Atractylodes lancea
Atractylodes lancea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Atractylodes lancea is a versatile medicinal plant whose therapeutic potential is largely derived from its rhizome, root, and leaf components. Through various preparations such as ethanolic extracts and essential oils, researchers have identified key bioactive chemicals including atractylon, atractylodin, hinesol, and volatile oils. The plant exhibits a diverse range of biological activities, most notably serving as an antimalarial, antioxidant, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, and ACE-inhibitor. These properties allow it to influence critical physiological conditions such as apoptosis, asthma, and the growth of Absidia. Consequently, the chemical profile of Atractylodes lancea makes it a significant subject of study for managing inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions.
- Synonyms
- Atractylis Lancea · Atractylis Ovata · 42 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Rhizome · Root
Classification
Common Names
Atractylodes lancea is a versatile plant known by several distinct names across different regions and traditions. It is frequently referred to by its common name, White atractylodes, which helps distinguish it in botanical circles. In various linguistic contexts, it is also recognized as cang shu, a name that carries significant cultural weight. Depending on the specific variety or local dialect, it may be identified as mao cang shu or nan cang shu. Additionally, some people simply call this plant okera, showcasing the diverse terminology used to describe it.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Atractylodes lancea is a botanical species that has been identified through various taxonomic classifications over time. This plant is recognized by several synonyms, including the names Acarna chinensis and Acarna lancea. Researchers have also documented its relationship to Acarna ovata within the scientific literature. Furthermore, the species is linked to the synonym Atractylis chinensis. Finally, its botanical history includes the specific designation of Atractylis chinensis f. erosodentata.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Atractylodes lancea belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Asterales, which connects it to a wide array of flowering plants. This specific plant is a member of the prominent family Asteraceae, known for its composite flower structures. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Atractylodes, defining its unique botanical identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Atractylodes |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Atractylodes lancea is a notable plant species widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Within China, its presence is particularly widespread, spanning from the North-Central areas to the South-Central provinces. It also thrives across the Southeast of the country, demonstrating a broad adaptability to various regional climates. Furthermore, the species can be found extending into the northern territories of Inner Mongolia. Its range is completed by its significant distribution throughout the Manchuria region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Atractylodes lancea is a self-supporting herb that maintains a sturdy and upright presence in its natural habitat. This plant typically exhibits a modest growth form, reaching a maximum height of approximately 0.8 m. Depending on environmental conditions, its stature generally fluctuates between a minimum of 0.4 m and 0.6 m. These height variations highlight the adaptable nature of the species as it establishes itself in the soil. Understanding these physical characteristics provides essential insight into the structural profile of this herb.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Atractylodes lancea is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse and significant biological activities. Research has demonstrated that its ethanolic extracts possess potent antimalarial properties, effectively suppressing parasitemia in mouse models. Furthermore, the plant is known to produce antimicrobial volatile oils, which are regulated through complex signaling pathways involving jasmonic acid. Studies on related species also highlight the presence of various phenolic compounds that contribute to strong antioxidant activity. Collectively, these therapeutic attributes underscore the potential of Atractylodes lancea as a valuable resource for pharmaceutical development.
Compounds
Atractylodes lancea is a highly valued medicinal herb known for its complex profile of essential volatile components. Research indicates that this plant contains several key bioactive compounds, including atractylodin and atractylon. Furthermore, its chemical makeup is characterized by the presence of hinesol and atractylone, which contribute to its pharmacological properties. Analytical studies have also identified the presence of atractylenolide I within its essential oils. Together, these specific metabolites serve as vital chemical markers for assessing the quality and species differentiation of the plant.
Conditions
Atractylodes lancea exhibits diverse biological activities, including the ability to treat 5-lipoxygenase through the inhibitory action of its constituent compounds. The plant's volatile oil also demonstrates antimicrobial properties that can treat Absidia, though it shows relatively weak activity against this specific fungus. Furthermore, components such as atractylon found within the plant serve to treat various enzymatic processes by inhibiting Ca(2+)-ATPase. This inhibitory effect also extends to the treatment of H(+)-ATPase. Finally, Atractylodes lancea effectively treats H(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, albeit with less potency than its effect on other enzymes.
Preparations
Atractylodes lancea is prepared as rhizomes or rhizome to be used as a valuable traditional medicinal herb. This plant is also prepared as Atractlodis Rhizoma, which serves as the dried form of the herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, Atractylodes lancea is prepared as essential oils through processes such as hydrodistillation for pharmacological analysis. Finally, the species is prepared as an ethanolic extract to isolate various sesquiterpenoid glycosides and study its antioxidant properties.
Parts used
Atractylodes lancea is a significant medicinal plant characterized by various specialized anatomical structures. Research into its biology highlights the importance of the rhizome, which is particularly rich in volatile secondary metabolites used in traditional medicine. The plant's root system also plays a crucial role, especially in its interactions with soil microbes that can improve growth and drought resistance. Furthermore, the leaf serves as a vital component of the plant's physiological processes, such as photosynthesis. Understanding the relationships between these different parts helps scientists better optimize the cultivation and medicinal quality of this valuable species.