Single Herb Glossary
Cang Zhu 蒼朮
| Pharmaceutical name | Atractylodis Rhizoma |
| Category | Aromatic that Transform Dampness |
| Key Properties | Dries dampness Induces sweating Strengthen SP/ST Treats atrophy disorder due to damp heat in the lower jiao Helps vision |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Warm |
| Tropism | SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Strongly dries dampness & strengthens SP Transportation &Transformation function 2) Induces sweating & dispels Wind-Dampness: exterior conditions due to Wind-Damp or Wind-Cold-Damp 3) Clears dampness from Lower Jiao 4) Improves vision: (poor night vision) |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Yin Deficiency Heat or spontaneous sweating from Wei Qi Deficiency |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils (β-eudesmol, hinesol, atractylodin, atractylone) |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Hepatoprotective: decoction has marked hepatoprotective functions, especially against carbon tetrachloride, in mice • Antidiabetic: both water and alcohol extracts administered for 10 days demonstrated consistent antidiabetic effects; seven to fourteen days after cessation of administration, blood glucose levels started to increase again, but were still lower than previous levels • Antibiotic: shown to kill S.aureus, some dermatophytes, and some viruses • Genitourinary: decoction did have diuretic effect in rats; however, increased excretion of sodium and chloride in the urine • Gastrointestinal: administration relieved spasms and cramps in mice intestines by blocking stimulation of parasympathetic nervous system • Cardiovascular: intravenous injection associated with increased blood pressure at low doses, but decreased blood pressure at high doses |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Omeprazole: suggested that hinesol is a relatively specific inhibitor of H+, K+ -ATPase; hinesol also enhanced inhibitory effect of omeprazole on H+, K+ -ATPase, though exact inhibitory sites are different • Antidiabetics: prudent to use with caution with insulin, sulfonylureas, and other antidiabetic medications; though the potential interaction has not been documented, combination of antidiabetic herbs and drugs may have a synergistic effect, leading to hypoglycemia • Diuretics: concurrent use of this herb 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.