Evidence supporting the use of: Alisma
For the health condition: Urination (frequent)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alisma (Alisma orientale, also known as water plantain) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly used to promote urination and treat conditions such as frequent urination, dysuria (painful urination), and edema. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Alisma is categorized as a "drain dampness" herb, and its tuber (Alismatis Rhizoma, 泽泻 zé xiè) is thought to promote the flow of urine and help eliminate excess fluids from the body. The use of Alisma for urinary disorders is well-documented in classical TCM texts, where it is frequently included in formulas such as Zexie Tang and Wu Ling San, both designed to address urinary difficulties and fluid retention.
While there is some preliminary pharmacological research suggesting that Alisma extracts may have mild diuretic effects in animal studies, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. The traditional use remains the primary justification for its application in the context of frequent urination. Therefore, the current evidence supporting its efficacy for this particular use is largely based on traditional practice rather than modern scientific validation, warranting a moderate evidence rating.