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Atractylodes Rhizome Extract

Also known as: Atractylodes Rhizome Extract, Baizhu, Dongbaizhu, Wuzhu, Atractylodes lancea, Atractylodes macrocephala

Overview

Atractylodes Rhizome Extract is derived from the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala, a plant in the Asteraceae family widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains volatile oils, polysaccharides, lactones, and amino acids. Its primary uses include strengthening the spleen and stomach, drying dampness, improving gastrointestinal function, and modulating intestinal microbiota. It is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. While several in vivo and clinical studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, support its traditional uses, clinical trial data for the isolated extract remain limited and heterogeneous. The evidence quality varies, with many studies involving herbal combinations rather than the isolated extract.

Benefits

Atractylodes Rhizome Extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in gastrointestinal health. Polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala (AMP) have been shown in animal models to improve gastrointestinal function and regulate intestinal microbiota, reducing inflammation markers like IL-8, NF-κB, and COX-2, and promoting mucosal repair in conditions like metabolic gastric hyperplasia (MGH) and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Components like Atractylodes lactones contribute to anti-inflammatory effects by reducing gastric mucosal inflammation and promoting repair through modulation of inflammatory pathways and matrix metalloproteinases. A meta-analysis of 13 trials (914 patients) involving Atractylodes macrocephala-containing herbal formulas indicated a significant reduction in adverse effects such as leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and liver/renal dysfunction when used adjunctively, suggesting a favorable safety profile. Furthermore, related species like Atractylodes lancea show promise in animal husbandry for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-regulatory effects, hinting at broader biological activity.

How it works

Atractylodes Rhizome Extract primarily exerts its effects by modulating gastrointestinal mucosal immunity and inflammation. Its active components downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and inhibit key signaling pathways like NF-κB and COX-2. It also regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) and their inhibitors, which are crucial for tissue repair. Polysaccharides within the extract enhance intestinal epithelial cell migration and E-cadherin expression, thereby supporting the integrity of the mucosal barrier. Additionally, the extract influences the composition of intestinal microbiota, contributing to an improved gut microecology and overall gastrointestinal function. While specific bioavailability details are limited, polysaccharides and volatile oils are considered the main active constituents.

Side effects

Overall, Atractylodes macrocephala extract is generally well tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical settings, particularly when used in combination with other herbs. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) are not well documented, but gastrointestinal tolerance appears to be good. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include mild gastrointestinal symptoms, which have been reported in some trials. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been consistently reported in high-quality studies. However, data regarding its use in special populations, such as pregnant women, are insufficient, and caution is advised until more research is available. Comprehensive safety warnings for isolated extract use are limited due to a lack of extensive clinical trials focusing solely on this form.

Dosage

Specific dosing guidelines for isolated Atractylodes macrocephala extract are not well established in human clinical trials. Traditional formulations often vary, and clinical studies frequently utilize herbal combinations that include standardized amounts of Atractylodes rhizome rather than the isolated extract. While animal studies provide some insight into polysaccharide dosages scaled to body weight, human equivalent doses require further dedicated research. The timing of administration and the form of the extract (e.g., powder, decoction, or concentrated extract) are known to influence absorption and efficacy, but detailed pharmacokinetic data are currently lacking. Therefore, precise upper limits and safety thresholds for the isolated extract are not yet clearly defined.

FAQs

Is Atractylodes Rhizome Extract safe?

Yes, a clinical meta-analysis supports its good safety profile, especially when used in combination with other herbs or conventional treatments, showing a reduction in adverse effects.

What conditions benefit most from Atractylodes Rhizome Extract?

Gastrointestinal disorders involving inflammation and mucosal injury, such as chronic gastritis and metabolic gastric hyperplasia, show the most evidence of benefit.

How quickly do effects appear?

Animal studies indicate mucosal repair effects within weeks, but human data are insufficient to provide precise timelines for the onset of benefits.

Can Atractylodes Rhizome Extract be used alone?

Most clinical evidence involves combination herbal formulas; the efficacy of the isolated extract used alone requires more dedicated clinical trials.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.1102605/full – This animal study investigated the effects of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides (AMP) on metabolic gastric hyperplasia (MGH) rats. It found that AMP modulated intestinal microbiota and improved gastrointestinal function, suggesting its potential for treating MGH by influencing gut microecology.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11521787/ – This meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials (914 patients) evaluated Atractylodes macrocephala-containing herbal formulas. It concluded that these formulas significantly reduced adverse drug reactions and improved safety when combined with N-acetylcysteine, highlighting a favorable safety profile in adjunctive therapy.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8595830/ – This review, supported by in vivo experiments, explored the role of Atractylodes lactones in gastric inflammation and mucosal repair. It demonstrated that these compounds reduce inflammation and promote healing in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats by modulating NF-κB and matrix metalloproteinase pathways.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1518433/full – This review focused on Atractylodes lancea, a related species, and its applications in animal husbandry. It summarized the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-regulatory effects observed in various animal studies, suggesting its potential as a feed additive and broader biological activity.