Evidence supporting the use of: Atractylone
For the health condition: Congestion (lymphatic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Atractylone is a major sesquiterpene component isolated from the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The use of Atractylodes (and by extension, atractylone) in supporting lymphatic congestion is primarily rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, the herb is used to "strengthen the spleen" and "drain dampness," concepts believed to correspond to promoting fluid movement and addressing accumulations that could be likened to lymphatic congestion in modern terms. However, there is limited direct scientific research specifically on atractylone's effects on the lymphatic system. Most modern studies focus on its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and digestive benefits, rather than direct lymphatic action. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest atractylone may influence immune cell function and reduce inflammation, which could have indirect effects on lymphatic health, but this is not equivalent to direct evidence for treating lymphatic congestion. Thus, the use of atractylone for lymphatic congestion is supported by long-standing traditional use, with a small amount of indirect, low-level scientific evidence suggesting possible related benefits.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lymphatic)
AlantolactoneAllium tuberosum
Arisaema
atractylone
basil
bisabolene
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black currant
cajuput
Citrus
Echinacea
elderberry
fang-feng
forsythia
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
Hedyotis
Isatis
Laggera pterodonta
licorice root
Ligusticum
limonene
Mugwort
Paris polyphylla
pomegranate
protease
Pyrrosia
Sesquiterpenes
sweet flag
thyme
Thymus
turmeric
Vervain
Viola
Zedoary
Other health conditions supported by atractylone
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hepatitis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lungs (fluid in)
Menopause
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
