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Atractylodes macrocephala

Introduction to Atractylodes Macrocephala

Atractylodes macrocephala, a precious traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in China for thousands of years.

Basic Information

• Botanical Characteristics: Atractylodes macrocephala is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family. It can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has a nodular rhizome, and its stem is erect and smooth. The leaves are alternate and pinnately lobed. The flowers are purple-red, and the achenes are inverted cone-shaped. It blooms and bears fruit from August to October.

• Distribution: It is mainly distributed in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Anhui, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan and other places in China

  
  

Medicinal Properties and Efficacy

• Medicinal Properties: Bitter and sweet in taste, warm in nature, and attributing to the spleen and stomach meridians.

• Efficacy

• Strengthening the Spleen and Benefiting Qi: It is often used to treat symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools caused by spleen deficiency. It can be combined with Codonopsis pilosula and Glycyrrhiza uralensis to tonify the spleen and stomach.

• Drying Dampness and Promoting Diuresis: It is effective in treating edema, phlegm retention and dizziness caused by water-damp retention. For example, it can be used with Poria cocos and Cinnamon Twig to treat cold-phlegm retention.

• Securing Sweat: It is suitable for spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency. When combined with Astragalus membranaceus and Floating Wheat, it can consolidate the exterior and stop sweating.

• Preventing Miscarriage: It is used for fetal restlessness and swelling of the feet during pregnancy. When there is internal heat, it can be combined with Scutellaria baicalensis.

Pharmacological Effects

• Effect on Digestive System: The aqueous extract of Atractylodes macrocephala can regulate the movement of the gastrointestinal tract. It can promote gastric emptying and small intestine propulsion in mice. It also has an anti-ulcer effect, which can inhibit gastric mucosa damage in rats.

• Immune Regulation: It can significantly enhance the ability of white blood cells to phagocytize Staphylococcus aureus. It can also promote the transformation of normal mouse lymphocytes and increase the secretion level.

• Anti-stress: It has the effects of anti-fatigue and enhancing adrenal cortical function. It can increase the weight and physical strength of mice and prolong their swimming time.

• Hematopoietic Function Enhancement: It can promote erythropoiesis in mice and increase the production of erythroid progenitor cells.

• Diuretic Effect: It has a significant and persistent diuretic effect in rats, rabbits, etc., promoting the excretion of electrolytes, especially sodium.

• Uterus Contraction Inhibition: The alcohol extract and petroleum ether extract of Atractylodes macrocephala can significantly inhibit the spontaneous contraction of the uterus of non-pregnant mice and the excitatory contraction of the uterus caused by oxytocin and motherwort.

• Antioxidant and Anti-aging: It can effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation, reduce the content of lipid peroxides in tissues, and improve the activity of SOD in the red blood cells of mice over 12 months old.

  
  

Taboos and Precautions

Atractylodes macrocephala is contraindicated in people with yin deficiency and internal heat, insufficient body fluid, high fever and thirst, yellow urine and constipation. Pregnant women should use it under the guidance of a doctor.

In conclusion, Atractylodes macrocephala is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine with a wide range of medicinal effects. However, its use should be based on the guidance of professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

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