A systematic review on the application, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genus Atractylodes

The genus Atractylodes (Asteraceae) is widely distributed and utilized in East and Southeast Asia, particularly in China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. In traditional Chinese medicine, representative species such as A. lancea and A. macrocephala have historically been employed to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. Phytochemical investigations have led to the isolation and identification of 371 compounds from this genus, primarily encompassing polyacetylenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, lignans, and their corresponding glycosides. In recent decades, extensive research has been conducted on the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of plants within the genus Atractylodes. Concurrently, these crude extracts and isolated compounds have been demonstrated to exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal-regulatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and lung-protective activities. Regarding safety, their potential toxicity is closely tied to the traditional "dryness" property, which can be effectively mitigated through specialized processing methods such as bran-frying. However, rapidly accumulating data since 2021 has created a critical gap, rendering previous reviews insufficient to reflect the current research landscape. To address these emerging updates, this review systematically organizes recent advances in the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety profiles of the genus Atractylodes. Crucially, a critical analysis of structure-activity relationships is integrated to provide concrete, structured guidelines for future mechanistic exploration and rational drug development.