Synopsis

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

Atractylone is a sesquiterpene compound found in the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala, a medicinal herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Within TCM, the dried rhizome (known as Bai Zhu) is used in various herbal prescriptions aimed at strengthening the spleen, drying dampness, and sometimes alleviating coughs, particularly those characterized as "spastic" or resulting from phlegm-dampness accumulation. The use of Atractylone specifically for cough is primarily based on traditional practice rather than modern pharmacological evidence. Historical TCM texts and clinical formulas have included Atractylodes to harmonize the middle jiao and support lung function, which may indirectly help in managing coughs, especially those associated with digestive weakness and phlegm production. However, direct scientific studies validating atractylone’s antitussive (cough-suppressing) effects are limited or lacking. Most of the available research on atractylone focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gastrointestinal effects, rather than respiratory or antitussive properties. Therefore, while it has a traditional basis for use in cough (spastic), the evidence remains largely historical and not substantiated by rigorous modern clinical trials. Further research would be necessary to confirm any direct antitussive effects of atractylone.

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