Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma)

Chinese Herb Actions

Chinese Herb Dosage

• 5-10 grams in decoction or up to 30 grams in severe cases ¹²
• 4.5 9 grams in decoction ¹³

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Use caution in cases with Sunken Qi in the Middle Jiao.

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• Overdose or extended use can result in hematuria, electrolyte imbalance, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Herb-Drug Interactions

• Ze Xie promotes urination and may interfere with Diuretic drugs (ie - Lasix).

Western / Biomedical Research

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

Provided as research context — a summary of published biomedical study, not a therapeutic or medical claim.

• Ze Xie has several physiological effects including diuretic (1), antihyperlipidemic (2), and antihypertensive (3). (Chen)
• Human clinical trials have shown Ze Xie to be effective at lowering cholesterol (4), and treating dizziness and vertigo(5). (Chen)
  
  1. Sheng Yao Xue Za Zhi, 1982;36(2):150
  2. He, XY. Effects of alisma plantago l. on hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, and fatty liver. Chinese Journal of Modern Developments in Traditional Medicine. 1(2):114-7, Oct. 1981
  3. Zhong Yao Yao Li Yu Ying Yong, 1983:718
  4. Zhong Hua Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1976; 11:693
  5. He Bei Zhong Yi Za Zhi, 1988; 6:14
  
  
  
• Cancer Lett. 2006 Jan 18;231(2):270-8.
  Alisol B acetate, a triterpene from Alismatis rhizoma, induces Bax nuclear translocation and apoptosis in human hormone-resistant prostate cancer PC-3 cells.
• Arch Pharm Res. 2001 Dec;24(6):524-6.
  Cytotoxic triterpenoides from Alismatis Rhizoma.
• Yakugaku Zasshi. 1991 Feb;111(2):138-45.
  The effects of crude drugs using diuretic on horse kidney (Na+ + K+)-adenosine triphosphatase
• Life Sci. 1987 Oct 12;41(15):1845-52.
  Effects of alismol isolated from Alismatis Rhizoma on calcium-induced contraction in the rabbit thoracic aorta.

Chinese Herb Notes

• This herb is excellent at draining Damp due to its sweet, bland, and cold properties. It prevents excess heat from developing when combined with warm tonifying herbs.