Laurus Nobilis

by | Mar 15, 2018 | Laurus Nobilis

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Atractylodes macrocephala (simplified Chinese: 白术; traditional Chinese: 白朮; pinyin: báizhú) is a species of Atractylodes that grows in central China. The roots are consumed as a Chinese herbal medicine.[2]

Description

Atractylodes macrocephala are herbs that reach a size of 20-60 cm in height. Thick rhizome. Stem branched from the base, glabrous. Leaves similar to paper, glabrous. The middle cauline leaves petiolate, petiole 3-6 cm; leaf blade divided almost at the base into 3-5 segments, lateral segments entire or bipartite, oblanceolate to narrowly elliptical, 4.5-7 x 1.5-2 cm, with the terminal segment being the largest. The tall cauline leaves are similar but smaller. Outer bracts sessile, elliptical/narrowly elliptical, entire margin; the inner bracts pinnatisects. Involucre broadly campanulate, 3-4 cm in diameter. Phyllaries are numerous, imbricated, with white cobwebby margin and apex obtuse; outer phyllaries ovate to triangular, 6-8 × 3-4 mm, bracts lanceolate. Corolla red-purple, 1.7 cm. Achene obconic, 7.5 mm, hairs white. Dirty white papus, 1.7 cm. Flowers and fruits from August to October. It has a chromosome number of 2n = 24 *.[3]

Distribution

It is found in the grasslands, forests, at an altitude of 600-2800 meters, in Anhui, Chongqing, Fujian, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and Zhejiang in China.

Uses

Atractylodes macrocephala is cultivated throughout China. The rhizomes, called Bái zhú (白术) are used in traditional chinese medicine for multiple medicinal purposes, especially those concerning spleen issues and other gastrointestinal issues.[4] Modern research shows A. macrocephala contains many pharmacologically active chemical compounds.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Atractylodes macrocephala". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2008-02-11.
  2. ^ "Atractylodes macrocephala". Plants For A Future.
  3. ^ "Atractylodes macrocephala in Chinese Plant Names @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2021-09-03.
  4. ^ a b Zhu, Bo; Zhang, Quan-Long; Hua, Jin-wei; Cheng, Wen-Liang; Qin, Lu-Ping (2018-11-15). "The traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.: A review". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 226: 143–167. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.08.023. ISSN 0378-8741. PMID 30130541. S2CID 52058918.

Data related to Atractylodes macrocephala at Wikispecies

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