Evidence supporting the use of: Alisma
For the body system: Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alisma (Alisma orientale, also known as water plantain) is a traditional herb widely used in Chinese medicine, particularly for supporting urinary and bladder health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Alisma (known as "Ze Xie") is classified as a diuretic and is commonly included in formulas designed to promote urination, reduce edema, and clear damp heat from the lower burner, which includes the bladder. Historical texts and materia medica, such as the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing," have described its use over centuries for conditions like urinary difficulty, painful urination, and swelling. While there are some animal studies and limited in vitro research suggesting that Alisma extracts may have diuretic effects, anti-inflammatory, and slight antimicrobial properties, robust clinical studies in humans are lacking. The scientific data currently available are not sufficient to fully validate its efficacy and safety for bladder support according to modern medical standards. Therefore, Alisma's reputation for supporting the bladder system is rooted primarily in traditional use rather than strong scientific validation. In summary, Alisma's use for bladder health is well-established within traditional herbal medicine, especially in East Asia, but high-quality human research confirming these benefits is limited at present.
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