Therapeutic Effects of Alisma orientale and its Active Constituents on Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity

The treatment of cardiovascular diseases and obesity, two diseases posing a major risk to human health, has been plagued by the scarcity of potent and effective medication with fewer side effects. To address this problem, numerous efforts, and some progress, have been made. Among possible treatments are some medicinal herbs; particularly promising is Alisma orientale (AO). In the last decade, an increasing amount of research has shown that AO has some desirable therapeutic effects on cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Because of its efficacy, natural origin, and minimal adverse effects, AO has aroused great attention. Based on this, this review provides an overview of the latest progress from the last decade regarding the pharmacological and therapeutic effects, molecular mechanisms, and related effective constituents of AO in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Results from the research currently available reveal that active constituents of AO, such as alisol B 23-acetate, alisol A 24-acetace, and alisol A, have been proven to be effective for treating cardiovascular diseases by modulating the lipid metabolism of macrophages, improving the biological behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and enhancing anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, the active constituents of AO can also intervene in obesity by modulating abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism and fat decomposition of the body by activating the AMPK- and PPAR-related signaling pathways. In summation, based upon our research of available literature, this review reveals that AO and its active constituents have a great potential to be used as drugs for treating cardiovascular diseases and ameliorating obesity.