Alisma orientale, also known as Oriental water plantain or "ze xie" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is an aquatic perennial herb valued for its rhizomes, which are commonly used for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Native to East Asia, this plant grows in wet, marshy environments and is highly regarded in TCM for its ability to support kidney and urinary tract health.
Botanical Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Alismatales
- Family: Alismataceae
- Genus: Alisma
- Species: Alisma orientale
Plant Characteristics
Alisma orientale is a semi-aquatic plant that can grow up to 60–90 cm in height. It features broad, lanceolate leaves with long petioles that emerge from the base. The flowers are small, white or pale pink, and bloom in loose clusters on tall, erect stems during the summer. The plant’s rhizomes, which are thick, fleshy, and often brownish, are the main part harvested for medicinal use. Alisma thrives in shallow water or marshy soil and is often found in wetlands, ponds, and along riverbanks.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Alisma orientale contains a variety of active compounds that are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects:
Triterpenes: Alisol A, B, and C, which are thought to play a role in its diuretic and hepatoprotective effects, supporting liver function and potentially reducing inflammation.
Sesquiterpenes: Compounds such as alismol, which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates are believed to support immune health and enhance the body’s response to infections.
Flavonoids: Known for their antioxidant properties, flavonoids in Alisma orientale may help reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
Sterols: Including alisol B 23-acetate, which may have supportive effects on lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation.
How to Cultivate Alisma orientale
The cultivation of Alisma orientale requires a moist environment similar to its native habitat:
Climate: Thrives in temperate regions with ample rainfall and humidity. Avoid areas with extremely cold winters or dry conditions.
Soil and Water Requirements: Prefers wet, marshy soil or shallow water environments. Ideal soil is rich in organic matter with good water retention properties.
Propagation: Propagated primarily by seed or by division of rhizomes. Seeds are sown in early spring, while rhizome divisions are planted directly in wet soil or shallow water.
Watering and Maintenance: Requires consistently moist conditions. In artificial settings, it’s often cultivated in shallow pools or containers to replicate its natural marshy habitat.
Harvesting: The rhizomes are typically harvested in late autumn or early winter when the plant’s active compounds are most concentrated. After harvest, the rhizomes are cleaned and dried for medicinal use.
Uses and Benefits
In TCM and other traditional practices, Alisma orientale is used for its reputed diuretic, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties:
Diuretic and Urinary Health: Commonly used to promote urination and help alleviate water retention, supporting kidney and bladder health.
Liver Health: Known for its hepatoprotective effects, it is often used in formulations aimed at detoxifying the liver and aiding in the management of liver-related conditions.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The triterpenes and sesquiterpenes in Alisma orientale are thought to help reduce inflammation, especially in the digestive and urinary systems.
Immune Support: Polysaccharides present in the plant may enhance immune function and support the body’s defenses against infections.
Lipid Metabolism: Some compounds in Alisma are believed to assist in lipid regulation, potentially benefiting individuals managing cholesterol levels.
Applications
Medical: Alisma orientale rhizome extracts are used in TCM formulations to address conditions related to fluid retention, kidney function, liver detoxification, and certain inflammatory disorders. It is also included in herbal blends for its diuretic effects.
Cosmetic: Occasionally used in skincare formulations, particularly those targeting oily or acne-prone skin, as it is believed to help balance skin oils and support skin clarity.
Other Applications: Found in wellness supplements and teas focusing on kidney health, fluid balance, and general detoxification.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Alisma orientale is generally safe when used according to traditional guidelines, though excessive use may cause gastrointestinal upset or dehydration due to its strong diuretic effects. Sustainable cultivation practices are essential to avoid over-harvesting in the wild, ensuring that the plant’s natural populations are preserved. As with all botanicals, individuals with allergies or hypersensitive skin should exercise caution when using products containing Alisma orientale.
