Atractylodes
Atractylodes, commonly known as Atractylodes or Atractylodes macrocephala, is a vital medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Renowned for its powerful digestive properties, this rhizomatous plant is used to strengthen the spleen, resolve dampness, and boost energy. It remains a cornerstone in treating gastrointestinal issues and enhancing immunity.
- Scientific name: Atractylodes
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Atractylodes.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Atractylodes | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Atractylodes, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Simplified Chinese, it is called 苍术属 (zh-hans), while in Traditional Chinese contexts such as those in Taiwan (zh-hant) and Hong Kong (zh-hk), it is known as 蒼朮屬. In Japan, the genus is identified as オケラ属 (ja), and in Vietnam, it is commonly called Chi Thương truật (vi).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 苍术属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 蒼朮屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 蒼朮屬 | Wikidata |
| ja | オケラ属 | Wikidata |
| vi | Chi Thương truật | Wikidata |
| zh | 苍术属 | Wikidata |
| fa | اترکتیلودس | Wikidata |
| ko | 삽주속 | Wikidata |
| fi | Sulkakehdot | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 苍术属 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in East Asia. In the Russian Far East, it can be found inhabiting the Amur, Khabarovsk, and Primorye territories. Its range extends significantly into China, where it is present in the South-Central regions. Additionally, the species is documented within the Inner Mongolia area of China. Together, these locations define the specific natural habitats where Atractylodes thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Far East | Amur | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Khabarovsk | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Primorye | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Inner Mongolia | WCVP |
| China | Manchuria | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known in traditional medicine, utilizes its underground structures as the primary source of therapeutic compounds. The most significant part used for medicinal purposes is the rhizomes, which are harvested and processed to extract essential oils and bioactive substances. Whether referred to in its singular form as a rhizome or by its specific botanical designation, Rhizoma Atractylodes, these thickened stems serve as the vital component in various herbal formulations designed to support digestive health.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizomes | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rhizoma Atractylodes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Atractylodes has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include atractylon, atractylodin, beta-eudesmol, hinesol, sesquiterpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| atractylon | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| atractylodin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beta-eudesmol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hinesol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sesquiterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Atractylodes has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Atractylodes has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antiviral.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |