Alisma orientale
What's the taxonomical classification of Alisma orientale?
Alisma orientale belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, its evolutionary lineage continues through the order Alismatales and the family Alismataceae. Within this taxonomic hierarchy, the plant is further defined by its genus, Alisma, and is specifically identified by its species name, orientale.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Alismataceae |
| Genus | Alisma |
| Species | orientale |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Alisma orientale has slender, upright stems that reach up to 1.5 meters in height and bear small, lanceolate leaves with entire margins. The foliage is typically bright green and grows in an alternate arrangement along the length of the stem. Tiny, tubular flowers emerge from the leaf axils in dense, terminal racemes that can be pink or purple in color. These flowers possess a long, narrow corolla tube and are characteristic of the verbena family. The plant also produces small, dry fruits known as schizocarps that contain multiple tiny seeds.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to much of the southeastern United States, including regions from Texas to Florida and up through the Atlantic coastal plain. It is also widely distributed throughout much of South America and parts of the Caribbean. Because it thrives in wetland environments, its presence is often concentrated near riverbanks, marshes, and ditches. Many botanists consider it an introduced species in other parts of the world due to its ability to spread through water systems. Its range continues to expand in certain areas where disturbed moist habitats are prevalent.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires consistent moisture, partial shade, and nutrient-rich, heavy soil to thrive in garden settings.
Because it is a wetland species, it performs best when planted in boggy areas or near the edges of ponds. You should provide organic compost during planting to ensure the substrate remains damp and fertile. Regular watering is essential to prevent the soil from drying out completely between rainfalls.
Once established, it can spread through rhizomes to create lush, green clusters.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Alisma orientale utilizes the radix, rhizoma, flower, leaf, and stem for various medicinal applications. The rhizoma and radix are frequently harvested to prepare decoctions used for treating internal ailments and inflammation. Both the leaf and the stem are applied topically or ingested to address skin conditions and digestive issues. Additionally, the flower is incorporated into traditional remedies to help balance bodily functions. Each part provides unique bioactive compounds essential for holistic healing practices.
According to a study published by "Ceskoslovenska farmacie", the article describes drugs used in Kampo preparations. Among the listed items is Radix alismae. This study focuses on medicinal components composed from vegetable drugs. There are no specific numbers or additional medicinal details provided for the plant in the text.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- Radix
- Rhizoma
- flower
- leaf
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Alisma orientale, is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Kampo to clear heat and resolve toxicity. Practitioners historically prescribe the plant to treat ailments such as fever, cough, and skin inflammation. In the Kampo tradition of Japan, it is often integrated into specific formulas designed to alleviate respiratory distress and dampen internal heat. Its medicinal properties are frequently applied to address conditions involving dampness and swelling in the body. These historical applications rely on the plant's ability to detoxify and soothe various physiological imbalances.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", the rhizomes of Alisma orientale are used for a wide range of ailments in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese Kampo medicine. The study identified Alisol B 23-acetate (ABA) as the active compound from the Alisma rhizome through a bioassay-guided fractionation method. This ABA caused a concentration-dependent increase on the PXR-dependent transactivation of a luciferase reporter gene. The compound is a potent and specific agonist of PXR and induced the expression of endogenous CYP3A4 mRNA in both cultured hPXR-overepresssing hepatoma cells and human primary hepatocytes. The research suggests that the clinical usage of these medicines could possibly be extended via the mechanism of PXR activation.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Kampo
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Alisma orientale?
This plant has diuretic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pharmacological activities. Its diuretic properties help promote the excretion of excess water and sodium from the body. The plant also demonstrates hypoglycemic effects by assisting in the regulation and reduction of blood glucose levels. Furthermore, its hypolipidemic activity supports the management of lipid profiles in the bloodstream. These medicinal qualities are complemented by its ability to combat oxidative stress and reduce systemic inflammation.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Alisma orientale is a traditional medicinal herb used for diuretics, diabetes, hepatitis, and inflammation. The methanol extract of the tuber of Alisma orientale (MEAO) inhibits the tunicamycin-induced increase in luciferase activity of ER stress-reporter constructs containing ER stress response element and ATF6 response element. MEAO significantly inhibits tunicamycin-induced ER stress marker expression including GRP78, CHOP, and XBPs-1 in tunicamycin-treated HepG2 cells and the livers of tunicamycin-injected mice. This extract also inhibits tunicamycin-induced accumulation of cellular triglyceride and represses hepatic lipogenic gene expression in PA-treated HepG2 cells and the livers of HFD obese mice. Additionally, MEAO represses very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) expression and improves ApoB secretion in the livers of tunicamycin-injected mice or HFD obese mice as well as in tunicamycin or PA-treated HepG2 cells. The guaiane-type sesquiterpene in Alisma orientale, known as alismo l, inhibited GRP78 expression in tunicamycin-treated HepG2 cells.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-diabetic
- anti-inflammatory
- diuretic
- hepatoprotective
- hypoglycemic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal sesquiterpenoids alisol A, alisol B, orientalois A, orientalois B, and orientalois C. These specific chemical compounds are characteristic constituents found within the essential oils of the species. Researchers often analyze these substances to understand the plant's potential pharmacological properties. The presence of these diverse orientalois isomers contributes to the complex chemical profile of the herb. Understanding these specific molecules helps scientists map the therapeutic potential of Aliisma orientale.
