Ze Xie (Water Plantain Rhizome, Alisma)

Channels: KI, BL Properties: Sweet, Bland, Cold Latin Name: Rhizoma Alismatis

Alternate Names

• Fu Ze Xie

Actions

Contraindications and Cautions

Herb-Drug Interactions

Toxicity and Overdose

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

Dosage

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

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.

Clinical Studies and Research

• 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
  
  

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• 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.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Dang Gui Shao Yao San (Tangkuei and Peony Powder)
  Formulas that Tonify the Blood
• Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin (Cinnamon and Poria Sweet Dew Decoction)
  Formulas that Relieve Summerheat
• Ji Chuan Jian (Benefit the Flow Decoction)
  Formulas that Moisten the Intestines and Unblock the Bowels
• Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet)
  Formulas that Warm and Tonify the Yang
• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia)
  Formulas that Nourish and Tonify the Yin
• Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver)
  Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
• Wu Ling San (Five Ingredient Powder with Poria)
  Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness
• Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill)
  Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat
• Zhu Ling Tang (Polyporus Decoction)
  Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness
  

References

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
  - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
  - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
  - Max Wichtl

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
  - Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.