earth-fried white atractylodes rhizome

Earth-fried white atractylodes rhizome (known in Chinese as *Tu Chao Bai Zhu*) is a processed form of the dried rhizome of *Atractylodes macrocephala* Koidz., a perennial herb in the Asteraceae family. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), raw white atractylodes is stir-fried with heated earth or clay (such as loess) to moderate its harsh, drying volatile oils (such as atractylone) and enhance its spleen-tonifying and anti-diarrheal properties. This processing method is specifically indicated for treating chronic diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal distension, and abdominal pain resulting from Spleen Qi deficiency with dampness obstruction. Pharmacologically, the active constituents of the rhizome, including atractylenolides (I, II, and III) and polysaccharides, modulate gastrointestinal motility, regulate gut microbiota, and exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways.

Other names

earth-fried Atractylodes macrocephala rhizomesoil-fried Bai Zhusoil-fried white atractylodes rhizomeTu Chao Bai Zhu