Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 244-254 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 247 oxide production and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in microglia cells (Gu et al., 2019; Si et al., 2021). Polysaccharides from A. macrocephala have demonstrated immunomodulatory, antitumor, gastroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities (Liu et al., 2022). Essential oils from the plant also exhibit antitumor, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, with variations in efficacy depending on the processing methods used (Gu et al., 2019). Furthermore, the plant's extracts have been found to reduce uric acid levels and improve renal injury in hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis models, highlighting its potential in treating inflammatory conditions (Qian et al., 2022). The diverse phytochemical composition of Atractylodes macrocephala underpins its extensive medicinal applications. Advanced analytical techniques have facilitated the identification and structural elucidation of these compounds, while numerous studies have confirmed their significant biological activities, supporting the traditional uses of this valuable herb. 4 Medicinal Uses and Pharmacological Activities 4.1 Traditional medicinal uses Atractylodes macrocephala, commonly known as Baizhu in China, has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. It is primarily employed as a tonic agent to treat various ailments such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, and fetal irritability (Zhu et al., 2018). The plant's rhizomes are particularly valued for their ability to invigorate the spleen, eliminate dampness, and enhance overall vitality (Gu et al., 2019). Traditional applications also include the treatment of arthritis, splenic asthenia, abnormal fetal movement, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity (Zhu et al., 2018). 4.2 Antioxidant properties The essential oils derived fromAtractylodes macrocephala exhibit significant antioxidant activities. Studies have shown that these oils possess strong ferricyanide reducing power and effective scavenging abilities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals (Wu et al., 2020). The major compounds contributing to these antioxidant properties include atractylone, β-eudesmol, thymol, and hinesol (Wu et al., 2020). These findings suggest that A. macrocephala can be a potent natural antioxidant source, potentially useful in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases. 4.3 Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects Atractylodes macrocephala has demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The plant's extracts and isolated compounds, such as atractylenolide I, have been shown to inhibit the production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages (Jeong et al., 2019). Additionally, these compounds suppress the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at both protein and mRNA levels (Jeong et al., 2019). The anti-inflammatory activity is further supported by the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation and the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (Jeong et al., 2019; Yang et al., 2020). These properties make A. macrocephala a promising candidate for treating inflammatory diseases. 4.4 Antimicrobial and antiviral activities The essential oils and extracts of Atractylodes macrocephala also exhibit antimicrobial and antiviral activities. The oils have shown inhibitory effects against various bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/mL (Wu et al., 2020). Additionally, the essential oils have demonstrated antiviral effects, particularly against the H3N2 virus (Gu et al., 2019). These findings highlight the potential of A. macrocephala as a natural antimicrobial and antiviral agent. 4.5 Other pharmacological effects Beyond its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, Atractylodes macrocephala exhibits a range of other pharmacological activities. The plant has been found to possess anti-tumor properties, with essential oils and atractylone showing efficacy against cancer cell lines such as HepG2, MCG803, and HCT-116 (Gu et al., 2019). Furthermore, A. macrocephala has been reported to have anti-hyperuricemic effects, reducing
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==