Atractylodes Macrocephala: An Ancient Herb with New Discoveries
Atractylodes Macrocephala, or AM for short, is a special kind of herb that people have used for many years, especially in Asia, to help them feel better when they're not well. Today, not just the wise old folks but also the scientists are curious about AM. They are discovering how this old herb can still help us in new ways. This article talks about the old and new ways AM can be good for us.
Traditional Uses:
In the past, people used AM for:
- Helping their tummies feel good and digest food.
- Getting rid of too much wetness in their bodies.
- Boosting their energy and helping them fight off colds and other sicknesses.
Modern Discoveries:
Now, scientists tell us AM has many ways to help:
- It can help our tummies work well.
- It can fight tumors in our bodies.
- It can help with red, sore, or swollen spots by calming them down (this is called anti-inflammatory).
- It can keep us looking and feeling young (that's the anti-aging part).
- It can protect our bodies from harmful things (that's the anti-oxidative part).
- It helps keep our bones strong (that's the anti-osteoporotic part).
- It can fight off germs (that's antibacterial).
- It can help keep our brains sharp and protect against a brain sickness called Alzheimer's disease.
- It can help people maintain a healthy weight (that's the anti-obesity part).
- It helps our body's soldier cells (the immune system) fight off germs better.
- It gives us more energy by helping our body use food better (that's energy-enhancing metabolism).
Learning More About AM:
Scientists found special parts in AM called Atractylenolide I, II, and III. These parts help AM work to make us feel better. They help fight tumors, calm sore spots, protect our bodies, and keep our liver healthy. Scientists are using big machines to discover even more about how AM works.
References:
Zhu, Bo, et al. "The traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.: a review." Journal of Ethnopharmacology 226 (2018): 143-167.
Liu, Congying, et al. "The chemistry and efficacy benefits of polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz." Frontiers in Pharmacology 13 (2022): 952061.
Peng, Wei, et al. "Chemical constituents of the aerial part of Atractylodes macrocephala." Chemistry of Natural Compounds 46 (2011): 959-960.
Wang, Ruijun, et al. "The metabolism of polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz and its effect on intestinal microflora." Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014 (2014).
