Alisma plantago-aquatica
What's the taxonomical classification of Alisma plantago-aquatica?
Alistma plantago-aquatica belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Its taxonomic progression continues through the order Alismatales and the family Alismataceae. Ultimately, the plant is identified by its genus, Alistma, and its specific species name, plantago-aquatica.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Alismataceae |
| Genus | Alisma |
| Species | plantago-aquatica |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Alisma plantago-aquatica has long, narrow, lanceolate leaves that are typically bright green and can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters. These leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and possess distinct parallel venation characteristic of many aquatic species. The plant produces upright, spike-like inflorescences that emerge from the center of the leaf cluster. Each spike contains numerous small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically greenish or yellowish in color. The stems are relatively slender and can grow both submerged and emergent depending on the water level. This morphological flexibility allows the plant to thrive in diverse wetland environments.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to much of the eastern and central United States, extending through parts of North America and into subtropical regions of Asia. It is frequently found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, ponds, and shallow streams, where it thrives in moist soil. The species has also been introduced to various parts of Europe and other non-native territories due to its ability to adapt to diverse aquatic environments. Its distribution is largely dictated by the availability of consistent moisture and sunny conditions. Because it spreads readily via water, it can colonize new areas along riverbanks and lake shores quite effectively.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as water plantain, is cultivated in saturated soils, shallow margins of ponds, or wetlands where it can thrive in full sun to partial shade.
It requires consistent moisture and prefers environments that remain damp or submerged to support its aquatic lifestyle. Growers should manage the plant in controlled areas because its creeping rhizomes allow it to spread rapidly through water and mud. Regular thinning may be necessary to prevent it from outcompeting other native aquatic vegetation.
Maintaining stable water levels ensures the plant remains healthy and vigorous throughout the growing season.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant contains medicinal properties found primarily in its leaves and rhizomes. The leaves are frequently utilized in traditional remedies to treat various inflammatory conditions and skin irritations. Meanwhile, the rhizomes are harvested for their potent bioactive compounds that can assist in digestive health. These specific plant parts are often prepared as decoctions or topical poultices depending on the ailment being addressed. Scientific interest continues to grow regarding the therapeutic potential of these components.
According to a study published by "Plant disease", Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn. is a traditional medicinal aquatic plant in China. The study does not specify which particular herb parts of the plant are used medicinaly. The research focuses on a leaf spotting disease that has an average incidence of 70% to 90% across fields. This disease can result in approximately 35% yield loss. The reported infection affects the leaves of the plant.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
- rhizome
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Alisma plantago-aquatica, has been utilized in various traditional medicine systems for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb is specifically employed to clear heat and resolve toxicity while promoting urination. Historical practitioners often prepared decoctions from the leaves or seeds to treat ailments such as dysentery, urinary tract infections, and edema. Beyond its role in Asia, other cultures have historically used similar species of the plantain family to soothe skin irritations and promote wound healing. These diverse applications demonstrate the long-standing recognition of its therapeutic potential in treating systemic and topical conditions.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in plant science", Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn. is used to derive Alismatis Rhizoma, a Chinese herbal medicine with an annual production exceeding 10,000 tons. The study conducted correlation analyses between 43 environmental factors and 15 medicinal quality indicators for the primary cultivated variety of Alisma plantago-aquatica. Current highly suitable habitats for this species are mainly located in the Sichuan, Guangxi, and Guangdong provinces. Under future climate scenarios, the migration range for Alisma plantago-aquatica is predicted to be 26.12°N - 30.07°N.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Alisma plantago-aquatica?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological activities including anti-bone resorption, anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research indicates that its bioactive compounds can effectively inhibit the breakdown of bone tissue, making it a subject of interest for bone health. The plant also exhibits potent anti-diarrheal effects that help regulate intestinal functions. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory actions allow it to reduce swelling and pain by modulating various biological pathways. These diverse therapeutic capabilities suggest that Aliisma plantago-aquatica holds substantial medicinal potential.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Alisma platago-aquatica var. orientale SAMUELS is one of the 7 herbs comprised in the herbal medicine Yukmi-jihang-tang (YJ). This formulation, which includes the plant, was investigated for its anti-bone resorption properties. At a concentration of 100microg/ml, YJ reduced COX-2 mRNA levels, PGE2 biosynthesis, and bone resorption induced by IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, or their combination. The formulation also inhibited parathyroid hormone-induced bone resorption in mouse fetal long bone cultures with an IC(50) of 16microg/ml. Furthermore, YJ dose-dependently reduced hypercalcemia induced in mice by IL-1beta and prevented bone loss in young ovariectomized rats.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-bone resorption
- anti-diarrheal
- anti-inflammatory
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the specific medicinal compounds 23-acetyl alisol B, 24-acetyl alisol A, protosstane triterpene, protosthane triterpenoid, and various triterpenes. These chemical constituents contribute to the diverse pharmacological profile observed in Aliisma plantago-aquatica. The presence of these particular triterpenes and their derivatives suggests significant biological activity within the plant tissues. Scientific analysis identifies these specialized molecules as key markers for the species' medicinal properties. Such compounds are often studied for their potential roles in traditional healing practices.
