Bai zhu / largehead atractylodes
Atractylodes macrocephala
Other names: 白术 / 白朮 báizhú, Bai zhu / largehead atractylodes
Photo credit: Hiorenidrmea Noewidfacoo (Wikimedia Commons)
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Generally low-toxicity in traditional use; comprehensive human safety data limited.
Contraindications: Traditionally avoided in yin-deficiency heat patterns; pregnancy/clinical data limited.
Interactions: Not well characterized.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Data limited.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
decoction · rhizome
Part used: rhizome
Traditional use: strengthen spleen, dry dampness, support digestion
Proposed mechanism: atractylenolides (sesquiterpene lactones), polysaccharides
powder · rhizome
Part used: rhizome
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
Not a nutritional food; atractylenolides (sesquiterpene lactones) and polysaccharides.
Healing traditions
Sources (2)
- Atractylodes macrocephala (Wikipedia), English, accessed 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atractylodes_macrocephala
- Zhu et al., The traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.: A review, J Ethnopharmacol 2018, PMID 30130541