Atractylodes
Botanical Description & Habitat
Atractylodes macrocephala, A. lancea, A. chinensis, A. japonica, and A. ovata
Family
Compositae
Common Names
baizhu
Habitat
Found at higher altitudes in Eastern China
Medicinal Parts
Dried root
Historical Properties & Uses
There are two kinds of atractylodes, white (a. macrocephala and a. ovata) and red (a. lancea and a. chinensis). In Japan, a. japonica and a. ovata are the main sources of white atractylodes.
In traditional Chinese medicine, white atractylodes is used as a tonic for the spleen, to enhance chi, remove dampness, regulate water, inhibit perspiration and stabilize the fetus.
It is used in formulas for enhancing strength and promoting longevity. An immune system stimulant. Diuretic, tonic, anti-asthmatic. Red atractylodes is used with sight differences, to tonify the spleen, dispel wind, disperse chill and clear the vision.
Method of Action
The main constituents of red atractylodes are atractylon and its derivatives. The main components of white atractylodes are beta eudesmol and hinesol.
Atractylodes Enhances Immune System Function
Studies have shown that atractylodes promotes various immune system functions, such as phagocytosis, lymphocyte transformation, and antibody production. Various experimental cancers are significantly inhibited. Diuretic and hypoglycemic effects have been observed. The main component, atractylone, produces the diuretic effect along with antiemetic and sedative actions.
Atractylodes has Cardiovascular Action
Cardiovascular properties have been recorded, including platelet aggregation inhibition, increased prothrombin time, and vasodilation.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Known Interactions
Atractylodes insofar as its diuretic action increases the renal excretion of sodium and chloride, may potentiate the hyperglycemic and hyperuremic effects of glucose elevating agents.
Possible Interactions
The use of diuretics may require dosage adjustments of antidiabetic drugs.
Colchicine may increase sensitivity or enhance the response to this herb.
The antacid nature of this herb may decrease or delay the absorption of nalidixic acid and the sulfonamides. Atractylodes and sparteine may have synergistic oxytocic activity.
The antiarrhythmic agent, quinidine, may increase the hypoprothrombinemic effect of atracylodes.
Comments
The antidiabetic ability of this herb may be decreased by concomitant use of acetazolamide, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, dextrothyroxine, epinephrine, ethanol, glucagon, guanethideine and marijuana.
The antidiabetic effects of this herb may be decreased when used in conjunction with phenothiazines, rifampin, thiazide diuretics, and thyroid hormones.
The antidiabetic action of this herb may be enhanced when it is used with allopurinol, anabolic steroids, chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, guanethidine, MAOI, phenylbutazone, probenecid and phenyramidol.
The antidiabetic action of atractylodes may be enhanced when used in conjunction with salicylates, sulfinpyrazone, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. Due to the presence of blood serum platelet aggregation inhibitors, such as linolenic acid, this herb may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as heparin.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Atractylodes appears to be completely harmless.
Preparation & Administration
Infusion or capsule
4.5-9g of dried root
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Dharmananda, S. Chinese Herbal Therapies for Immune Disorders. Institute for Tranditional Medicine and Preventive Health Care, 1988.
Hsu, H.Y. Application of Chinese herbal formulas and scientific research. (I). Oriental Healing Arts International Bulletin, 11(2), 87-96, 1986.
An Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Substances (Ahong Yao Da Ci Dian), Jiansu College of New Medicine, 1977, made available for English readers by Bensky, D. & Gamble, A. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Eastland Press, Seattle, 1986.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
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