Atractylodes macrocephala is a commonly used tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. Its nature is sweet, bitter and warm. It has the effects of invigorating the spleen and Qi, drying dampness and promoting diuresis, stopping sweating and calming the fetus. Although Atractylodes macrocephala is not a precious traditional Chinese medicine, its extract Atractylodes macrocephala lactone has excellent medicinal value. Lactones in Atractylodes macrocephala extract have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, and have a certain impact on gastrointestinal function. Among the above pharmacological activities, the activity of Atractylodes macrocephala lactone I was the most significant.

    First, the effect of Atractylodes macrocephala lactone on inflammatory response

    Inflammation is the defense response of living tissue with vascular system to injury factors. Its local clinical characteristics are redness, swelling, heat, pain and dysfunction. Some researchers have found that several active ingredients in Atractylodes macrocephala, Atractylodes macrocephala lactone I and Atractylodes macrocephala lactone III have different degrees of anti-inflammatory effects, and through comparison, it is found that Atractylodes macrocephala lactone I has the most significant anti-inflammatory effect. Relevant studies have confirmed that lactones have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions. They have obvious curative effects in the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic inflammation, sepsis or abdominal infectious diseases. The effects of these lactones are related to the inhibition of inflammatory cells to produce inflammatory factors.

    Second, the effect of Atractylodes macrocephala lactone on tumor

    Atractylodes macrocephala is a commonly used drug in the treatment of tumors in traditional Chinese medicine. It is mostly used in compound medicine to treat digestive system tumors such as gastric cancer, esophageal cancer and liver cancer. It is also effective for lung cancer. Experimental studies have also confirmed that the volatile oil of Atractylodes macrocephala and its decoction pieces can inhibit the proliferation of tumors. Lactone shows strong anticancer effect. All the above cancer cells were inhibited Atractylodes macrocephala can promote the apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells and thus has the effect of tumor inhibition. Atractylodes macrocephala lactone I can also significantly improve the appetite of patients with cachexia, increase the circumference of upper arm muscle, reduce weight loss and restore physical strength.

    Thirdly, the effect of Atractylodes macrocephala lactone on spleen and stomach

    Atractylodes macrocephala lactone IIt has a strong role in enhancing salivary amylase activity, promoting intestinal absorption and regulating intestinal function. It again shows that lactone I is the main component of Atractylodes macrocephala for strengthening the spleen and transporting the spleen. Atractylodes macrocephala lactone is an effective gastrointestinal inhibitory component. The results showed that the inhibition of Atractylodes macrolide Ⅰ and Atractylodes macrolide Ⅲ on gastrointestinal motility may be due to the inhibition of ca2+ induced gastrointestinal contraction, so they have the activity of inhibiting gastrointestinal motility.