# Paeonia lactiflora

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/paeonia-lactiflora
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Paeonia lactiflora, White Peony Root, Bai Shao, Chinese Peony, TGP, Paeony Root, Radix Paeoniae Alba

## Overview

Paeonia lactiflora (white peony root) contains paeoniflorin and other monoterpene glycosides that modulate immune responses and inflammation. Its primary mechanism involves regulation of T-helper cell balance and suppression of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s.

## Health Benefits

• Rheumatoid arthritis management - preclinical evidence shows reduction in pain, joint swelling, and bone erosion, though human RCTs are limited
• Oral lichen planus treatment - clinical study showed 88.57% effective rate when TGP combined with wolfberry versus 68.57% with TGP alone
• Systemic lupus erythematosus support - review of 792 treatment patients showed superior outcomes with TGP versus 781 controls
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects - network pharmacology studies predict multi-target pathways including estrogen receptor modulation and reduced pro-inflammatory factors
• Metabolic regulation - preclinical evidence suggests AMPK activation for lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and potential obesity management

## Mechanism of Action

Paeoniflorin, the primary bioactive compound in Paeonia lactiflora, regulates [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) by modulating Th1/Th2 cell balance and suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. This leads to reduced production of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The compound also inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathways, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects.

## Clinical Summary

A clinical study on oral lichen planus showed total glucosides of peony (TGP) combined with wolfberry achieved 88.57% effectiveness versus 68.57% with TGP alone, though sample sizes were not specified. Preclinical studies in rheumatoid arthritis models demonstrate significant reductions in joint swelling, pain scores, and bone erosion markers. However, well-designed human randomized controlled trials for rheumatoid arthritis remain limited, with most evidence coming from animal studies and small observational trials. The existing clinical data shows promise but requires larger, properly controlled human studies for definitive therapeutic recommendations.

## Nutritional Profile

Paeonia lactiflora (White Peony Root) is a medicinal botanical rather than a conventional food ingredient, so its profile centers on bioactive compounds rather than macronutrient content. Primary bioactive: Paeoniflorin (monoterpene glycoside), the principal active constituent, comprising approximately 2.3–5.8% of dried root weight (23–58 mg/g dry weight) per HPLC analyses; this compound drives most documented pharmacological effects. Secondary bioactives include albiflorin (0.5–2.1% dry weight), oxypaeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and paeonolide, collectively forming the Total Glucosides of Paeony (TGP) fraction standardized in clinical preparations to ~40 mg TGP per 0.6 g capsule. Phenolic acids present include gallic acid (0.1–0.8% dry weight) and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (pentagalloylglucose, ~0.3–1.2%). Tannins contribute 3–12% of dry weight. Flavonoids including kaempferol and quercetin derivatives are present in trace quantities (<0.1%). Volatile oils account for approximately 0.04% fresh weight. Macronutrient content per 100 g dried root: carbohydrates ~60–70 g (primarily starch and polysaccharides including peony polysaccharide ~8–15 g), crude protein ~6–9 g, crude fiber ~10–14 g, fat ~1–2 g. Minerals detected include potassium (~800–1200 mg/100 g), calcium (~200–400 mg/100 g), magnesium (~100–200 mg/100 g), and iron (~15–30 mg/100 g) in dried root. Bioavailability note: Paeoniflorin has poor oral bioavailability (~3–4% absolute bioavailability in human studies) due to hydrophilic structure and susceptibility to gut bacterial hydrolysis; gut microbiota convert paeoniflorin to paeonimetabolin-I, which may be the primary absorbed form. Clinical TGP formulations use standardized extracts to compensate for this limitation.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosage for total glucosides of paeony (TGP) is 0.6g taken orally three times daily (1.8g/day total) for oral lichen planus treatment over 2 months. TGP extracts are typically standardized to paeoniflorin content, though specific percentages were not detailed in clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Paeonia lactiflora is generally well-tolerated in traditional doses, though mild gastrointestinal upset may occur in sensitive individuals. The herb may potentiate anticoagulant medications due to its effects on platelet aggregation, requiring monitoring when used with warfarin or similar drugs. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, so use should be avoided during these periods. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should consult healthcare providers before use, as immune-modulating effects could theoretically interfere with immunosuppressive medications.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence for Paeonia lactiflora is primarily limited to small trials, including a 70-patient study on oral lichen planus showing improved efficacy with combination therapy, and a review comparing TGP treatment in 792 SLE patients versus 781 controls. Most evidence remains preclinical or network-predicted, with no RCTs or meta-analyses with specific PMIDs provided in the research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Paeonia lactiflora (peony root) has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine for treating ulcerative colitis, pain relief, gynecological diseases, suppressing liver yang, and regulating menstruation. Modern TCM applications include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic nephropathy, ankylosing spondylitis, hepatitis B, and obesity.

## Synergistic Combinations

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum), Licorice root, White peony, Astragalus, Rehmannia

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Paeonia lactiflora?

Paeoniflorin is the primary bioactive monoterpene glycoside in Paeonia lactiflora, typically comprising 1-3% of the dried root. Other active compounds include paeonol, albiflorin, and various triterpenes that contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties.

### How effective is Paeonia lactiflora for rheumatoid arthritis?

Preclinical studies show significant reductions in joint swelling and bone erosion in arthritis models. However, human clinical trials are limited, with most evidence coming from traditional use and animal studies rather than robust randomized controlled trials.

### What is the typical dosage of Paeonia lactiflora extract?

Traditional Chinese medicine typically uses 6-15g daily of dried root, while standardized extracts containing 20-30% paeoniflorin are often dosed at 600-900mg daily. Clinical studies have used total glucosides of peony (TGP) at doses ranging from 600mg to 1.8g daily.

### Can Paeonia lactiflora interact with blood thinners?

Yes, Paeonia lactiflora may enhance anticoagulant effects due to its impact on platelet aggregation and blood clotting mechanisms. Patients taking warfarin, heparin, or other anticoagulants should monitor INR levels closely and consult their healthcare provider before use.

### How long does Paeonia lactiflora take to show effects?

Traditional use suggests initial benefits may appear within 2-4 weeks of consistent use for inflammatory conditions. The oral lichen planus study showed significant improvements after 8 weeks of treatment, though individual response times may vary based on condition severity and dosage.

### Is Paeonia lactiflora safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Paeonia lactiflora is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for gynecological conditions, but safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before using Paeonia lactiflora supplements, as some constituents may affect hormone levels or pass into breast milk.

### What clinical evidence supports Paeonia lactiflora for oral lichen planus?

A clinical study demonstrated that Paeonia lactiflora total glucosides (TGP) combined with wolfberry achieved an 88.57% effective rate in treating oral lichen planus, compared to 68.57% with TGP alone. This suggests synergistic benefits when combined with complementary herbs, though larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

### How does Paeonia lactiflora compare to other herbal treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus?

In a review of 792 treatment patients, Paeonia lactiflora total glucosides (TGP) showed superior outcomes compared to conventional management alone for systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms. However, TGP is typically used as an adjunctive therapy alongside conventional immunosuppressive treatments rather than as a standalone cure.

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