Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 137-150 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 140 spleen and supplement Qi, which are fundamental concepts in TCM for maintaining health and treating diseases (Wang et al., 2019). The herb's longstanding application in TCM is a testament to its perceived efficacy and safety, rooted deeply in Chinese cultural practices and medical knowledge. 4.2 Common formulations and prescriptions In TCM, Atractylodes macrocephala is often used in combination with other herbs to enhance its therapeutic effects. Common formulations include Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), which combines Atractylodes macrocephala with Panax ginseng, Poria cocos, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. This classical prescription is widely used to strengthen the spleen and improve digestion. Another well-known formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, which includes Atractylodes macrocephala alongwith Poria cocos, Coix lacryma-jobi, and Dioscorea opposita to treat chronic diarrhea and boost the spleen's function. Baizhu Shaoyao San, which combines Atractylodes macrocephala with Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, is used to relieve abdominal pain and muscle spasms (Zhu et al., 2018; Bailly, 2020). Another notable prescription is the use of Baizhu in various traditional herbal medicines that contain atractylenolides, which are sesquiterpenoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties (Bailly, 2020). These formulations are designed to boost Qi and improve gastrointestinal health, reflecting the herb's traditional use in TCM (Chen et al., 2018). 4.3 Therapeutic indications Atractylodes macrocephala is traditionally indicated for several conditions in TCM. The herb is widely used to treat digestive disorders such as poor appetite, bloating, and diarrhea by strengthening the spleen and stomach. Cheng et al. (2023) explored the potential mechanisms by which Atractylodes macrocephala volatile oil (AVO) alleviates acute ulcerative colitis (UC) by modulating gut microbiota and their metabolism. The study used a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced C57BL/6 mouse model to simulate acute UC and treated the mice with AVO (Figure 1). The results showed that AVO effectively reduced symptoms of blood in the stool, colon damage, and inflammation in UC mice. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis, the study revealed that AVO significantly altered the composition of the gut microbiota. Specifically, AVO reduced the abundance of potentially harmful bacteria such as Turicibacter, Parasutterella, and Erysipelatoclostridium, while increasing the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria such as Enterorhabdus, Parvibacter, and Akkermansia. Additionally, AVO regulated 56 metabolites related to gut microbiota metabolism, impacting 102 KEGG metabolic pathways. Several of these pathways are crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis, including amino acid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, and retinoic acid metabolism. These findings support the potential pharmacological mechanism of AVO in modulating gut microbiota composition and metabolism, providing scientific evidence for its use as a novel prebiotic for treating UC. According to the study by Cheng et al. (2023), the mice treated with Atractylodes macrocephala volatile oil (AVO) showed reduced body weight loss, significantly lower rectal bleeding, and fecal consistency scores compared to the model group. Additionally, the colon length of the AVO-treated mice was restored. These results indicate that AVO effectively alleviates UC symptoms and improves the pathological state of the colon, demonstrating its potential efficacy as a treatment for UC. This provides experimental support for AVO as a novel therapeutic agent. Atractylodes macrocephala is also effective in managing edema and water retention by helping to eliminate dampness from the body. Respiratory issues, including phlegm and related problems, are often treated with Atractylodes macrocephala, which helps clear the lungs and improve breathing. Furthermore, the herb is prescribed to combat general weakness and fatigue by replenishing qi (vital energy) and strengthening the spleen (Zhu et al., 2018; Qian et al., 2022). Additionally, Baizhu has been shown to have anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects in hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis models, further supporting its traditional use in treating chronic diseases (Qian et al., 2022). Atractylodes macrocephala has a rich history in TCM, with its traditional uses and formulations being validated by modern pharmacological research. Its therapeutic indications are diverse, making it a valuable herb in both historical and contemporary medical practices.
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