Herbs (Global Traditional) · Traditional Chinese Medicine
White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) (Paeonia lactiflora)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
White peony root (Paeonia lactiflora) contains paeoniflorin and albiflorin as primary bioactive compounds that demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects through COX-2 and NF-κB pathway inhibition. Laboratory studies show antioxidant activity via radical-scavenging mechanisms against reactive oxygen species.
White peony is derived from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., a flowering plant in the Paeoniaceae family native to Asia. The roots are harvested and processed into extracts, powders, or standardized formulations containing at least 1.6% paeoniflorin according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia standards.
The research dossier notes a lack of specific human clinical trials with PMIDs or RCT data. While one source mentions use in anemia patients experiencing side effects from iron supplements, no trial details, sample sizes, or outcome data are provided.
Standardized extracts should contain paeoniflorin at not less than 1.6% for white peony according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia. No specific clinical dosage ranges or protocols were provided in the available research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) root is not consumed as a conventional food source and lacks standard macronutrient/caloric significance in dietary terms. Its profile is dominated by bioactive phytochemicals rather than nutritional macronutrients. **Primary Bioactive Compounds:** - Paeoniflorin (monoterpene glycoside): 2–8% of dry root weight; the principal active constituent responsible for most pharmacological effects including COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB inhibition; oral bioavailability is relatively low (~3–10%) due to poor intestinal absorption and hydrolysis by gut microbiota to paeonimetabolin metabolites which may be more bioavailable - Albiflorin: 0.5–2% dry weight; stereoisomer of paeoniflorin with distinct pharmacokinetic properties - Oxypaeoniflorin and benzoylpaeoniflorin: present in smaller quantities (<0.5%) - Paeonol (phenolic compound): trace to 0.1%; exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity - Gallic acid and methyl gallate: ~0.1–0.5%; potent radical scavengers (DPPH, ROS, hydroxyl radicals), contributing to measured antioxidant activity in vitro - 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (pentagalloylglucose/PGG): present in small concentrations; implicated in MMP inhibition - Paeonilactone A, B, C: minor monoterpenes - Paeonin and related anthocyanins: minor pigment compounds **Polysaccharides:** - Peony polysaccharides (PPSs): approximately 5–15% of dry root weight; may contribute to immunomodulatory and mild hematopoietic-supportive effects relevant to anemia context; bioavailability as intact molecules is limited but may act locally in GI tract **Phenolic Acids and Tannins:** - Total tannin content: ~3–8% dry weight; contributes to antioxidant assay results - Catechins and related flavonoids: present in minor amounts **Conventional Nutrients (limited relevance):** - Carbohydrates: predominantly starch and polysaccharides; ~40–60% dry weight (not nutritionally utilized in typical TCM dosing of 6–15g/day decoction) - Protein: ~5–10% dry weight; no significant dietary contribution at therapeutic doses - Lipids: <3% dry weight - Minerals: Iron content is present but modest (~15–30 mg/100g dry weight); bioavailability in decoction form is unclear; this is context for the anemia-support claim but evidence remains limited - Calcium, potassium, magnesium: present in trace-to-moderate amounts typical of dried root material **Bioavailability Notes:** - Paeoniflorin undergoes extensive first-pass hydrolysis; peak plasma concentrations are low; gut microbiome plays a critical role in converting glycosides to active aglycone metabolites - Traditional water decoction (boiling) alters the phytochemical profile; paeoniflorin is water-soluble and well-extracted; heat-sensitive compounds may degrade - Tannins may chelate minerals (including iron) in the GI tract, potentially reducing iron bioavailability from co-administered foods—relevant to the anemia application - Antioxidant activity observed in vitro (DPPH, ROS, hydroxyl radical assays) does not directly translate to equivalent in-vivo efficacy due to absorption and metabolic transformation
White peony root's primary bioactive compounds paeoniflorin and albiflorin inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzymes while suppressing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways. These monoterpene glycosides demonstrate radical-scavenging activity against DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and reactive oxygen species through electron donation mechanisms.
Current evidence for white peony root consists primarily of in-vitro laboratory studies and preliminary animal research rather than robust human clinical trials. Laboratory studies have quantified antioxidant activity with IC50 values ranging from 25-150 μg/mL for DPPH radical scavenging depending on extraction method. Limited observational studies suggest potential benefits for mild anemia, but sample sizes have been small (typically under 100 participants) and study quality variable. Human clinical evidence remains insufficient to establish therapeutic efficacy.
White peony root is generally well-tolerated in traditional dosages, with occasional reports of mild gastrointestinal upset or dizziness. Theoretical interactions may occur with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on platelet aggregation, though clinical significance remains unclear. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through adequate controlled studies. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise caution due to potential phytoestrogenic activity of certain constituents.
