Health Tips

Atractylodes:-
Family:-
Asteraceae

Genus:-
Atractylodes

Species:-
macrocephala

Common names:-
Atractylodes, Cang Zhu, Bai Zhu
Part Used:-
Rhizome

Plant Description:-

1-Documented Features & Actions:-
appetite stimulant, diuretic, diaphoretic, digestive

2-Plant Chemicals Includes:-
2-furaldehyde, 3-beta-acetoxyatractylon, 3-beta-hydroxyatractrylon, Acetylatractylodinol, Atractylodin, Atractylodinol, Atractylon, eudesmol-Beta, Beta-Selin, calcium, copper, Elemol, EO, Furfural, Hinesol, Iron, L-alpha -- Bisabolol, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, zinc

REFERENCED QUOTES ON ATRACTYLODES:-
Atractylodes is shown to act on the stomach and spleen. It can be used to stimulate appetite, and stop vomiting and diarrhea. It is a diuretic and was used for edema, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, fever and chills. It is used in pregnancy for morning sickness and restless fetus. "

Botanical Name: -
Atractylodes macrocephala

Pharmaceutical name: -
Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae

Properties:-
bitter, sweet, warm. Channels entered: spleen, stomach
Functions and clinical use:-
tonifies the spleen and the benefits of Qi: Stomach or used for spleen deficiency patterns with such symptoms as diarrhea, fatigue. lack of appetite and vomiting. Strengthens the spleen and dries Humidity: used for digestive dysfunction of the Spleen Yang not increased with loss of its capacity for transformation and the subsequent accumulation of fluid. It is also used for edema and reduced urination in Deficient Spleen patterns. Moreover, an additional herb for damp Painful obstruction. Stabilizes the exterior and stops sweating: used for spontaneous sweating from Deficient Qi.
Pharmacological and clinical research:-
Urine-effect: in many animal Macrocephalae Rhizoma Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) has shown that a significant and prolonged diuretic eitect. When it was given by gastric lavage at doses of 1-3 g / kg, there was a two sixfold increase in urine output that was usually maintained for six to seven hours. The excretion of sodium is even greater than that of water. This herb does not seem to affect the function of ADH. The reports of the few experiments to test the diuretic effect of this herb in humans have been equivocal.
Endocrine effect: in many experiments on animals, Macrocephalae Rhizoma Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) increases the uptake of glucose and lowers plasma glucose levels.
Haematological effect: gastric lavage with decoctions of Macrocephalae Rhizoma Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) slightly increased prothrombin time in rats. In healthy volunteers a 1:20 solution of one tablespoon of the decoction of this herb took three times a day for four days, there was a significant prolongation of prothrombin time. This did not return to normal until 10 days after administration has stopped. Alcohol-extracted preparations had a weaker effect.
Effect of endurance: when mice were given decoctions of Macrocephalae Rhizoma Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) orally in doses of 6 g / kg for one months, there was an increase in weight and endurance (as measured by the test pool).

Toxicity:-
The LD50 for peritoneal injection of Macrocephalae Rhizoma Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) is 13.3 g / kg. When rats were fed decoctions of the herb in doses of 0.5 g / kg for one to two months, no toxic symptoms developed. However, a mild lymphopenia and anemia development without any signs of damage to the brains, heart, or liver. "

Ethnobotany: WORLDWIDE USE-
China:-
Dyspepsia, eczema, edema, night blindness
Japan:-
Balsamic, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomach