# Atractylenolide **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/atractylenolide **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-30 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Baizhu compounds, White atractylodes lactones, Atractylodes macrocephala lactones, ATL, Sesquiterpene lactones from Baizhu, Atractylenolide I/II/III, White atractylodes sesquiterpenes, Macrocephalin ## Overview Atractylenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone extracted primarily from Atractylodes macrocephala, a root used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its primary bioactive mechanism involves modulation of NF-κB signaling and inhibition of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s, underpinning its anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects. ## Health Benefits • Traditionally used to treat digestive issues, though specific human studies are lacking. • Believed to support [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) health based on historical use. • Used in traditional medicine for managing edema. • Suggested to aid in spleen deficiency treatments in TCM. • Historically linked to gastrointestinal benefits. ## Mechanism of Action Atractylenolide I, II, and III inhibit [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activation by suppressing IκB kinase (IKK) phosphorylation, thereby reducing downstream production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Atractylenolide I also activates the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway, enhancing cellular resistance to [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Additionally, it has been shown to modulate motilin and substance P receptor activity in the gastrointestinal tract, which may explain its prokinetic and antispasmodic effects observed in preclinical models. ## Clinical Summary The majority of evidence supporting atractylenolide comes from in vitro cell studies and rodent models, with limited controlled human trials. Animal studies using doses of approximately 10–40 mg/kg have demonstrated reduced colonic [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers and improved gastric emptying rates in chemotherapy-induced dysmotility models. A small number of TCM combination formula trials involving Atractylodes macrocephala extract suggest improvements in functional dyspepsia symptoms, but isolating atractylenolide's specific contribution is not possible from these designs. Overall, the human clinical evidence base is preliminary, and larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy and optimal dosing. ## Nutritional Profile Atractylenolide is a bioactive sesquiterpene lactone compound, not a nutritional ingredient in the conventional sense, and therefore does not contribute macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals. It exists as a pure phytochemical isolate primarily extracted from the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) and related Atractylodes species. Three primary structural isomers are recognized: Atractylenolide I (molecular formula C15H18O2, MW 230.30 g/mol), Atractylenolide II (C15H20O2, MW 232.32 g/mol), and Atractylenolide III (C15H20O3, MW 248.32 g/mol). In the source herb Atractylodes macrocephala, total atractylenolide concentrations typically range from 0.01% to 0.1% dry weight of the rhizome. As a lipophilic sesquiterpene lactone, it demonstrates moderate to good bioavailability through lipid-mediated absorption pathways. It is not water-soluble, limiting absorption from aqueous preparations. Bioavailability is enhanced when consumed with dietary fats or formulated in lipid-based carriers. Detected biological activity occurs at concentrations in the microgram-per-milliliter range in in vitro studies (IC50 values reported between 10–50 µg/mL for various cellular assays). No caloric value is assigned as it is consumed in trace pharmacological quantities rather than nutritional amounts. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for atractylenolide in human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Atractylenolide as an isolated compound lacks comprehensive human safety data, though Atractylodes macrocephala root preparations have a long history of use with a generally favorable tolerability profile. High doses in animal models have shown mild hepatotoxic signals, suggesting caution at supratherapeutic levels. Due to its [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) inhibitory activity, it may theoretically potentiate the effects of immunosuppressant drugs such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, warranting caution in transplant patients. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplementation due to insufficient safety data, and individuals on anticoagulant therapy should consult a physician given preliminary platelet-modulating findings in vitro. ## Scientific Research There are no known human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses specifically for atractylenolide. The research largely focuses on phytochemical identification and preclinical effects of Atractylodes macrocephala extracts. ## Historical & Cultural Context Atractylenolides have been key components in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, used for digestive ailments, edema, and spleen deficiency. The traditional applications highlight its roles in immune and gastrointestinal health, although precise durations are not quantified. ## Synergistic Combinations Ginger, licorice root, ginseng, astragalus, reishi mushroom ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is atractylenolide and where does it come from? Atractylenolide is a sesquiterpene lactone compound found in the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu), a plant central to Traditional Chinese Medicine. It exists in three main isoforms—Atractylenolide I, II, and III—each with distinct but overlapping pharmacological profiles including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gastrointestinal modulatory effects. ### What does atractylenolide do for digestion? Atractylenolide, particularly isoform III, has been shown in rodent studies to enhance gastric motility by modulating motilin secretion and substance P receptor signaling in the enteric nervous system. In cisplatin-induced delayed gastric emptying mouse models, Atractylodes extracts containing atractylenolide improved gastric emptying rates by roughly 30–40% compared to controls, suggesting potential utility in functional dyspepsia and chemotherapy-related nausea. ### Is atractylenolide the same as Atractylodes macrocephala? No—Atractylodes macrocephala is the whole plant root used in TCM, while atractylenolide refers specifically to the isolated sesquiterpene lactone compounds (I, II, and III) extracted from it. The whole root contains additional active constituents including atractylon and polysaccharides, meaning the whole herb extract may produce broader effects than isolated atractylenolide alone. ### What is the typical dosage of atractylenolide in supplements? No standardized human clinical dosage has been established for isolated atractylenolide. Most preclinical studies have used doses of 10–40 mg/kg body weight in rodents, which does not translate directly to human equivalents without validated clinical trials. Supplements using Atractylodes macrocephala root extract are more common, typically standardized to a percentage of total atractylenolides, often ranging from 300–600 mg of root extract per serving. ### Does atractylenolide have anti-cancer properties? In vitro studies have shown that Atractylenolide I can induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines—including gastric cancer (SGC-7901) and lung cancer (A549) cells—by activating caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl-2 expression. However, these findings are entirely preclinical, conducted in cell cultures and some mouse xenograft models, and there is currently no human clinical evidence supporting atractylenolide as a cancer treatment or preventative agent. ### Does atractylenolide interact with common medications? Limited clinical data exists on potential drug interactions with atractylenolide. As a traditional herbal compound, it may theoretically interact with medications affecting digestion or immune function, but no well-documented contraindications have been established in modern pharmacology. Individuals taking immunosuppressants or digestive medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with atractylenolide. ### Is atractylenolide safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Safety data for atractylenolide during pregnancy and breastfeeding is insufficient, as formal human studies have not been conducted. Traditional Chinese medicine has used Atractylodes species during pregnancy for specific indications, but modern supplementation should only occur under professional medical guidance. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using atractylenolide supplements. ### What does current clinical research show about atractylenolide's effectiveness? Most evidence for atractylenolide comes from traditional use and laboratory studies rather than robust human clinical trials. While in vitro and animal studies suggest potential benefits for immune support and gastrointestinal function, high-quality human evidence remains limited. More rigorous clinical research is needed to validate traditional applications and establish efficacy in modern supplement practice. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*