Research Progress on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma)

Abstract As a diuretic and dampness-eliminating medicinal agent in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) is commonly used for symptoms such as dysuria, edema and abdominal distension, diarrhea with oliguria, and dizziness due to phlegm–fluid retention. Systematic phytochemical studies have revealed that the active components of Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) are primarily triterpenoids, along with sesquiterpenes, polysaccharides, sterols, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and lignans. These components form the material basis for its pharmacological activities. Recent breakthroughs in pharmacological research have expanded beyond its traditionally recognized diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects: Its antiurolithiasis effect has been clearly linked to inhibiting the crystallization of stone components and promoting stone expulsion; its renal protective effect can ameliorate kidney injury by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing inflammatory responses in renal tissues; its lipid-lowering mechanism involves regulating lipid metabolism pathways and reducing lipid deposition; in terms of anticancer activity, it exhibits proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in various tumor cells such as liver, lung, and colon cancers; additionally, it shows significant antibacterial activity against pathogens, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.