Atractylodes lancea.  苍 术  Cāng zhú  Black atractylodes rhizome   Family: Asteraceae   
 Lancea is lance-like, so lance-leaved atractylodes
Atractylodes refers mainly to Atractylodes macrocephala- Bai zhu. Less frequently used is Atractylodes lancea- Cang zhu. Weaker varieties are A. chinensis, A. japonicum, and A. ovata.[4]
PART USED: Rhizome- harvested in spring or autumn
Nature- warm      FLAVOR: Pungent, bitter, aromatic  CHANNELS: Spleen, Stomach, Heart.
FUNCTIONS
GROUP: Aromatic Damp Resolving
1. Strongly dries Dampness through diuresis,[1,2,3,5] and strengthens the Spleen.[1,2,5] Clears Dampness in the lower Burner.[5]
2. Expels Wind Dampness.[5]
3. Benefits energy. Strengthens Stomach.[3]
4. Induces sweating and releases exterior disorders.[5]
5. Sharpen vision.[5]
ACTIONS
INDICATIONS- although this herb is Warm, it is very effective drying Dampness when combined with herbs that clear Heat, it is used for Damp Heat disorders.[5]
1. Dampness blocking the transporting and transforming functions of the Spleen.[5] Dampness generated by Spleen deficiency:[1,2] Indigestion.[3] Edema.[1,2] Chest tightness. Abdominal distension.[1,2] Sore pain in head and body. Dampness obstructs middle Heater- Fullness, flatulence, no appetitie, vomiting or diarrhea, epigastric distention and pressure, fatigue, nausea and vomiting,[1,2,3,5] tongue- thick greasy coating.[3,5]
2. Indigestion with slightly hotter Stomach and Spleen.[3] Diarrhea- especially in summer- Damp Heat.[3]
3. Wind Damp- Painful obstruction due to Wind Cold Dampness in the extremities.[5] Superficially- rheumatism of muscles, aching and painful.[3,5] Vaginal discharge, and swollen joints.[5]
4. Hot Damp painful obstruction- fever, thirst, jaundice, pain, P-rapid, T- yellow.[3]
5. Damp Heat pouring downward (as in leg Qi).[5] Damp Heat in lower body- weakness, pain in muscles, atrophy, swelling in lower limbs (ie sciatica).[3]
6. Night blindness,[3,5] (contains high vitamin A), or diminished vision with a rough sensation in the eyes.[5]
7. Exterior conditions- headache, body aches, absence of sweating and/or oozing yin sores due to Wind Damp Cold.[5]
8. External abscesses.[3]
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Yin deficiency, dry stools, epistaxis.[3] Excessive sweating due to Qi deficiency, or Yin deficiency with interior Heat.[5] Use with caution in cases of loose, water stools.[5]
PATENT COMBINATIONS
COMBINATIONS
PREPARATIONS: Decoction- Rhizome 4-9 g each dose.[1,5] 3-9 g.[2,3] Patients are often encouraged to eat congee to counteract this herbs very drying effect. Good quality is large, solid, lacking small hairs, has a cinnabar-colored cross section, and is aromatic.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Similar plants
Constituents
Research

Therapeutic potential and pharmacological activities of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC.
Koonrungsesomboon N, Na-Bangchang K, Karbwang J.
Abstract
The rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (A. lancea) (Thunb.) DC. (AL) is extensively used in Chinese, Thai, and Japanese traditional medicines as crude extracts/decoctions or a component in various herbal formulations. Various pharmacological activities of AL and its major constituents have been demonstrated in vitro, ex vivo, and in animal models. Results from the toxicity studies in animal models suggest safety profile of AL and its active constituents. Despite extensive use with positive impression in many diseases, there has not been a clinical study that can conclusively support its efficacy and safety profile in human. This review comprehensively summarizes current information on the pharmacological activities of AL and their active constituents including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antipyretic activities, as well as activities on central nervous, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
PMID: 25066389 DOI: 10.1016/S1995-7645(14)60069-9 Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2014 Jun;7(6):421-8. doi: 10.1016/S1995-7645(14)60069-9. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anticancer Activity of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC in a Hamster Model and Application of PET-CT for Early Detection and Monitoring Progression of Cholangiocarcinoma.
Plengsuriyakarn T, Matsuda N, Karbwang J, Viyanant V, Hirayama K, Na-Bangchang K.
Abstract
Opisthorchis viverrini (OV)-induced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an important cancer in the Great Mekong region, particularly in Thailand. Limitations of treatment options and the lack of an effective diagnostic tool for early detection of CCA are major concerns for the control of this type of cancer. The aim of the study was to investigate anti-CCA activity of the ethanolic extract of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC., and the applicability of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) as a tool for detection and monitoring the progression of CCA in Opisthorchis viverrini (OV)/dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced CCA hamsters. Male Syrian hamsters were used for toxicity tests and anti-CCA activity evaluation. Development of CCA was induced by initial feeding of 50 metacercariae of OV, followed by drinking water containing 12.5 ppm of DMN in hamsters. The ethanolic extract of A. lancea (Thunb.) DC. was administered orally for 30 days. PET-CT was performed every 4 weeks after initiation of CCA using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Results from the present study suggest that the ethanolic extract of A. lancea (Thunb.) DC. rhizome exhibited promising anti-CCA activity and safety profile in the OV/DMN-induced hamster model. To successfully apply PET-CT as a tool for early detection of tumor development and progression, modification of radiolabeling approach is required to improve its specificity for CCA cells.
