Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alisma (Alisma orientale, also known as water plantain) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly for conditions involving the urinary and biliary systems, including gallstones. In TCM, Alisma (Zé Xiè) is thought to promote urination and drain dampness, and it is often included in herbal formulas for addressing "damp-heat" in the gallbladder and urinary tract. Usage for gallstones is rooted in these traditional concepts, with the belief that Alisma helps to expel or prevent the formation of stones by promoting the flow of fluids and reducing stasis.

Scientifically, there is limited direct evidence supporting Alisma's efficacy for treating or preventing gallstones. A few in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts of Alisma may have choleretic effects (promoting bile flow) and some hepatoprotective properties, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical recommendations or validated by human trials specifically targeting gallstones. The majority of modern use for this indication remains anchored in tradition, with clinical evidence rated as weak to moderate (2/5), primarily due to the lack of well-designed studies in humans.

In summary, while Alisma's use for gallstones is supported by centuries of TCM practice, scientific validation is currently insufficient. Most recommendations to use Alisma for gallstones are traditional rather than evidence-based.

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