According to a study published by "Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceuitaal Society of Japan", a quantitative method by high performance liquid chromatography has been developed for ten triterpene constituents. These specific compounds include alisols A, A monoacetate, B, B monoacetate, E 23-acetate, F, and G, as well as 13,17-epoxyalisol A, 11-deoxyalisols B and B 23-acetate. The contents of these triterpene constituents were examined in the fresh rhizoma of Alisma oriental JUZEPC originating from China, Taiwan, and Japan. During the drying process of the Alisma oriental rhizoma, it was found that bioactive triterpene constituents like alisol A and alisol A monoacetate were artificially formed.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- alisol A
- alisol B
- orientalols A
- orientalols B
- orientalols C
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating diabetes, diarrhea, diuresis, inflammation, and liver-related diseases. Its bioactive compounds help regulate blood glucose levels and soothe gastrointestinal distress. The plant also acts as a natural diuretic to promote fluid excretion and reduce swelling. Additionally, it possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that target systemic irritation. These medicinal qualities make it a valuable resource for supporting liver function and overall metabolic health.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Alisma orientale Juzepzuk is used as a traditional medicinal herb for diuretics, diabetes, hepatitis, and inflammation. Researchers investigated the methanol extract of the tuber of Alisma orientale (MEAO) regarding its effects against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced hepatic steatosis. The study showed that MEAO inhibited the increase in luciferase activity of ER stress-reporter constructs containing ER stress response element and ATF6 response element. MEAO significantly inhibited the expression of ER stress markers including GRP78, CHOP, and XBP-1 in tunicamycin-treated Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells and the livers of tunicamycin-injected mice. Additionally, the plant extract helped prevent hepatic steatosis pathogenesis by inhibiting hepatic lipogenic gene expression and VLDLR expression.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- diarrhea
- diuresis
- leukorrhea
- inflammation
- oxidative stress
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations including a 50% ethanolic extract and traditional formulas like Die-Huang-Wan, Paeng-Jo-Yeon-Nyeon-Baek-Ja-In-Hwan, and Yinchen-Wuling Powder. These preparations often utilize the Rhizoma Alismatis, which is the dried rhizome of the species. Practitioners employ these specific formulations to address diverse health concerns in traditional medicine systems. The chemical constituents within these extracts provide the therapeutic properties necessary for their intended medicinal use. Detailed processing of the plant material is essential to ensure the efficacy of each distinct preparation.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", Die-Huang-Wan is a mixture of 6 herbs used to lower plasma glucose. This mixture contains the herb alisma, specifically in the form of Rhizoma alismatis. While cornus was identified as the major contributor to the plasma glucose-lowering action, the study also examined the other 5 herbs separately. Treatment of Wistar rats with each of the other 5 herbs separately, which includes alisma, did not result in a decrease in plasma glucose.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 50% ethanolic extract
- Die-Huang-Wan
- Paeng-Jo-Yeon-Nyeon-Baek-Ja-In-Hwan
- Rhizoma Alismatis
- Yinchen-Wuling Powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects such as diarrhea, dizziness, edema, hypoglycemic effects, and hypolipidemic activity. Consuming the species may lead to digestive distress in the form of diarrhea or neurological sensations like dizziness. Its physiological impact includes the potential for edema, which involves swelling caused by fluid retention in the tissues. Furthermore, the plant exhibits biochemical properties that can trigger a hypoglycemic effect by lowering blood sugar levels. It also demonstrates hypolipidemic activity, which can significantly alter lipid profiles in the body.
According to a study published by "The American journal of Chinese medicine", Alisma orientale is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to treat conditions like oliguria, edema, gonorrhea with turbid urine, leukorrhea, diarrhea and dizziness. Approximately 120 compounds have been isolated from the plant. The characteristic constituents include terpenoids such as protosstanne triterpenoids and guaiane sesquiterpenoids. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Alisma orientale and its active constituents exhibit bioactivities including diuretic, anti-urolithiatic, antinephritic, anti-atheroscleroic, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective activities. Further studies are required to identify its bioactive constituents and elucidate detailed mechanisms of action.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- edema
- hypoglycemic effect
- hypolipidemic activity
What herbs are paired with Alisma orientale?
This plant, commonly known as Oriental watergrass, is best paired with cooling and diuretic herbs like dandelion root, corn silk, and nettle to enhance its traditional uses in managing urinary tract issues.
These combinations work synergistically to support kidney function and promote the flushing of toxins from the body. Incorporating stinging nettle provides additional mineral support, while dandelion root helps balance the digestive aspect of the formula. When used in herbal decoctions, these specific pairings help stabilize the diuretic effect of the watergrass.
Such blends are frequently studied in traditional ethnobotany for their collective ability to soothe inflammation in the bladder.