Atractylodes lancea Rhizome(Cang Zhu) and Rhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu)

Indications and Pharmacology:Rhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu).

Atractylodes Rhizome Extract Swordlike Atractylodes Rhizome Atractylodes lancea Thunb DC Atractylodes chinensis DC Koidz photo picture image Urinary effect:in many animal experiments Rhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) has demonstrated a significant and prolonged diuretic eitect. When it was given by gastric lavage in doses of 1-3 g/kg, there was a two to sixfold increase in urinary output that was usually sustained for six to seven hours. The excretion of sodium is even greater than that of water. This herb does not seem to affect the function of ADH. The reports of the few experiments testing the diuretic effect of this herb in humans have been equivocal.

Endocrine effect:in many experiments on animals, Rhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) increases the assimilation of glucose and lowers plasma glucose levels.

Hematologic effect:gastric lavage with decoctions of Rhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) mildly elevated the prothrombin times in rats. When healthy volunteers took a tablespoon of a 1:20 solution of the decoction of this herb three times a day for four days, there was a significant prolongation of the prothrombin time. This did not return to normal until 10 days after administration was stopped. Alcohol-extracted preparations had a weaker effect.

Effect on endurance:when mice were given decoctions of Rhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu) orally in doses of 6 g/kg for a month there was an increase in weight and endurance (as measured by the swimming test).