Rhizoma Atractylodis: a review on processing, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and product development

Rhizoma Atractylodis has a long history of medicinal use, a broad spectrum of applications, and diverse clinical utility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Rhizoma Atractylodis, focusing on its processing, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and product development. Processing methods include stir-frying with bran, stir-frying until cooked, and rinsing with rice-washed water. The chemical composition includes terpenes, alkynes, sugars and their glycosides, organic acids and their esters, coumarins, and other compounds. Its pharmacological effects include the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, arthritis, liver diseases, lung diseases, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, etc. Finally, product development prospects include decoction-ready products, Chinese patent medicines, health products and daily necessities, epidemic prevention, and veterinary medicine. Notably, this review simultaneously discusses, analyzes, and explores the quality control and industrial development of Rhizoma Atractylodis, offering guidance for advancing related industries, enhancing production quality control, and exploring innovative strategies for the clinical application and development of new Rhizoma Atractylodis-based products.