Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 137-150 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 139 shown to inhibit cell proliferation, induce cancer cell death, and modulate immune responses, making them significant in the treatment of various diseases (Bailly, 2020). Liu et al. (2022) analyzed the chemical composition, biological activities, and applications of polysaccharides fromAtractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu). Polysaccharides in Bai Zhu are key medicinal components, exhibiting various bioactivities such as immunomodulation, antitumor effects, gastrointestinal protection, liver protection, and blood glucose reduction. The study revealed that Bai Zhu polysaccharides are primarily composed of glucose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and xylose. The research provided a detailed analysis of the structural characteristics of these polysaccharides, the impact of extraction and purification methods on their bioactivity, and validated their pharmacological effects through various experimental models, including both in vitro and in vivo models. 3.2 Extraction methods The extraction of phytochemicals from Atractylodes macrocephala involves various methods to ensure the efficient isolation of its active compounds. Steam distillation is a commonly used technique for extracting essential oils. In this method, steam is passed through the plant material, causing the volatile compounds to vaporize. These vapors are then condensed and collected (Zhu et al., 2018). Another prevalent technique is solvent extraction, which uses solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or acetone to dissolve and extract non-volatile compounds like polysaccharides and flavonoids. The process involves soaking the plant material in the solvent, followed by filtration and concentration of the extract (Zheng et al., 2018). This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in extracting a broad range of phytochemicals. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) employs supercritical CO2 as a solvent to extract essential oils and other lipophilic compounds. This technique is preferred for its ability to produce high-purity extracts without residual solvents (Si et al., 2021). Lastly, ultrasonic-assisted extraction enhances extraction efficiency by using ultrasonic waves to disrupt cell walls and facilitate the release of phytochemicals. This method is particularly effective for extracting high-molecular-weight compounds such as polysaccharides (Luo et al., 2022). 3.3 Chemical analysis techniques To identify and quantify the phytochemical constituents of Atractylodes macrocephala, several advanced chemical analysis techniques are employed. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is commonly used for the separation and quantification of non-volatile compounds such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. When coupled with UV or MS detectors, HPLC allows for precise analysis of these compounds (Lv et al., 2021). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is another technique used to analyze volatile compounds and essential oils. GC-MS provides detailed information on the chemical composition and molecular structure of these compounds (Gu et al., 2019). Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy is employed to determine the structure of organic compounds by observing the behavior of nuclei in a magnetic field. This method is highly effective for elucidating the structures of complex molecules. Additionally, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy is utilized to identify functional groups in compounds and to characterize polysaccharides and proteins. FTIR provides insights into the chemical bonds and molecular interactions within the extract (Feng et al., 2019). Collectively, these methods enable a comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical profile of Atractylodes macrocephala, facilitating a deeper understanding of its medicinal properties and potential therapeutic applications. 4 Traditional Uses in TCM 4.1 Historical context Atractylodes macrocephala, known as Baizhu in China, has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. It has been employed for centuries in East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea, for its health benefits and medicinal properties. Historically, Baizhu has been used as a tonic agent to treat various ailments, including gastrointestinal dysfunction, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, and fetal irritability (Zhu et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2019; Liu et al., 2022). The herb's use in TCM is deeply rooted in its ability to strengthen the
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