Alisma
Also known as: Alisma, Oriental water plantain, Alisma orientale
Overview
Alisma orientale, also known as Oriental water plantain, is a perennial aquatic plant traditionally used in East Asian medicine. It is primarily recognized for its purported benefits in metabolic and liver-related conditions, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, obesity, and insulin resistance. Key bioactive compounds found in Alisma include Alisol A 24-acetate, Alisol B 23-acetate, Alisol F, and Alismol. While preclinical research suggests promising effects on lipid metabolism and liver health, human clinical evidence is currently limited. The plant is typically used as a botanical extract in traditional herbal formulations.
Benefits
Preclinical studies indicate that Alisma extracts may reduce hepatic triglyceride accumulation by suppressing lipogenesis and enhancing lipid export, suggesting potential benefits in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and related metabolic syndrome conditions such as hyperlipidemia, obesity, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects have been reported in animal and cell models, which could contribute to improvements in liver injury and steatohepatitis. However, it is crucial to note that no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with adequate sample size and clinical endpoints have confirmed these benefits in humans. Therefore, clinical evidence is insufficient to quantify effect sizes or establish clinical significance in human populations.
How it works
Alisma and its active constituents are believed to exert their effects through several mechanisms. They appear to activate adiponectin pathways, which can improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. The compounds may also act as farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, playing a role in regulating bile acid, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. Additionally, Alisma is thought to modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways within hepatic tissue, contributing to its potential liver-protective effects. The exact bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of Alisma in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Safety data for Alisma are limited, with no significant adverse effects reported in preclinical studies. However, the clinical safety profile and potential drug interactions are not well established due to a lack of robust human clinical trials. Caution is advised for individuals with existing liver disease or those taking medications metabolized by hepatic pathways, as potential interactions or adverse effects in these populations are unknown. Until more comprehensive human data become available, Alisma should be used with prudence, especially in vulnerable populations.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing established for Alisma from clinical trials. Traditional use varies widely, and preclinical studies often utilize extracts standardized to specific active compounds, but human equivalent doses have not been defined. Therefore, determining minimum effective and maximum safe doses for human consumption requires further research. Users should be aware that without established guidelines, precise dosing for specific therapeutic purposes is not possible, and traditional dosages may not align with modern scientific understanding of efficacy and safety.
FAQs
Is Alisma effective for liver disease?
Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefits for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by improving lipid metabolism. However, clinical efficacy in humans is currently unproven due to a lack of robust human trials.
Is Alisma safe to use?
Human safety data are limited. While preclinical studies show no significant adverse effects, caution is advised, especially for individuals with liver conditions or those on other medications, until more research is available.
How quickly does Alisma work?
The onset of effects in humans is unknown. Animal studies suggest effects on lipid metabolism may be observed over several weeks, but this cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.
Can Alisma be combined with other supplements?
There is no data on potential interactions between Alisma and other supplements or medications. Therefore, caution is recommended, and consultation with a healthcare professional is advisable before combining it with other substances.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6582889/ – This systematic review of preclinical studies on Alisma orientale found that its extracts reduce hepatic triglycerides, improve lipid metabolism, and modulate inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) models. The review highlights promising mechanisms of action but emphasizes the lack of clinical trials, making its clinical relevance uncertain.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1636970/full – This source provides methodological insights into systematic reviews and meta-analyses of general supplements. While not specific to Alisma, it offers context on the rigorous evaluation of supplement research, underscoring the need for high-quality clinical evidence for any health claim.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38189863/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on plant-based supplements for menopausal symptoms. It includes 61 studies on various plants but does not mention Alisma orientale, indicating that Alisma's primary research focus is not on menopausal health.
