Evidence supporting the use of: Water Plantain
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

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

Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese herbal medicine, where it is known as Ze Xie. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Water Plantain is commonly used as a diuretic and is believed to "drain dampness" from the body, which includes promoting urination and addressing urinary tract disorders. Historical texts and herbal compendiums refer to its use for symptoms such as difficult urination, cloudy urine, and sometimes urinary tract infections (UTIs), though the descriptions may not match modern diagnostic criteria exactly.

However, despite its frequent use in traditional formulations for urinary complaints, there is limited scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of Water Plantain for treating UTIs. Some laboratory studies have suggested mild diuretic properties, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. There is also little evidence to suggest significant antibacterial activity against common UTI-causing pathogens. As a result, its use is primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation. The overall level of supporting evidence is thus rated as 2, reflecting historical use with limited supporting data from modern research.

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