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Atractylodes Root Extract

Also known as: Atractylodes Root Extract, Bai Zhu, Atractylodes lancea, Atractylodes macrocephala

Overview

Atractylodes macrocephala root extract is derived from the dried rhizome of the plant, traditionally used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the spleen and stomach, and to dry dampness. It contains various bioactive compounds, including volatile oils, polysaccharides, and amino acids, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological effects. Primary applications include supporting gastrointestinal health, modulating the immune system, and serving as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. The research on Atractylodes macrocephala is maturing, with an increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, particularly in the fields of oncology and gastrointestinal disorders. While some meta-analyses include multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs), much of the evidence originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine contexts, necessitating careful interpretation of the findings.

Benefits

Atractylodes macrocephala shows promising benefits across several areas. In oncology, a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 RCTs involving 2157 patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) demonstrated that Atractylodes macrocephala-containing herbal preparations, when combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), significantly improved the overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) compared to NAC alone. This suggests enhanced short-term tumor efficacy and a potential role as an adjunct in cancer therapy. The same meta-analysis also reported an increase in various T-cell subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD8+), indicating its capacity for immune system enhancement. For gastrointestinal health, polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala have been shown to improve intestinal microbiota balance and alleviate symptoms in animal models of mucosal gastric hyperplasia, suggesting potential for gut microbiome modulation. Furthermore, a meta-analysis on the Atractylodes macrocephala-Paeonia lactiflora herbal formula indicated symptom relief in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients, though more detailed clinical data are needed. Preliminary animal studies also suggest metabolic benefits, with constituents like atractylodin improving glucose sensitivity and reducing fatty liver, although human data are currently limited.

How it works

The mechanisms of action for Atractylodes macrocephala are multifaceted. Its polysaccharides are believed to modulate the intestinal microbiota, promoting a balanced gut environment and improving overall gastrointestinal function. The observed immune enhancement, characterized by increased T-cell subsets, suggests that the extract may activate cellular immunity pathways. Additionally, volatile oils and compounds such as atractylodin are thought to influence glucose metabolism and reduce liver fat accumulation, although the precise molecular targets and pathways involved are still under investigation. While specific bioavailability details are limited, it is understood that different active components, such as polysaccharides and volatile oils, likely exhibit varying absorption profiles within the body.

Side effects

The safety profile of Atractylodes macrocephala appears favorable, particularly when used as an adjunct to conventional therapies. A 2024 meta-analysis in cancer patients reported a decreased incidence of adverse reactions when Atractylodes macrocephala was combined with chemotherapy, suggesting it may help mitigate some side effects of conventional treatment. No significant safety concerns or severe adverse events have been highlighted in the systematic reviews available. Common side effects are not extensively documented in the current literature, but traditional use suggests that it is generally well-tolerated. However, specific drug interactions and contraindications remain underexplored. Caution is advised when combining Atractylodes macrocephala with chemotherapy or other immunomodulatory drugs, and further research is needed to fully characterize potential interactions and ensure comprehensive safety guidelines.

Dosage

Specific dosing regimens for Atractylodes macrocephala vary significantly depending on the formulation, the intended therapeutic purpose, and the context of use. In clinical trials for gastric cancer, oral administration was used in combination with chemotherapy, with benefits observed regardless of treatment duration (both less than and more than 8 weeks). However, these studies often involved complex herbal preparations rather than isolated extracts. Animal studies have utilized defined doses of isolated compounds, such as 5-10 mg/kg of atractylodin, but human equivalent doses have not yet been established. There are currently no standardized dosing guidelines for Atractylodes macrocephala as a standalone supplement. Therefore, dosing should ideally follow protocols established in clinical trials or be guided by experienced practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term use in humans are not well-defined, emphasizing the need for further research.

FAQs

Is Atractylodes Root Extract safe with chemotherapy?

Evidence suggests it may be safe and potentially beneficial when combined with chemotherapy, particularly in gastric cancer patients, where it has been shown to reduce adverse effects and improve treatment efficacy.

How long does it take to see benefits from Atractylodes Root Extract?

In studies on tumor response and immune parameters, benefits were observed with treatment durations both shorter and longer than 8 weeks, indicating effects can manifest within a few months.

Does Atractylodes Root Extract help with digestive symptoms?

Animal studies support its potential for modulating the gastrointestinal microbiota and improving gut health. Clinical evidence in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is promising but requires further large-scale human trials.

Are there metabolic benefits associated with Atractylodes Root Extract?

Preliminary animal data suggest potential benefits for improved glucose metabolism and liver health. However, human studies are needed to confirm these effects and establish clinical relevance.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2024.1431381/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 RCTs (n=2157) investigated Atractylodes macrocephala-containing herbal preparations combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in advanced gastric cancer. It found significant improvements in overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR), increased T-cell subsets, and reduced adverse reactions, suggesting enhanced short-term tumor efficacy and immune modulation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11521787/ – This source is a duplicate of the previous one, providing the same information regarding the systematic review and meta-analysis on Atractylodes macrocephala in advanced gastric cancer, highlighting its benefits in improving treatment efficacy and reducing adverse effects when combined with chemotherapy.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.1102605/full – This animal study used 16S rRNA sequencing to demonstrate that Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharides improved gut microbial diversity and alleviated symptoms in rats with mucosal gastric hyperplasia. The findings provide mechanistic insight into the extract's potential for modulating the intestinal microbiota and supporting gastrointestinal health.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10769129/ – This meta-analysis evaluated the Atractylodes macrocephala-Paeonia lactiflora formula for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptom relief. While it suggested potential benefits and utilized trial sequential analysis, it lacked detailed effect sizes and large sample sizes, indicating a need for more robust randomized controlled trials.
https://www.biomolther.org/view.html?uid=1574&vmd=Full – This preclinical study investigated atractylodin, a compound from Atractylodes lancea, demonstrating its ability to improve glucose sensitivity and reduce fatty liver in animal models at low doses. The research suggests potential metabolic benefits, though its relevance to human health requires further investigation.