alisma orientale is not well-established in humans due to a lack of clinical data. Preclinical studies generally suggest low toxicity, but network toxicology analyses have explored potential hepato-nephrotoxicity risks, which have not been definitively confirmed clinically (Liao et al., 2022). Common side effects are not well documented in humans, though traditional use implies a degree of tolerability. There is insufficient information regarding drug interactions and contraindications, thus caution is advised, especially for individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney impairment. For special populations, such as pregnant women, while in silico studies suggest mechanisms for treating pregnancy-induced hypertension, clinical safety remains unconfirmed. Comprehensive safety warnings are limited by the absence of robust human clinical trials, necessitating a cautious approach to its use.
Dosage
There are no standardized dosing guidelines for Alisma orientale established from human clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized various extracts and dosages, but human equivalent doses have yet to be defined. In traditional Chinese medicine practice, it is commonly prepared as decoctions or beverages. Due to the lack of clinical research, specific recommendations for dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes cannot be provided. Furthermore, information regarding the optimal form for absorption, upper limits, or safety thresholds in humans is currently unavailable. Individuals considering its use should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional, especially given the absence of comprehensive safety and efficacy data.
FAQs
Is Alisma orientale effective for liver disease?
Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefits for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Is Alisma orientale safe to use?
Preclinical data indicate low toxicity, but human safety data are insufficient, and potential risks are not fully understood.
How long does it take to see effects from Alisma orientale?
Animal studies show effects after several weeks of administration; however, human data on the time course of effects are lacking.
Can Alisma orientale be combined with other medications?
The potential for drug interactions is unknown due to a lack of clinical data. Consult a healthcare provider before combining it with other medications.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1027112/full – This study used network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanisms of Alisma orientale in treating pregnancy-induced hypertension and assessed potential hepato-nephrotoxicity. It identified key compounds and targets, suggesting therapeutic potential but also highlighting the need for clinical validation of both efficacy and safety.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6582889/ – This systematic review of preclinical studies on Alisma orientale demonstrated its ability to suppress hepatic triglyceride accumulation, reduce inflammation, and mitigate fibrosis in liver tissue, suggesting significant potential for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome in animal models.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.570555/full – This animal study investigated the effects of an Alisma orientale beverage on diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rodents. It found that the beverage reduced markers of atherosclerosis, modulated gut microbiota composition, and lowered lipid levels, indicating its potential in cardiovascular health.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2019/2943162 – This article, likely a duplicate or related to the PMC link, further supports the preclinical evidence for Alisma orientale's anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and triglyceride-suppressing effects, reinforcing its potential for metabolic syndrome and NAFLD treatment based on animal studies.
