Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Cang Zhu work to eliminate dampness in the body?

Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea) works through its volatile oils, particularly atractylodin and beta-eudesmol, which stimulate digestive secretions and promote fluid metabolism. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it strengthens the Spleen's transformative function, allowing the body to properly process fluids rather than accumulating them as "dampness." Research (Evidence Level C) suggests anti-inflammatory effects that may explain its traditional use for damp-related joint pain. The herb also exhibits antimicrobial properties, supporting its use in digestive complaints.

Does Cang Zhu interact with any medications?

Cang Zhu may interact with diuretics and medications affecting fluid balance due to its dampness-eliminating properties. Its potential effects on blood glucose and anti-inflammatory pathways suggest caution with antidiabetic drugs and NSAIDs, though clinical interaction data is limited (Evidence Level D). Patients taking immunosuppressants should consult a qualified practitioner, as some compounds in Atractylodes species may modulate immune function. Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbal supplements you are taking.

What is the recommended dosage of Cang Zhu?

The standard adult dosage of Cang Zhu is 5-10 grams daily when prepared as a decoction (boiled water extract). In powdered or pill form, lower doses are typically used. This herb is traditionally combined with other herbs in formulas rather than used alone. Dosage should be adjusted based on individual constitution, condition severity, and practitioner guidance. Traditional use suggests dividing doses throughout the day. Consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Cang Zhu safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Cang Zhu is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies it as a drying herb that may deplete fluids and affect fetal development. Its strong dampness-eliminating properties could potentially stimulate uterine contractions. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies.

What are the side effects and contraindications of Cang Zhu?

Common side effects of Cang Zhu include dry mouth and increased thirst due to its drying nature. It is contraindicated in individuals with Yin deficiency (signs include night sweats, dry skin, thirst) or Qi deficiency with excessive sweating, as the herb's drying properties may worsen these conditions. Long-term use without proper assessment may deplete body fluids. Those with underlying health conditions should consult a qualified practitioner before use.

What is Cang Zhu used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Cang Zhu is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to eliminate dampness, strengthen the Spleen, and resolve digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea. It is traditionally prescribed for "damp-cold" conditions affecting the joints, causing pain and stiffness. The herb is also used for night blindness and damp-related skin conditions. Research (Evidence Level C) supports its anti-inflammatory properties. It is typically combined with other herbs in formulas tailored to individual patterns rather than used as a standalone remedy.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea) is a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family used in traditional East Asian medicine for its anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and metabolic benefits [PMID:39041074, 39391981].

Contexte

Atractylodes lancea is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perennial herb of the Asteraceae family [PMID:39041074]. It is extensively used in Chinese, Thai, and Japanese traditional medicines as crude extracts, decoctions, or as a component in herbal formulations [PMID:25066389].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric ulcer, spleen deficiency, and diarrhea [PMID:35114907], as well as for dehumidification, antiemetics, spleen strengthening, antipyretic effects, removing wind, dissipating cold, and brightening the eyes [PMID:39867604, 39701792]. It has also been recommended for the treatment of arthritis [PMID:35446511].

Composés actifs

Main bioactive compounds include sesquiterpenoids (specifically atractylodin, atractylon, β-eudesmol, and hinesol) and polyene alkynes [PMID:39041074, 39701792]. Other components include polysaccharides (such as ALP-3) and volatile oils [PMID:40517862, 35446511].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include AMPK activation for metabolic liver disease [PMID:39391981], PPARα agonism for colitis [PMID:36614242], and inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway via vimentin stabilization to prevent pulmonary fibrosis [PMID:37641404]. It also inhibits the NF-kB signaling pathway to suppress breast cancer metastasis [PMID:40952293] and reduces Toll-like Receptor 4 expression in microglial cells [PMID:40872491].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve CGouty Arthritis

Identified as a pharmaceutical plant additive for management [PMID:39409183]

Preuve ACholangiocarcinoma

Undergone full process of nonclinical and clinical development to deliver therapeutic potential [PMID:35468650]

Preuve DMetabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Reduced body weight, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, ALT, and hepatic lipid content in mice [PMID:39391981]

Preuve DUlcerative Colitis

Atractylodin ameliorates colitis via PPARα agonism in mice [PMID:36614242]

Preuve DPulmonary Fibrosis

Atractylodinol reduces bleomycin-induced lung injury and fibrosis in mice [PMID:37641404]

Preuve DHyperuricemia-induced nephropathy

Fuling-Zexie formula (containing A. lancea) attenuates renal injury and inhibits JAK2/STAT3 signaling in mice [PMID:37788785]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Toxicity studies in animal models suggest a favorable safety profile for A. lancea and its active constituents [PMID:25066389, 29348769]. However, there is a lack of clinical studies that conclusively support its efficacy and safety profile in humans [PMID:25066389].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is primarily based on preclinical animal models (mice/rats) and in vitro studies (Level D), with one systematic review (Level A) noting the clinical development of the herb for cholangiocarcinoma.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 39409183 (2024) — Advances in Gouty Arthritis Management: Integration of Established Therapies, Emerging Treatments, and Lifestyle Interventions. · International journal of molecular sciences
2.PMID: 35114907 (2022) — Atractylodes lancea Rhizoma Attenuates DSS-Induced Colitis by Regulating Intestinal Flora and Metabolites. · The American journal of Chinese medicine
3.PMID: 37641404 (2023) — Atractylodinol prevents pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting TGF-β receptor 1 recycling by stabilizing vimentin. · Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy
4.PMID: 37788785 (2024) — Fuling-Zexie formula attenuates hyperuricemia-induced nephropathy and inhibits JAK2/STAT3 signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 36614242 (2023)

Cang Zhu

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cang Zhu

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Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Cang Zhu

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cang Zhu

Plantes associées

Nutmeg

Pineapple Weed

Purple Basil

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales