Chinese Peony
Paeonia lactiflora
Paeonia lactiflora, commonly known as white peony or bai shao in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long-standing tradition rooted in East Asian cultures. Traditionally, it is used for various conditions such as menstrual cramps and blood deficiency, though specific recorded uses vary. Scientific evidence suggests potential benefits including anti-inflammatory effects and improvements in diabetic peripheral neuropathy through modulation of the CCL21/CCR7 axis. Additionally, paeoniflorin has shown promise in reducing inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Other compounds like albiflorin exhibit activities such as anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects, though optimal oral bioavailability remains uncertain. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Paeoniflorin upregulated SOCS3 expression in macrophages, potentially reducing inflammation in a mouse model of OA.
- Paeonia lactiflora-derived extracellular vesicles improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy by modulating the CCL21/CCR7 axis, reducing Schwann cell injury and neuroinflammation.
- Albiflorin reduced the viability, proliferation, and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells, partially by suppressing EGFR/MAPK signaling.
- Albiflorin showed multiple pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects, but optimal oral bioavailability remains uncertain.
- Three cultivars, 'Red Charm', 'Bartzella', and 'Sarah Bernhardt', showed stronger relative salt tolerance under severe stress.
- Three novel monoterpenoids were identified from Paeonia lactiflora roots, and most showed significant neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced injury in PC12 cells.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chinese Peony?
Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Chinese Peony?
6 sourced findings are recorded for Chinese Peony; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Paeoniflorin upregulated SOCS3 expression in macrophages, potentially reducing inflammation in a mouse model of OA.
How strong is the evidence for Chinese Peony?
The strongest finding for Chinese Peony carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chinese Peony safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chinese Peony in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chinese Peony interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chinese Peony in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chinese Peony?
Chinese Peony is also known as: Пион молочноцветковый, Pivoine de Chine.
Is Chinese Peony a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Integrated experimental and network pharmacology analyses reveal inhibitory effects of albiflorin on renal cell carcinoma cells. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Paeonia lactiflora-derived extracellular vesicles ameliorate diabetic peripheral neuropathy by modulating chemokine-guided immune trafficking in peripheral nerves. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Monoterpenoids from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. and their neuroprotective activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Paeoniflorin elevates the expression of SOCS3 in macrophages to prevent MIA-induced osteoarthritis in mice. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation and physiological response of peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) under salt stress. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A Review of the Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of Albiflorin. literature abstract metadata