Abstract
The crude drug "Zhu" has been classified empirically into two groups ; Changzhu and Baizhu, and this classification has recently been examined on the basis of their morphological characteristics and chemical constituents. In order to clarify the pharmacological significance of these two groups, some biological activities of Atractylodes lancea and A. lancea var. chinensis (Changzhu) and A. ovata and A. japonica (Baizhu) were examined, using their essential oil constituents. (a) Changzhu had a central nerve system (CNS) depressant action in terms of general behavior, spontaneous movement, anti-electroshock convulsion, and potentiation of hypnotic action of hexobarbital sodium. The active entities existed chiefly in β-eudesmol and hinesol. (b) Other pharmacological actions, such as anti-ulcer action, carbon transport action, and stimulation of gastric juice secretion, which are all regarded as actions on the gastrointestinal functions, and effect on normal body temperature, diuretic action, analgesic action, and anti-inflammatory action were examined. Responses of experimental animals (mice and rats) to the rhizome extracts and constituents were not significantly different from those of the control animals. (c) Changzhu and Baizhu could be classified by evaluation of their CNS depressant action.