References__________________________________________________________________________
Choi E, Jang E, Lee JH. Pharmacological Activities of Alisma orientale against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome: Literature Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019 Jun 3;2019:2943162. doi: 10.1155/2019/2943162. PMID: 31275407;
Abstract. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a rapidly emerging hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. However, its unrevealed mechanism and complicated comorbidities have led to no specific medication, except for weight loss and lifestyle modification. Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep (A. orientale, Alismataceae) has been increasingly reported on therapeutic effects of A. orientale against NAFLD and metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to review the preclinical efficacy of A. orientale and its chemical constituents including Alisol A 24-acetate, Alisol B 23-acetate, Alisol F, and Alismol against NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. A. orientale prevented hepatic triglyceride accumulation through suppressing de novo lipogenesis and increasing lipid export. In addition, it controlled oxidative stress markers, lipoapoptosis, liver injury panels, and inflammatory and fibrotic mediators, eventually influencing steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Moreover, it exhibited pharmacological activities against hyperlipidemia, obesity, and hyperglycemia as well as appetite. These biological actions of A. orientale might contribute to adiponectin activation or a role as a farnesoid X receptor agonist. In particular, Alisol A 24-acetate and Alisol B 23-acetate could be expected as main compounds. Taken together, A. orientale might be an effective candidate agent for the treatment of NAFLD and its comorbidities, although further assessment of its standardization, safety test, and clinical trials is consistently required.
Shu Z, Pu J, Chen L, Zhang Y, Rahman K, Qin L, Zheng C. Alisma orientale: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of an Important Traditional Chinese Medicine. Am J Chin Med. 2016;44(2):227-51. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X16500142.
Abstract. Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep. (Alismataceae) is a traditional and famous Chinese medicinal herb. Its rhizomes, which possess versatile bioactivities, are commonly used to treat oliguria, edema, gonorrhea with turbid urine, leukorrhea, diarrhea and dizziness. Approximately 120 compounds have been isolated from A. orientale. Terpenoids have been identified as A. orientale's characteristic constituents, which include protostane triterpenoids and guaiane sesquiterpenoids. The traditional medical uses of A. orientale in TCM have been evaluated in modern pharmacological studies, which have shown that A. orientale and its active constituents exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, such as diuretic, anti-urolithiatic, antinephritic, anti-atherosclerotic, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective activities. The medicinal potential of A. orientale makes it an ideal candidate for new drug development. Further studies are still required to identify its bioactive constituents, and elucidate the structure-activity relationship and detailed mechanisms of action. Additionally, the use of the other medicinal parts of A. orientale may reduce resource waste and afford novel secondary metabolites.
Wu Y, Wang X, Yang L, Kang S, Yan G, Han Y, Fang H, Sun H. Therapeutic Effects of Alisma orientale and its Active Constituents on Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity. Am J Chin Med. 2023;51(3):623-650. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X23500301.
Abstract. The treatment of cardiovascular diseases and obesity, two diseases posing a major risk to human health, has been plagued by the scarcity of potent and effective medication with fewer side effects. To address this problem, numerous efforts, and some progress, have been made. Among possible treatments are some medicinal herbs; particularly promising is Alisma orientale (AO). In the last decade, an increasing amount of research has shown that AO has some desirable therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Because of its efficacy, natural origin, and minimal adverse effects, AO has aroused great attention. Based on this, this review provides an overview of the latest progress from the last decade regarding the pharmacological and therapeutic effects, molecular mechanisms, and related effective constituents of AO in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Results from the research currently available reveal that active constituents of AO, such as alisol B 23-acetate, alisol A 24-acetace, and alisol A, have been proven to be effective for treating cardiovascular diseases by modulating the lipid metabolism of macrophages, improving the biological behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and enhancing anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, the active constituents of AO can also intervene in obesity by modulating abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism and fat decomposition of the body by activating the AMPK- and PPAR-related signaling pathways. In summation, based upon our research of available literature, this review reveals that AO and its active constituents have a great potential to be used as drugs for treating cardiovascular diseases and ameliorating obesity.
Alisma Orientale 
