Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 244-254 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 246 2.3 Agricultural practices and cultivation techniques The cultivation of Atractylodes macrocephala has a long history in China, where it is grown for its medicinal rhizomes. The plant is typically propagated through seed or rhizome division. The following are key agricultural practices and cultivation techniques for A. macrocephala: Soil Preparation: The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Prior to planting, the soil is plowed and amended with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. Planting: Seeds are sown in the spring, while rhizome divisions are planted in the autumn. The planting depth for seeds is about 1-2 cm, and for rhizome divisions, it is 5-10 cm. The spacing between plants is typically 30-40 cm. Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during the initial stages of growth. However, overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. Weeding and Mulching: Weeding is necessary to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching with straw or other organic materials helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilization: Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, are applied during planting and as a top dressing during the growing season. Inorganic fertilizers may also be used to supplement nutrient requirements. Pest and Disease Management: Common pests include aphids and root-knot nematodes, while diseases such as leaf spot caused by Fusarium commune can affect the plant. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including crop rotation, biological control, and the use of resistant varieties, are employed to manage these issues (Chen et al., 2018; Zhu et al., 2018; Fan et al., 2022). In summary, the successful cultivation of Atractylodes macrocephalainvolves careful attention to soil preparation, planting techniques, watering, weeding, fertilization, and pest and disease management. These practices ensure the healthy growth of the plant and the production of high-quality medicinal rhizomes. 3 Phytochemical Composition 3.1 Overview of key phytochemicals Atractylodes macrocephala, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is rich in a variety of phytochemicals. Over 79 chemical compounds have been identified, including sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, polyacetylenes, coumarins, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, steroids, benzoquinones, and polysaccharides (Zhu et al., 2018). Among these, sesquiterpenoids and polysaccharides are particularly notable for their medicinal properties (Zhu et al., 2018; Si et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2022). The sesquiterpenoids, such as atractylone, have been extensively studied for their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities (Gu et al., 2019; Si et al., 2021). Polysaccharides from A. macrocephala are composed of glucose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and xylose, and exhibit significant immunomodulatory and antitumor activities (Liu et al., 2022). 3.2 Methods of phytochemical analysis The phytochemical analysis of Atractylodes macrocephala involves several advanced techniques. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) are commonly used to identify and quantify the chemical constituents (Gu et al., 2019; Si et al., 2021). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) are employed to elucidate the structures of isolated compounds (Wang et al., 2018; Si et al., 2021). Additionally, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and X-ray diffraction analyses are used to determine the stereochemistry of sesquiterpenoids (Si et al., 2021). These methods ensure a comprehensive understanding of the phytochemical profile of A. macrocephala. 3.3 Biological activities of phytochemicals The phytochemicals in Atractylodes macrocephala exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Sesquiterpenoids, such as atractylone, have shown significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects by inhibiting nitric
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