According to a study published by "Nutrients", the genus Alisma comprises 11 species, including Alisma plantago-aquatica. The tubers of these medicinal plants, known as Alismatis rhizome (AR), contain triterpene compounds that exhibit antitumor activity. Specifically, the efficacy of the AR extract against various cancer cells may be attributed to alisol compounds such as alisol A, alisol B, and alisol B 23-acetate. These tritrepnoids found in AR may function through p38 activation and the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Additionally, AR and its triterpene compounds inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 23-acetyl alisol B
- 24-acetyl alisol A
- protosstane triterpene
- protosthane triterpenoids
- triterpenes
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating bacterial infections, diarrhea, digestive problems, inflammatory diseases, and respiratory disorders. Its medicinal properties help soothe the gastrointestinal tract to manage various digestive issues and loose stools. When used for respiratory disorders, it acts as an expectorant to clear the airways. The plant also possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that assist in reducing systemic or localized swelling. These diverse applications make it a significant resource in traditional herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Nutrients", the tubers of Alisma species, known as Alismatis rhizome, have long been used to treat inflammatory diseases, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, bacterial infection, edema, oliguria, diarrhea, and dizziness. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the extract showed pharmacological activities to effectively reverse cancer-related molecular targets. In particular, triterpenes naturally isolated from the rhizome have been found to exhibit antitumor activity. The extract possesses anticancer activity against various cancer cells, potentially due to the cytotoxic and antimetasatatic effects of alisol compounds such as alisol A, alisol B, and alisol B 23-acetate. Furthermore, the rhizome and its triterpenes inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- bacterial infection
- diarrhea
- digestive problems
- inflammatory diseases
- respiratory disorders
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Alisma plantago-aquatica, a species utilized in traditional medicine to create various herbal preparations for treating respiratory and inflammatory conditions. One specific pharmaceutical form is Alismatis Rhizoma extract, which focuses on the medicinal properties found within the plant's rhizomes. These preparations are often processed into liquid tinctures, decoctions, or standardized extracts to ensure consistent therapeutic dosing. Practitioners use these formulations to help alleviate symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and other ailments related to the lungs. The chemical constituents within these preparations work to soothe mucous membranes and reduce systemic inflammation.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in plant science", the medicinal genus Alisma consists of approximately 10 recognized species. The well-known Alismatis Rhizoma (Zexie) used in Chinese medicine was likely derived from the morphologically variable Alisma plantago-aquatica. This plant has a long history of cultivation in Asia. The study analyzed 34 accessions of Alismataceae, which included eight of the ten species of Alisma. Research into Alisma plantago-aquatica suggests that the eastern Asian A. orientale may be a synonym of this widespread species.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Alismatis Rhizoma
- extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant adverse reactions including diarrhea, dizziness, edema, oliguria, and hyperlipidemia. Consumption of the plant may lead to gastrointestinal distress manifesting as frequent diarrhea. Neurological impacts such as dizziness have been reported in some cases of toxicity. Fluid retention known as edema and a decrease in urine output called oliguria can also occur. Furthermore, the plant is linked to hyperlipidemia, which involves an abnormal increase in lipid levels in the blood.
According to a study published by "Nutrients", the genus Alisma contains 11 species, including Alisma plantago-aquatica. The tubers of Alisma species, known as Alismatis rhizome (AR), have long been used to treat conditions such as inflammatory diseases, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, bacterial infection, edema, oliguria, diarrhea, and dizziness. Recent evidence demonstrates that AR extract shows pharmacological activities to reverse cancer-related molecular targets. Specifically, triterpene compounds naturally isolated from AR exhibit antitumor activity and can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy. The efficacy of AR might be attributed to the cytotoxic and antimetasatatic effects of alisol compounds, including alisol A, alisol B, and alisol B 23-acetate.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- edema
- oliguria
- hyperlipidemia
What herbs are paired with Alisma plantago-aquatica?
This plant, commonly known as water plantain, pairs most effectively with cooling herbs such as peppermint, lemon balm, and plantain leaf to enhance its soothing properties for skin and respiratory issues.
When used in herbal infusions, combining it with chamomile can provide a calming effect for the digestive system. Adding lavender to topical salves made from this plant helps to further reduce inflammation and irritation. For respiratory support, blending it with mullein creates a potent syrup for clearing congestion.
These combinations leverage the plant's natural astringent qualities through complementary botanical synergies.