Evidence supporting the use of: Water Plantain
For the health condition: Bladder Infection

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in East Asian and some European traditions, for urinary tract and bladder conditions, including bladder infections. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Water Plantain (Zexie) is included in formulas designed to promote urination and "drain dampness," with the intent of alleviating symptoms like urinary difficulty, cloudy urine, and urinary tract discomfort. Historical texts and materia medica describe its use as a mild diuretic, helping to flush the urinary tract and potentially reduce the risk of infection by increasing urine flow. However, the traditional rationale is based primarily on observational use rather than scientific mechanisms.

From a scientific standpoint, evidence supporting Water Plantain’s effectiveness for treating bladder infections is limited. While some laboratory studies have examined its general anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, there are no robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies specifically validating its efficacy against the pathogens that cause bladder infections (e.g., Escherichia coli). Thus, its use for this purpose remains rooted in tradition, with weak to moderate evidence from small studies or case reports, but lacking high-quality scientific validation.

More about Water Plantain
More about Bladder Infection

Products containing Water Plantain

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.