What are the functions and effects of Atractylodes macrocephala?

Atractylodes is often used in clinical practice. As a traditional Chinese medicine, it can help us enhance our body's immunity, adjust gastrointestinal motility, and effectively fight fatigue and enhance the adrenal cortex.

1. It can alleviate dryness , use bran to enter the body, and enhance the effects of strengthening the spleen and reducing swelling. Strengthens the spleen and replenishes Qi, dries dampness and promotes diuresis, stops sweating, and stabilizes the fetus. It is used for spleen deficiency, poor appetite, abdominal distension and diarrhea, phlegm and fluid, dizziness and palpitations, edema, spontaneous sweating, and fetal movement disorder.

2. Adjust gastrointestinal motility . Atractylodes macrocephala decoction has an excitatory effect under normal circumstances. When the intestine is in an excited state due to the action of acetylcholine, Atractylodes macrocephala has an inhibitory effect.

3. Enhance the body's immune function

Atractylodes macrocephala can significantly enhance the ability of leukocytes to phagocytize Staphylococcus aureus.

4. Anti-stress

Atractylodes macrocephala has the effects of resisting fatigue and enhancing adrenal cortex function.

5. Diuretic

It has a significant and lasting diuretic effect and can promote the excretion of electrolytes, especially sodium. Intravenous injection of Atractylodes macrocephala decoction in unanesthetized dogs increased urine volume by 9 times, and the effect lasted for 5 hours; oral administration increased urine volume by 2-3 times, and the effect lasted for 6-7 hours. Atractylodes macrocephala does not affect the antidiuretic effect of vasopressin. The diuretic mechanism of Atractylodes macrocephala may be related to inhibiting electrolyte reabsorption and increasing the excretion of Na+, K+, and CI-.

6. Inhibit uterine contraction

The efficacy of Atractylodes macrocephala in maintaining pregnancy is related to its effect of inhibiting uterine contraction.

7. Anti-oxidation and anti-aging

Atractylodes has antioxidant effects. It can effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation, reduce the content of lipid peroxides in tissues, and avoid the damage of harmful substances to the structure and function of tissue cells. Atractylodes macrocephala has the effect of delaying the aging of the elderly kidneys and can significantly improve the structure of the elderly kidneys.