Single Herb Glossary
Bái Zhú 白朮
| Pharmaceutical name | Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma (white) atractylodes rhizome, ovate atractylodes |
| Category | Tonify Qi |
| Key Properties | Tonifies the Spleen Qi Dries dampness Quiets the fetus |
| Properties | Bitter Sweet Warm |
| Tropism | SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Tonifies SP & Augments Qi 2) Dries Dampness & Promotes Water Metabolism (failure of Transformation & Transportation) 3) Stabilizes Exterior and Stops Sweating 4) Calms the Fetus |
| Dosages | 6-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Qi stagnation with distention and oppression Caution with internal Heat from Yin Deficiency or thirst from exhausted fluids |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Atractylol, atractylon, junipercamphor, atractylolide, hydroxyactyldide, sesquiterpenelon, β-eudesmol, hinesol, 8- β-ethoxyatractylenolide, palmitic acid, anhydroatractylolide, fructose, synanthrin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Adaptogenic: decoction given to mice associated with increase in body weight, and increased swimming performance • Immunostimulant: decoction increases activity of macrophages and reticuloendothelial system; also increases number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and IgG • Gastrointestinal: dual effect on gastrointestinal tract; at low doses between 5 to 15 grams, treats diarrhea; at high doses between 60 and 120 grams, treats constipation • Antiplatelet: marked effect to inhibit aggregation of platelets; in a clinical study of healthy volunteers, administration of 5% decoction three times daily for 4 days significantly prolonged prothrombin time; effect may last for up to 10 days after discontinuation • Diuretic: marked and prolonged diuretic effect when administered to rats, rabbits, dogs and other animals; proposed mechanism of action is inhibition of sodium re-absorption leading to increased diuresis • Antidiabetic: administration associated with slight decrease of blood glucose in rabbits and rats • Antineoplastic: essential oil demonstrated marked inhibitory action against esophageal cancer in in vitro studies |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Omeprazole: has been suggested that hinesol is a relatively specific inhibitor of H+, K+ -ATPase; hinesol also enhanced inhibitory effect of omeprazole on H+, K+ -ATPase, though the exact inhibitory sites are different • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: should be used with caution in patients who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications; herb may potentiate effect of drugs such as warfarin • Diuretics: concurrent use with diuretic drugs may lead to increased elimination of water and/or electrolytes |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.