Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 137-150 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 137 Systematic Review Open Access The Health Revolution of Atractylodes macrocephala: Transition from Traditional Herb to Modern Health Products Weiwei Huang Physicov Med. Tech. Ltd., Zhejiang, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: weiwei.huang@pmtcl.org Medicinal Plant Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0012 Received: 03 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 06 May, 2024 Published: 21 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Huang W.W., 2024, The health revolution of Atractylodes macrocephala: transition from traditional herb to modern health products, Medicinal Plant Research, 14(3): 137-150 (doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0012) Abstract Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu) is a key herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), long revered for its wide-ranging health benefits. This study provides a detailed overview of Bai Zhu's botanical characteristics and phytochemical constituents, analyzing its applications in TCM. It extensively discusses the herb's pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and gastrointestinal benefits, emphasizing the scientific evidence supporting these effects. The study also delves into innovative product formulations that promote the integration of Bai Zhu into contemporary health practices, such as supplements, teas, and extracts. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of regulatory barriers and the need for standardization and quality control. Recognizing the significant market potential and consumer acceptance of Bai Zhu-based products, the study proposes future directions for research and product development, highlighting the potential for new therapeutic applications and the importance of collaboration between traditional and modern medicine. The findings of this study will provide scientific support for the prevention and treatment of related diseases, fostering the application and development of Bai Zhu in the modern health industry. Keywords Atractylodes macrocephala; Traditional medicine; Pharmacology; Health products; Polysaccharides; Anti-inflammatory; Anticancer 1 Introduction Atractylodes macrocephala, a prominent herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been revered for centuries for its extensive health benefits. Known for its potent medicinal properties, this herb has recently garnered significant attention in modern health sciences, transitioning from traditional remedies to contemporary health products. Atractylodes macrocephala, commonly referred to as Baizhu, is a perennial herb native to China. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is primarily cultivated in the Zhejiang, Anhui, and Hunan provinces. The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala is the most utilized part, known for its rich composition of bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpenoids, polysaccharides, and essential oils. These constituents are credited with various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and gastrointestinal protective effects (Zhu et al., 2018; Gu et al., 2019; Qian et al., 2022). In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Atractylodes macrocephala holds a significant place due to its diverse therapeutic properties. It is traditionally used to invigorate the spleen, replenish qi, and eliminate dampness. The herb is prescribed for conditions such as gastrointestinal dysfunction, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, and fetal irritability (Zhu et al., 2018; Yang et al., 2021). Its efficacy in treating these ailments is supported by various pharmacological studies that highlight its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects (Zhu et al., 2018; Bailly, 2020; Zhou et al., 2021). The herb's significance in TCM is deeply rooted in its ability to balance the body's internal environment, promoting overall wellness and preventing diseases. Its efficacy and safety, backed by centuries of empirical evidence, have made it an indispensable component of numerous traditional formulations (Zhu et al., 2018; Cheng et al., 2023).The herb's importance is further underscored by its inclusion in
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