# White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/white-peony
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Paeonia lactiflora, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Shaoyao, Bai Shao, Chinese Peony, Common Garden Peony, Paeony Root

## Overview

White peony root (Paeonia lactiflora) contains paeoniflorin and albiflorin as primary bioactive compounds that demonstrate [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through COX-2 and NF-κB pathway inhibition. Laboratory studies show antioxidant activity via radical-scavenging mechanisms against [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through inhibition of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB pathways (preliminary laboratory evidence only)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) via radical-scavenging effects against DPPH, ROS, and hydroxyl radicals (in-vitro studies)
• Potential support for mild to moderate anemia as alternative to iron supplementation (limited clinical evidence mentioned)
• Inhibition of inflammatory enzymes MMP-2 and MMP-9 (mechanism studies only)
• Lipoxygenase inhibitory activity demonstrated by paeonins A, B, and C (concentration-dependent in-vitro effects)

## Mechanism of Action

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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling pathways. These monoterpene glycosides demonstrate radical-scavenging activity against DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through electron donation mechanisms.

## Clinical Summary

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](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) 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.

## Nutritional Profile

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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity
- Gallic acid and methyl gallate: ~0.1–0.5%; potent radical scavengers (DPPH, ROS, hydroxyl radicals), contributing to measured [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) 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](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) 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](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) 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

## Dosage & Preparation

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.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

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.

## Scientific Research

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.

## Historical & Cultural Context

White peony is used in traditional Chinese medicine under the name shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba). Modern pharmacological research has validated traditional uses related to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects, though specific traditional indications and duration of historical use were not detailed in the sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Traditional Chinese herbs, [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) botanicals, [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds, Iron alternatives, Liver support herbs

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in white peony root?

Paeoniflorin is the primary bioactive monoterpene glycoside in white peony root, typically comprising 2-8% of dried root weight. Albiflorin and paeonol are secondary active compounds that contribute to anti-inflammatory effects.

### What is the typical dosage of white peony root extract?

Traditional dosages range from 6-15 grams of dried root daily, equivalent to approximately 200-500mg of standardized extract containing 10-30% paeoniflorin. Clinical studies have used doses up to 1200mg daily of concentrated extracts.

### How long does white peony root take to work?

Laboratory studies suggest peak antioxidant activity occurs within 2-4 hours of administration. Traditional Chinese medicine protocols typically recommend 4-8 weeks of consistent use for potential anti-inflammatory benefits, though human clinical data is limited.

### Can white peony root help with menstrual issues?

Traditional use suggests benefits for menstrual irregularities, and some preliminary studies indicate potential effects on hormone regulation through hypothalamic-pituitary pathways. However, controlled clinical evidence for menstrual benefits remains insufficient.

### Is white peony root safe with blood thinners?

White peony root may theoretically enhance anticoagulant effects due to compounds that affect platelet aggregation in laboratory studies. Individuals taking warfarin, heparin, or other blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before use.

### Does white peony root help with inflammation and joint pain?

Laboratory studies suggest white peony may reduce inflammation by inhibiting COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB pathways, and by suppressing inflammatory enzymes like MMP. However, these are preliminary in-vitro findings, and robust clinical trials in humans specifically testing joint pain relief are limited. More research is needed to confirm effectiveness for inflammatory conditions in real-world use.

### Can white peony root support anemia treatment?

Traditional use and limited clinical evidence suggest white peony may support mild to moderate anemia as a complementary approach, though it should not replace standard iron supplementation or medical treatment without professional guidance. The mechanism is not fully understood in modern research, and anyone with diagnosed anemia should consult a healthcare provider before relying on white peony as a primary intervention.

### What antioxidant benefits does white peony root provide?

White peony demonstrates antioxidant activity in laboratory studies through radical-scavenging effects against DPPH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and hydroxyl radicals. These in-vitro findings are promising for cellular protection, but translation to measurable health benefits in humans requires additional clinical research to establish real-world efficacy and optimal dosing.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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