Evidence supporting the use of: Atractylone
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Atractylone is a sesquiterpenoid compound found in the rhizome of Atractylodes species, particularly Atractylodes macrocephala, a plant commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Historically, the dried rhizome of Atractylodes (known as "Bai Zhu" in Chinese) has been used to strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and support the body's "qi." While its primary applications focus on digestive health and improving energy, some traditional herbal formulas that include Atractylodes are used for coughs or respiratory issues, particularly when these are associated with underlying spleen deficiency or dampness according to TCM theory. The use of atractylone itself specifically for dry cough, however, is not prominent in classical texts, and its role in cough management appears to be secondary or supportive within multi-herb formulas rather than as a direct antitussive agent.
From a scientific perspective, there is limited research on atractylone’s direct effects on cough or respiratory symptoms. Most modern pharmacological studies of atractylone focus on its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gastrointestinal effects. There is a lack of clinical trials or experimental studies specifically validating its efficacy for dry cough. Therefore, the justification for using atractylone for dry cough is primarily based on traditional herbal practice, with minimal direct scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Cough (dry)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
oregano
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
fumaria parviflora
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
dodder
sweet flag
menthol oil
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ambergris
acacia
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bayleaf
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Fruit
Fritillary
Fernbush
Flavoglycosides
Fringed Pink
Poppy
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)