Different processing methods and pharmacological effects of Atractylodis Rhizoma

Atractylodis Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese medicine with an extensive history of treating gastrointestinal disorders and other diseases, undergoes various processing methods in China to enhance its therapeutic efficacy for specific conditions. However, a comprehensive report detailing the changes in chemical composition and pharmacological effects due to these processing methods is currently lacking. This article provides a systematic review of the commonly employed processing techniques for Atractylodis Rhizoma, including raw Atractylodis Rhizoma (SCZ), bran-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma (FCZ), deep-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma (JCZ), and rice water-processed Atractylodis Rhizoma (MCZ). It examines the alterations in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities resulting from these processes and elucidates the mechanisms of action of the primary components in the various processed forms of Atractylodis Rhizoma in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.