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White atractylodes rhizome

Also known as: White atractylodes rhizome, Baizhu, Atractylodes lancea, Atractylodes macrocephala

Overview

White atractylodes rhizome is derived from the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala, a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is traditionally valued for its ability to strengthen the spleen, alleviate dampness, and enhance digestive and immune functions. The rhizome is rich in bioactive compounds, including volatile oils, sesquiterpenoids, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its pharmacological activities. Its primary applications include addressing gastrointestinal disorders, modulating the immune system, and serving as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment. Research on white atractylodes is evolving, encompassing ethnopharmacological reviews, in vitro and animal studies, and some clinical trials, including meta-analyses, though high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are still limited.

Benefits

White atractylodes rhizome offers several evidence-based benefits. It improves digestive function by strengthening spleen qi and reducing dampness, a traditional concept supported by its ability to modulate gut flora and exert anti-inflammatory effects. A significant benefit is its capacity to enhance the efficacy and prognosis when combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in advanced gastric cancer, demonstrating an improved objective response rate (ORR) by 41% and disease control rate (DCR) by 20% compared to NAC alone, as shown in a meta-analysis (RR ORR=1.41, 95% CI 1.27–1.57; RR DCR=1.20, 95% CI 1.13–1.27). Secondary effects include anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antiemetic properties, attributed to its sesquiterpenoids and polysaccharides. It also shows potential in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like ulcerative colitis through gut microbiota modulation and inflammation reduction, though this requires further clinical validation. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may particularly benefit from improved treatment response and reduced adverse effects when white atractylodes is integrated with standard care.

How it works

White atractylodes rhizome exerts its therapeutic effects through several mechanisms. It contains bioactive sesquiterpenoids, such as atractylodin, and volatile oils that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. A key mechanism involves the modulation of gut microbiota composition, which contributes to improved gastrointestinal health and overall immune function. Additionally, animal studies suggest that low doses of atractylodin can enhance glucose sensitivity and reduce fatty liver, indicating potential metabolic regulatory effects. While specific details on absorption and bioavailability are limited, they are likely influenced by the preparation methods of the rhizome, such as whether it is raw, stir-fried, or processed into extracts.

Side effects

White atractylodes rhizome is generally considered safe, with traditional use and clinical trials indicating a low incidence of adverse effects. Meta-analyses and comprehensive reviews have not reported common or serious side effects. However, specific drug interactions and contraindications are not extensively documented. Caution is advised when combining it with chemotherapy, despite clinical data suggesting that its co-administration with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) may actually reduce adverse effects. Nevertheless, potential herb-drug interactions should always be considered, and medical supervision is recommended. There is insufficient safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without professional medical advice. Overall, while generally well-tolerated, comprehensive safety data, particularly regarding long-term use and interactions, remains an area for further research.

Dosage

There is no universally standardized dosing regimen established for white atractylodes rhizome. Traditional use typically involves decoctions or powders, with varying concentrations. Clinical studies, particularly those investigating its role in cancer, have utilized herbal formula combinations containing white atractylodes, but the exact dosages of the isolated herb within these formulas vary significantly. Animal studies have suggested effective doses of atractylodin, a key active compound, at 5–10 mg/kg for metabolic effects. However, these findings in animal models do not directly translate to human dosing. For optimal efficacy and safety, further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are necessary to establish precise dosage ranges, timing considerations, and upper limits for different therapeutic purposes and patient populations. Patients should consult healthcare professionals for guidance on appropriate dosing.

FAQs

Is white atractylodes safe to use with chemotherapy?

Evidence from a meta-analysis suggests it can improve chemotherapy efficacy and reduce side effects in gastric cancer, but consultation with healthcare providers is essential due to potential herb-drug interactions.

How long does it take to see effects from white atractylodes?

In cancer adjunct therapy, benefits are observed during treatment cycles. For digestive or immune support, longer-term use may be needed, but specific data on the time course are limited.

Can white atractylodes be used for digestive disorders?

Traditional use and preliminary research support its benefits for digestive health and inflammatory bowel diseases, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

What are the main active compounds in white atractylodes?

The main active compounds include sesquiterpenoids (like atractylodin), volatile oils, and polysaccharides, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and digestive benefits.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11521787/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 RCTs (1669 patients) found that combining white atractylodes with neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved objective response rate (RR 1.41) and disease control rate (RR 1.20) in advanced gastric cancer, while also reducing adverse effects. The study suggests a beneficial role for white atractylodes as an adjunct therapy.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8595830/ – This comprehensive review summarizes the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome. It highlights the herb's anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and gastrointestinal protective effects, attributing them to various bioactive compounds like sesquiterpenoids and polysaccharides, and provides a foundation for further research.
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/atractylodes/ – This source provides an overview of Atractylodes, discussing its traditional uses in improving digestive function, strengthening the spleen, and reducing dampness. It also touches upon its potential in modulating gut flora and its anti-inflammatory properties, offering a general perspective on its health benefits.
https://www.biomolther.org/view.html?uid=1574&vmd=Full – This animal study investigated the effects of low-dose atractylodin, a compound from Atractylodes macrocephala, on metabolic health. The findings indicated that atractylodin improved glucose sensitivity and reduced fatty liver in mice, suggesting its potential role in metabolic regulation and providing mechanistic insights into its therapeutic actions.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2023.1237800/full – This chemical profiling study focused on characterizing the volatile organic compounds in Atractylodes lancea rhizome from different regions. While not directly assessing clinical efficacy, it provides valuable insights into the chemical basis of the herb's traditional uses and helps in understanding the variations in its chemical composition.