Overview
The Apothecary Diaries is a multimedia franchise represented in Volluble by 10 connected works across 4 media categories. This hub organizes the franchise by release chronology and gives newcomers a clear starting point.
Synopsis
Set in a fictional imperial court inspired by East Asian history, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a sharp-minded young woman raised in the pleasure district and trained in herbal medicine and poisons. After she is taken into the rear palace as a low-ranking servant, her curiosity and medical knowledge draw her into a series of mysteries affecting court ladies, officials, and the emperor’s inner circle. Though she would rather live quietly, Maomao’s knack for observation repeatedly brings her to the attention of the enigmatic official Jinshi, and together they uncover schemes, illnesses, and secrets hidden behind the palace’s elegant surface.
The franchise began as a light novel by Natsu Hyuuga and expanded into multiple manga adaptations, including Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace and Xiaolan’s Story, as well as an anime series, side-story shorts, and future seasons. Across these versions, the story balances medical puzzles, court intrigue, and character-driven drama. Maomao remains the central thread, while the wider cast and setting grow richer as the mysteries reach beyond the rear palace into the pleasure district and the imperial government.
Trailer
Anime, Manga & Related Material
Browse the connected catalog from the earliest release forward, newest first, or alphabetically.
Where Should You Start?
Volluble Recommended Start
Start with The Apothecary Diaries. It gives newcomers a practical first look before committing to the wider franchise.
Source-Material Route
If you prefer the original source, begin with The Apothecary Diaries and follow the source-material branch from there.
Core Franchise Path
- NovelThe Apothecary Diaries2014 · Novel
- MangaThe Apothecary Diaries2017 · Manga
- MangaThe Apothecary Diaries: Maomao's Notes from the Inner Palace2017 · Manga
- AnimeThe Apothecary Diaries2023 · Anime · 24 episodes
- AnimeThe Apothecary Diaries Season 22025 · Anime · 24 episodes
- AnimeThe Apothecary Diaries Season 32026 · Anime
- AnimeKusuriya no Hitorigoto 3rd Season Part 22027 · Anime
Volluble Test Drive
Use the recommended starting point above. If its characters, world and pacing click with you, continue into the core path or move to the source material for more detail.
Should You Get Into It?
Try it if you enjoy…
- A large catalog gives you multiple ways into The Apothecary Diaries, from core series to movies and side material.
- The franchise can be explored chronologically or by following only the core continuity.
- Anime-first viewers can sample the recommended start before deciding whether to move into the source material.
It may not suit you if…
- A large franchise can make watch order and continuity choices confusing at first.
- Alternate versions, recuts, movies and side stories may overlap with the core story.
- Completion can require a significant time commitment if you choose to explore every connected work.
Franchise Background
The Apothecary Diaries traces its Volluble catalog back to The Apothecary Diaries (2014). The catalog above separates core works, adaptations, alternate versions, movies, specials and other connected material so the release history remains understandable as the franchise grows.
Join the The Apothecary Diaries Community
Discussion groups, polls, reviews and fan activity will plug into this franchise hub through Centropy Community.