Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Atractylodes (most commonly Atractylodes macrocephala) is an herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for gastrointestinal complaints, including symptoms that overlap with those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. In TCM, Atractylodes is thought to strengthen the "Spleen Qi," thereby improving digestion and reducing dampness and bloating. Classic herbal formulas containing Atractylodes, such as Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, are frequently prescribed for what modern medicine might classify as IBS-like symptoms.

From a scientific standpoint, evidence is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that Atractylodes extracts may exert anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and gastrointestinal motility effects, which could theoretically benefit IBS sufferers. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans investigating Atractylodes (either alone or in combination) for IBS are sparse, small, or of low methodological quality. A few randomized trials of TCM herbal formulas containing Atractylodes report symptomatic relief in IBS patients, but it is unclear if these effects are attributable specifically to Atractylodes or to the combination of herbs.

In summary, the use of Atractylodes for IBS is primarily justified by centuries of traditional use in East Asian medicine, with scientific validation remaining limited and preliminary. Thus, evidence quality is rated as 2 out of 5.

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