Growth Characteristics and Change of Major Components in Atractylodes macrocephala

Background: The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala is used in traditional medicine. Atractylenolides I, II and III are the major components used in traditional medicine and possess gastroprotective properties. Although the domestic cultivation and production scale of A. macrocephalaare currently expanding, research on cultivation physiology remains insufficient. Methods and Results: A. macrocephala seeds were sown in a greenhouse in mid-March, and the seedlings were transplanted in mid-May to investigate growth characteristics and atractylenolide content on a monthly basis. While the shoot growth decreased after peaking in mid-October, the growth of the rhizome increased sharply from mid-June to mid-July and continued to increase until mid-November. The length of the rhizome increased until mid-October, and then stopped, but its diameter continued to increased steadily until mid-November. The total content of the three atractylenolides was the highest in mid-November followed by mid-August. Conclusions: Growth of the rhizome continued until mid-November, when the shoot had dried, and the active content was highest at this time, followed by mid-August before flowering. These findings provide basic imformation regarding the phsiology of A. macrocephala that can be useful to researchers and farmers.