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Bai Zhu (Chao) 炒白朮

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)

Tong Xie Yao Fang (Important Formula for painful Diarrhea) 痛瀉要方 (痛泻要方)



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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.