Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Atractylone is a sesquiterpene compound found in Atractylodes species, notably Atractylodes macrocephala, a traditional herb used in Chinese medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Atractylodes and its components have been employed for centuries to address a range of conditions, including "dampness" and "phlegm" syndromes, which often correlate to symptoms of congestion in the respiratory or digestive systems. The herb is said to strengthen the spleen, dispel dampness, and help resolve phlegm, which may manifest as congestion in TCM theory. However, these traditional uses are based on historical texts and clinical experience within the TCM framework rather than modern biomedical evidence.

From a scientific perspective, there is very limited direct research on atractylone itself for treating congestion, especially respiratory congestion. Some studies have indicated that extracts of Atractylodes possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and possibly expectorant effects in vitro or in animal models, but these findings are not specific to atractylone nor directly correlate to clinical efficacy for congestion in humans. Therefore, the primary justification for using atractylone (or Atractylodes extracts containing it) to support or treat congestion is rooted in longstanding traditional use rather than robust scientific validation.

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