How does Ze Xie work as a diuretic?

Ze Xie (Alisma plantago-aquatica) contains active triterpenes called alisols, primarily alisol A and alisol B, which promote diuresis through multiple pathways. Research suggests these compounds increase renal blood flow and inhibit renal tubular reabsorption of water and electrolytes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ze Xie is classified as draining dampness, correlating with its observed diuretic effects. Evidence level: C (preclinical and traditional use data support this mechanism).

Does Ze Xie interact with diuretic medications?

Ze Xie has natural diuretic properties and may potentiate the effects of pharmaceutical diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, or spironolactone. This combination could lead to excessive fluid loss, electrolyte imbalances, or hypotension. Patients taking lithium should use caution, as increased urination may affect lithium clearance and blood levels. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining Ze Xie with prescription medications. Evidence level: C (theoretical based on pharmacological activity).

What is the recommended dosage for Ze Xie?

The typical adult dosage of Ze Xie is 6–15 grams of dried rhizome prepared as a decoction, taken once or twice daily. Standardized extracts are commonly dosed at approximately 500 mg taken twice daily. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ze Xie is frequently combined with other herbs in classical formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, where proportions vary. Dosage should be adjusted based on individual condition and guidance from a qualified practitioner. Evidence level: C (traditional use and clinical practice standards).

Is Ze Xie safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Ze Xie is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies this herb as draining and strongly diuretic, which may compromise fluid balance essential for fetal development. There is insufficient safety data for use during breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal preparations containing Ze Xie. Evidence level: Traditional/Expert consensus.

What is Ze Xie used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Ze Xie is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to drain dampness and promote urination. It is indicated for conditions involving damp-heat, including urinary difficulty, edema, and certain kidney disorders. Ze Xie is a key ingredient in classical formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, commonly prescribed for kidney yin deficiency patterns. It may also address water retention, cloudy urination, or dizziness attributed to dampness accumulation. Evidence level: C (traditional use supported by limited clinical data).

Ze Xie (Alisma plantago-aquatica)

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Ze Xie, derived from Alisma plantago-aquatica, is a traditional medicinal herb used primarily for water metabolism-related diseases and metabolic disorders [PMID:32426329, PMID:41424795].

Contexte

Alisma plantago-aquatica (common water plantain) is an aquatic plant in the Alismataceae family [PMID:32426329, PMID:40454262]. The dried rhizome or tubers are used as the medicinal material known as Ze Xie in Chinese medicine [PMID:32426329, PMID:29159429].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used traditionally to treat dysuria, edema, nephropathy, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, bacterial infections, oliguria, diarrhea, and dizziness [PMID:34371964, PMID:28662316].

Composés actifs

The primary secondary metabolites are triterpenoids (specifically protostane-type triterpenoids called alisols, such as alisol A, B, F, and alisol A 24-acetate) [PMID:32426329, PMID:31271908, PMID:28662316]. Other identified compounds include sesquiterpenoids (guaiane-type), diterpenes, steroids, alkaloids, phenolic acids (e.g., plantain A), and polysaccharides composed of arabinose and galactose [PMID:29159429, PMID:38768795, PMID:41617288, PMID:40480565].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the suppression of the Kupffer cell-derived SPHK1/S1P axis to protect against NASH-associated fibrosis [PMID:40992063], inhibition of PCSK9 to promote LDL uptake in HepG2 cells [PMID:35914360], and modulation of the liver antioxidant system and gut microbiota to treat acetaminophen-induced liver injury [PMID:39631232]. Some compounds exhibit xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity [PMID:37548471] and lipase inhibition via binding to active and allosteric sites [PMID:39168221].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve AGlucose and lipid metabolism disorders

AR extracts can improve fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h postprandial glucose (2hPG) in rodent models [PMID:40825387]

Preuve DAcetaminophen-induced acute liver injury

Alismatis rhizoma polysaccharides (ARP50 and ARP70) exerted dose-dependent therapeutic and hepatoprotective effects in mice [PMID:39631232]

Preuve DNASH-associated fibrosis

Alisol A 24-acetate protects against fibrosis in a murine model by suppressing the SPHK1/S1P axis [PMID:40992063]

Preuve DChronic prostatitis

Isolated phenolic acids (plantain A) significantly decreased cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, PEG2, and TGF-β1) in model rats [PMID:29159429]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Previous toxicological evaluations indicate that Rhizoma Alismatis extracts are relatively safe [PMID:28662316].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is primarily based on preclinical rodent models, in vitro assays, and phytochemical reviews. There is one systematic review/meta-analysis supporting its effect on glucose and lipid metabolism in rodents, but no human clinical trial data was provided in the abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 36301426 (2022) — Flowering Biology of Alisma plantago-aquatica (Alismataceae). · Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections
2.PMID: 32426329 (2020) — Triterpenoids From Alisma Species: Phytochemistry, Structure Modification, and Bioactivities. · Frontiers in chemistry
3.PMID: 38205915 (2024) — Two Undescribed Protostane Triterpenoids from the Rhizome of Alisma plantago-aquatica. · Chemistry & biodiversity
4.PMID: 29159429 (2017) — Phenolic constituents from Alisma plantago-aquatica Linnaeus and their anti-chronic prostatitis activity. · Chemistry Central journal
5.PMID: 40992063 (2025)

Ze Xie

Sources et citations

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Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Ze Xie

Sources et citations

Plantes associées

Pata de Vaca

Chrysanthemum Flower

Sea Holly

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales