Alisma Orientale Extract
Also known as: Alisma plantago-aquatica var. orientale, Oriental water plantain, Ze Xie, Alisma orientale
Overview
Alisma orientale, also known as Oriental water plantain or Ze Xie, is a perennial aquatic plant traditionally utilized in East Asian medicine. Its extract, primarily derived from the rhizome (Alismatis Rhizoma), is a botanical extract rich in triterpenoids, which are considered its main bioactive compounds. This supplement is primarily investigated for its potential in managing metabolic disorders, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, obesity, and related cardiovascular conditions. While extensive preclinical studies support its use, human clinical data are limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity. The presence of compounds like Emodin raises safety considerations, particularly regarding potential hepato-nephrotoxicity at higher doses. Overall, Alisma orientale is recognized for its potential to influence lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Benefits
Alisma orientale extract demonstrates several evidence-based benefits, primarily in preclinical models. Its most significant effect is the improvement of lipid metabolism, where it reduces hepatic triglyceride accumulation by suppressing de novo lipogenesis and enhancing lipid export, showing promise in NAFLD models. A systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent studies indicate beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, suggesting its potential for managing metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, it exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties by modulating oxidative stress markers and inflammatory mediators, which may contribute to liver protection and cardiovascular benefits. Secondary effects observed in preclinical models include appetite regulation, anti-obesity effects, and potential cardiovascular protection through gut microbiota modulation and reduction of atherosclerosis. While these findings are robust in animal studies, human clinical evidence is sparse, and large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these benefits and determine effect sizes in humans.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Alisma orientale are primarily attributed to its triterpenoid compounds, such as Alisol A 24-acetate and Alisol B 23-acetate. These compounds exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They activate adiponectin pathways and act as farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, which are crucial for regulating lipid and glucose metabolism. This leads to the suppression of lipogenesis and enhancement of lipid export in hepatocytes, contributing to its anti-fatty liver effects. Additionally, Alisma orientale modulates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, thereby reducing liver injury and fibrosis. Emerging research also suggests its role in modulating gut microbiota composition, which may contribute to cardiovascular benefits by reducing trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels, a compound linked to atherosclerosis. While absorption and bioavailability data are limited, these mechanisms collectively explain its potential in metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Side effects
The safety profile of Alisma orientale extracts is considered moderate, primarily based on preclinical studies. However, the presence of emodin within the extract raises significant concerns regarding potential hepato-nephrotoxicity, especially at higher doses or with prolonged use. Due to the limited human clinical data, common side effects in humans are not well documented. There are no well-established significant drug interactions or contraindications, but caution is strongly advised for individuals with pre-existing liver or kidney impairment. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, lactating mothers, and pediatric populations, are currently unknown, and its use in these groups is not recommended without further research. Comprehensive safety assessments in human trials are critically needed to fully understand its adverse effect profile and potential risks.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Alisma orientale extract due to the lack of sufficient human randomized controlled trials. Preclinical studies have utilized a wide range of doses, typically from 50 to 500 mg/kg of extract in rodent models. However, these animal doses cannot be directly extrapolated to humans without proper clinical validation. The optimal human dose, as well as the maximum safe dose, remains undetermined and requires rigorous clinical trials. Factors such as the specific formulation (e.g., aqueous extract, standardized triterpenoid content) and timing of administration are also not standardized but are likely to influence efficacy and safety. Until more robust human data are available, any use of Alisma orientale should be approached with caution, and professional medical advice is recommended.
FAQs
Is Alisma orientale extract safe for human consumption?
Preclinical data suggest moderate safety, but human safety data are insufficient. The presence of emodin in the extract requires careful monitoring due to potential toxicity at higher doses.
When is the best time to take Alisma orientale extract?
There are no clinical guidelines for optimal timing. Traditionally, it has been used as part of various Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations, but specific timing recommendations are not established.
How long does it take to see effects from Alisma orientale extract?
Preclinical studies in animals have shown effects within weeks. However, the timeline for observing effects in humans is currently unknown due to the lack of clinical trials.
Can Alisma orientale extract cure Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?
While Alisma orientale extract shows potential in preclinical models for improving NAFLD, it is not an established treatment. Lifestyle modifications remain the primary and most effective approach for managing NAFLD.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1027112/full – This study used bioinformatics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking to identify triterpenoids as the main therapeutic agents in Alisma orientale and emodin as a potentially toxic compound. It proposed mechanisms for both efficacy and toxicity, though it lacked clinical data and relied on predictive modeling.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6582889/ – This narrative review summarized preclinical studies on Alisma orientale, highlighting its potential to reduce hepatic triglycerides, oxidative stress, and inflammation. It suggested its use for NAFLD and metabolic syndrome but noted the absence of human clinical trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40825387/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent studies found that Alisma orientale significantly improved glucose and lipid metabolism parameters. The mechanisms identified included adiponectin activation and FXR agonism, providing high-quality preclinical evidence but no human data.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.570555/full – This animal study using ApoE knockout mice demonstrated that an Alisma orientale beverage reduced atherosclerosis. The mechanism was attributed to its modulation of gut microbiota, providing moderate quality evidence for cardiovascular effects in an animal model.