Atractylone

PhytochemicalSesquiterpeneBest with a meal

What is it

Atractylone is a sesquiterpene compound found in the rhizomes of Atractylodes species (Atractylodes lancea, A. japonica), used in traditional Chinese medicine as a digestive tonic.

Evidence for 1 use

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Traditional digestive support

Mixed Evidence

Atractylodes rhizome is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive complaints. Controlled human trials of isolated atractylone are not available.

How it works

Atractylone has shown anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and bronchodilator activity in animal and cell studies. It modulates inflammatory cytokine production and may influence intestinal motility. Specific human clinical data on isolated atractylone are limited.

Dosage

No standardized supplement dose for isolated atractylone. Whole Atractylodes rhizome is typically dosed at 3-9 g/day in traditional preparations.

When and how to take it

Traditional dosing is with meals to support digestive function.

1 commercial form

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Atractylodes rhizome extract

Primary source of atractylone; standardized extracts vary.

Sesquiterpene absorption is moderate

Safety

Generally considered well tolerated in traditional use. Atractylodes is one of the most commonly used Chinese medicinal herbs with extensive history of safe use at customary doses. Long-term safety of isolated atractylone is less characterized.

Who should be cautious

Avoid concentrated extracts in pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical guidance. Use caution with anticoagulants.

Interactions

Possible additive effects with anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet medications based on preclinical data.

Frequently asked questions

What is atractylone?⌄

A sesquiterpene compound in Atractylodes rhizomes, used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestion.

Is it safe?⌄

Traditional use suggests reasonable tolerability. Long-term safety of isolated extracts is less characterized.

References

Atractylone on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Atractylone (ChEBI:80796) — ChEBI link

Atractylone (PubChem CID 3080635) — PubChem link

Atractylone on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Atractylone (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.