Herbs (Global Traditional) · Traditional Chinese Medicine
Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora) (Paeonia lactiflora)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora) is a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient containing monoterpene glycosides like paeoniflorin and various antioxidant flavonoids. These compounds primarily modulate inflammatory pathways, provide antioxidant protection, and traditionally support blood health.
Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora) is the dried root of a plant native to China and other parts of Asia, processed into white peony (Bai shao, peeled root) or red peony (Chi shao, unpeeled) varieties. The roots are harvested and prepared through water decoction, alcohol extraction, or direct powdering, with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia requiring a minimum paeoniflorin content of 1.25% for quality control.
The research dossier reveals extremely limited clinical evidence for Peony Root, with no human RCTs or meta-analyses identified. One genetic/chemical study (PMID: 25151277) analyzed 8 bioactive constituents to distinguish white and red peony varieties, but this was not a clinical trial. The only clinical reference mentioned is an undetailed citation (Akase et al.) regarding potential use in anemia, lacking PMID or study design information.
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available from human trials. Traditional preparations use water decoctions or alcohol extracts, with quality standards requiring minimum 1.25% paeoniflorin content per Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora, commonly referred to as Bai Shao in TCM) is not consumed as a food for macronutrient value but rather as a medicinal preparation. Its significance lies in its bioactive compound profile rather than caloric or macronutrient content. Key constituents include: **Primary Bioactive Compounds:** • Paeoniflorin (major monoterpene glycoside): approximately 1.5–6.0% of dried root weight, considered the principal active constituent; responsible for much of the anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and hepatoprotective activity attributed to the herb. Oral bioavailability in humans is estimated at 2–4% due to extensive first-pass metabolism and gut microbiota conversion (partially converted to benzoic acid and paeonimetabolin I/II). • Albiflorin: approximately 0.5–2.0% of dried root; structurally related to paeoniflorin with complementary neuroprotective and analgesic properties. • Oxypaeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and paeonilactones A–C: present in smaller concentrations (~0.1–0.5%), contributing to the overall pharmacological profile. • Pentagalloylglucose (PGG): ~0.2–0.8%, a potent polyphenolic compound with demonstrated antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic activity in vitro. **Phenolics and Flavonoids:** • Total phenolic content: approximately 15–45 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dried root extract (varies with extraction method). • Total flavonoid content: approximately 5–15 mg rutin equivalents per gram of dried root. • Specific flavonoids identified include kaempferol, quercetin glycosides, and catechins in trace to moderate amounts. • Gallic acid and methyl gallate: ~0.1–0.5% of dried root. **Tannins:** • Condensed and hydrolyzable tannins: approximately 2–8% of dried root by weight; these contribute to astringent properties and antioxidant capacity but may reduce bioavailability of co-administered minerals and certain drugs. **Volatile Compounds:** • Essential oil yield is very low (<0.1%); contains benzoic acid, paeonol (trace amounts in P. lactiflora, more abundant in P. suffruticosa/Mu Dan Pi), and various sesquiterpenes. **Polysaccharides:** • Crude polysaccharide content: approximately 5–15% of dried root; includes glucans and galactans with reported immunomodulatory activity in preclinical models. **Minerals (approximate, per 100 g dried root):** • Potassium: 800–1,500 mg • Calcium: 200–600 mg • Magnesium: 100–300 mg • Iron: 5–20 mg • Zinc: 2–8 mg • Manganese: 3–10 mg • Trace amounts of copper, chromium, and selenium. (Note: Mineral content varies significantly with soil conditions and geographic origin; heavy metal contamination screening is recommended.) **Amino Acids and Protein:** • Crude protein: approximately 3–7% of dried root weight. • Contains various free amino acids including asparagine and arginine in small quantities. **Starch and Fiber:** • Starch content: approximately 20–40% of dried root (serves as the primary structural carbohydrate). • Crude fiber: approximately 5–10%. **Bioavailability Notes:** • Paeoniflorin has notably poor oral bioavailability (estimated 2–4%) due to P-glycoprotein efflux, hydrolysis by intestinal bacteria, and hepatic metabolism. Co-administration with glycyrrhizin (from Glycyrrhiza/licorice, a common TCM pairing in Si Wu Tang and Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang formulas) has been shown in pharmacokinetic studies to increase paeoniflorin absorption by approximately 30–50%. • Traditional processing (stir-frying with wine or vinegar) may alter the ratio of paeoniflorin to albiflorin and affect the tannin content, potentially modifying bioavailability and gastrointestinal tolerability. • Tannin-rich preparations may chelate iron and calcium, reducing their absorption if taken concurrently with mineral supplements or iron-rich foods.
Peony Root's primary active constituent, paeoniflorin, along with other monoterpene glycosides and flavonoids, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB activation and modulating cytokine production, such as TNF-α and IL-6. Its antioxidant capacity stems from scavenging free radicals and enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity. Traditional applications for blood enrichment may involve influencing hematopoiesis and microcirculation.
While Peony Root boasts a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine for conditions like dysmenorrhea, liver support, and pain relief, robust clinical trial evidence in humans quantifying these specific benefits is limited. Most current research primarily consists of in vitro studies, animal models, or small-scale traditional medicine formulations rather than isolated Peony Root extract. Therefore, specific dosages and efficacy in well-controlled human clinical trials are not yet clearly established for most of its traditional uses.
Peony Root is generally considered safe when used appropriately, with mild gastrointestinal upset as a rare reported side effect. Due to its traditional use for blood regulation, it may theoretically interact with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, increasing bleeding risk. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Paeoniaceae family should avoid its use.
