Atractylodes (cang zhu) / cang zhu (苍术)

Atractylodes lancea

Chinese

Photo credit: Lee Chul Ho

Safety information

Toxicity: Low at traditional doses.

Contraindications: Yin-deficiency with heat / profuse sweating, constipation from dryness (TCM).

Interactions: None well documented.

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

Preparations

bran-processed · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

in formula (Ping Wei San) · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Traditional use: dries dampness, strengthens the spleen, expels wind-damp, clears the eyes; dampness with bloating/poor appetite, damp joint pain, night blindness

Proposed mechanism: volatile-oil sesquiterpenes (beta-eudesmol, hinesol, atractylon) + polyacetylene atractylodin — gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer

Evidence:Clinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Loss of appetite night blindness damp joint pain dampness bloating

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (2)

[E26] Phase I safety/PK trial of standardized A. lancea extract
[E25] Atractylodes lancea / cholangiocarcinoma R&D review

All sources →