Alisma Orientalis Extract
Also known as: Alisma orientalis, Oriental water plantain, water plantain tuber extract, Alisma orientale
Overview
Alisma orientale extract is derived from the rhizome of the aquatic plant Alisma orientale, a botanical traditionally used in East Asian medicine. It is primarily investigated for its potential effects on metabolic disorders, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and components of metabolic syndrome such as hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity. The extract contains bioactive triterpenoids, including Alisol A 24-acetate and Alisol B 23-acetate, which are considered its main therapeutic compounds. While research is predominantly preclinical, with a growing number of mechanistic studies, there are limited clinical trials to date. The current evidence base, primarily from animal models and in vitro studies, suggests a moderate level of quality, highlighting a need for rigorous human randomized controlled trials to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Preclinical research suggests several potential benefits of Alisma orientale extract, primarily in the context of metabolic disorders. It has been shown to reduce hepatic triglyceride accumulation by suppressing de novo lipogenesis and enhancing lipid export in liver cells, which is a key mechanism for addressing NAFLD. Studies in animal models of NAFLD have also indicated improvements in markers of oxidative stress, lipoapoptosis, liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Furthermore, the extract may modulate hyperlipidemia, obesity, and hyperglycemia, potentially through appetite regulation. A notable secondary effect is its ability to regulate hepatic iron metabolism and reduce iron overload in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD, a reclassification of NAFLD) by activating the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). While these findings are promising, they are largely derived from animal studies, and high-quality human randomized controlled trial data are currently unavailable. Therefore, quantitative effect sizes and clinical significance for human populations are not yet established, and the time course of effects in humans remains unknown.
How it works
Alisma orientale extract exerts its effects primarily through its bioactive triterpenoids, such as Alisol A 24-acetate and Alisol B 23-acetate. These compounds act as agonists of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor crucial for regulating lipid and bile acid metabolism. Activation of FXR by the extract leads to the repression of genes involved in hepatic lipogenesis, thereby reducing lipid accumulation in the liver. Additionally, FXR activation contributes to the amelioration of hepatic iron overload by modulating iron metabolism. Beyond FXR, the extract also influences oxidative stress pathways, inflammatory cytokines, and fibrotic mediators, collectively contributing to its hepatoprotective properties. While these mechanisms are well-supported by molecular docking and network pharmacology analyses, the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of these compounds in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Alisma orientale extract is not fully established due to a lack of comprehensive clinical trials. Preclinical studies have indicated potential hepato-nephrotoxicity, which has been linked to the presence of emodin, a compound found in the extract. This suggests a need for significant caution and further rigorous safety evaluations before widespread use. Common side effects in humans are not well documented, as there is insufficient clinical data. Furthermore, potential drug interactions are largely unknown; therefore, caution is advised, especially when considering co-administration with hepatotoxic drugs or medications metabolized via liver pathways. Due to the limited human data, specific contraindications and considerations for special populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions) have not been established. Users should be aware of the potential for toxicity and the absence of clear safety guidelines.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Alisma orientale extract derived from human clinical trials. Preclinical studies have utilized variable doses of extracts, often standardized to their triterpenoid content. However, the translation of these animal doses to human equivalent doses has not been established. Factors such as the optimal timing of administration, the most effective formulation, and their impact on absorption have not been systematically studied in humans. Without robust clinical data, it is not possible to recommend specific dosage ranges, upper limits, or safety thresholds for human consumption. Any use of this extract should be approached with caution due to the lack of established human dosing and safety information.
FAQs
Is Alisma orientale extract effective for fatty liver disease?
Preclinical evidence from animal studies supports its potential to reduce liver fat and inflammation, but high-quality human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Is Alisma orientale extract safe to use?
Its safety profile is not fully established. Preclinical studies suggest potential toxicity linked to emodin content, requiring further research before definitive safety conclusions can be made.
How long does it take to see effects from Alisma orientale extract?
In animal studies, effects typically appear after several weeks of treatment. However, there is no human data to determine the time course of effects in people.
Can Alisma orientale extract be combined with other medications?
Potential drug interactions are unknown due to a lack of clinical research. Caution is advised, especially with liver-metabolized or hepatotoxic medications.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1027112/full – This bioinformatics and network pharmacology study identified triterpenoids as the main therapeutic compounds in Alisma orientale and emodin as a potential toxic compound. It proposed mechanisms of action via molecular docking, providing a theoretical basis for its effects but lacking clinical validation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6582889/ – This systematic review of preclinical studies summarized evidence that Alisma orientale reduces hepatic triglycerides, oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome features, primarily through FXR activation. It highlights promising preclinical results but notes the absence of human randomized controlled trials.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2272 – This controlled animal study in mice demonstrated that Alisma orientale ameliorated hepatic iron deregulation and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced MAFLD. The findings suggest a role for FXR-mediated gene repression in these beneficial effects, providing strong preclinical evidence for its mechanism.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2019/2943162 – This source, likely part of the Choi et al. 2019 review, contributes to the understanding of Alisma orientale's effects on metabolic syndrome features. It reinforces the preclinical evidence for its benefits in reducing hepatic triglycerides and inflammation, further supporting the potential of FXR activation.