PMID: 26434829 Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2015;16(15):6279-84. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of an Atractylodes lancea rhizome extract and a volatile component β-eudesmol on gastrointestinal motility in mice.
Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M.
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY:
The rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea DC (Compositae) are used clinically to treat gastrointestinal symptoms, including functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis, in China and Japan, but their influence and mechanism on gastrointestinal motility are not yet proven in detail.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This study examined the effects of an Atractylodes lancea extract, and isolated β-eudesmol, on gastric emptying and small intestinal motility in atropine-, dopamine-, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-treated mice.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:
The extract (500 or 1000mg/kg) and β-eudesmol (50 or 100mg/kg), as well as itopride hydrochloride (a dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist, 10 or 50mg/kg), stimulated small intestinal motility in normal mice. They inhibited reductions in gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility induced by dopamine (1mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection, ip). The extract (1000mg/kg) and β-eudesmol (100mg/kg) inhibited the atropine-induced decrease in small intestinal motility, but not gastric emptying. Furthermore, the extract (500 or 1000mg/kg) and β-eudesmol (25, 50, or 100mg/kg) inhibited reductions in gastric emptying and small intestinal motility caused by 5-HT (4mg/kg, ip) or the 5-HT(3) receptor agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl) biguanide (0.5mg/kg, ip), but not a 5-HT(2C) receptor agonist. These findings suggest that the extract of Atractylodes lancea and β-eudesmol may stimulate gastric emptying or small intestinal motility by inhibiting the dopamine D(2) receptor and 5-HT(3) receptor.
PMID: 22374082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.031 J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 May 7;141(1):530-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.02.031. Epub 2012 Feb 21. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Atractylodes lancea rhizome water extract reduces triptolide-induced toxicity and enhances anti-inflammatory effects.
Wei Y, Sui DJ, Xu HM, Ouyang Z, Wu N, Wang DJ, Zhang XY, Qian DW.
Abstract
The present study was designed to explore the influence of water extracts of Atractylodes lancea rhizomes on the toxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of triptolide (TP). A water extract was prepared from A. lancea rhizomes and co-administered with TP in C57BL/6 mice. The toxicity was assayed by determining serum biochemical parameters and visceral indexes and by liver histopathological analysis. The hepatic CYP3A expression levels were detected using Western blotting and RT-PCR methods. The data showed that the water extract of A. lancea rhizomes reduced triptolide-induced toxicity, probably by inducing the hepatic expression of CYP3A. The anti-inflammatory effects of TP were evaluated in mice using a xylene-induced ear edema test. By comparing ear edema inhibition rates, we found that the water extract could also increase the anti-inflammatory effects of TP. In conclusion, our results suggested that the water extract of A. lancea rhizomes, used in combination with TP, has a potential in reducing TP-induced toxicity and enhancing its anti-inflammatory effects.
PMID: 29329647 DOI: 10.1016/S1875-5364(18)30006-2 Chin J Nat Med. 2017 Dec;15(12):905-911. doi: 10.1016/S1875-5364(18)30006-2. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A New Cytotoxic Prenylated Dihydrobenzofuran Derivative and Other Chemical Constituents from the Rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea DC
Jin-ao Duan, Liuying Wang, Shihui Qian, Shulan Su, and Yuping Tang
Abstract
A new prenylated dihydrobenzofuran derivative (1), was isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea DC (Asteraceae), along with ten known compounds, including atractylenolide II (2), ϕ-taraxasteryl acetate (3), taraxerol acetate (4), β-sitosterol (5), stigmasterol (6), β-eudesmol (7), atractylenolide III (8), atractylenolide IV (9), daucosterol (10), and stigmasterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11). The structure of the new compound (1) was elucidated as trans-2-hydroxyisoxypropyl-3-hydroxy-7-isopentene-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-carboxylic acid by the combination
of 1D, 2D NMR analysis and mass spectrometry, and it was the first reported 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran derivative having a carboxyl residue at C-5 and an isopentene moiety at C-7 contemporaneously. In addition, compound 1 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines HCT-116 and MKN-45. springer.com
Arch Pharm Res Vol 31, No 8, 965-969, 2008 DOI 10.1007/s12272-001-1252-z 965

Six new compounds from Atractylodes lancea and their hepatoprotective activities.
Xu K, Yang YN, Feng ZM, Jiang JS, Zhang PC.
Abstract
Two new phenolic glycosides with a rare β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl moiety (1, 2), one new dihydrobenzofuran derivative (3), one new pyrazine derivative (4), two new furofuran lignan glycosides (5, 6), and six known compounds (7-12) were isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses combined with the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism and the Rh2(OCOCF3)4-induced circular dichroism for configurational assignments. Notably, compounds 1-3 showed significant hepatoprotective activities against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced HepG2 cell injury. This study is also the first Letter on the isolation of furofuran lignans and pyrazine derivatives (4-7) from the genus Atractylodes.
PMID: 27717545 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.09.069 Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2016 Nov 1;26(21):5187-5192. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.09.069. Epub 2016 Sep 29. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov