White Peony Root: Benefits And Side Effects

White peony root comes from the plant with the scientific name Paeonia lactiflora Pall . It belongs to the peony family (Paeoniaceae) and is grown in East Asia, Europe and North America. People also know it as “garden peony”, “Chinese peony” or “bai shao”.

According to historical data, traditional Chinese medicine has used dried peony roots for more than 1000 years. Especially as a supplement to reduce inflammation, pain and fever. But what does science say about it? What are the side effects? Below we tell you all about it!

Benefits and use of white peony

In China and other Asian countries, many people are familiar with the medicinal use of white peony root. Similarly, the supplements that come from it are available in North America, Europe and several other places in the world. Many people also enjoy the flower itself for its aesthetics.

An article published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences tells us that peonies have important compounds with pharmacological effects. Among these, the following stand out:

• Monoterpenes.
• Volatile oil.
• Triterpener.
• Tannins.
• Stilbene.
• Flavonoids.
• Polyphenols.

However, there is still no solid evidence on the benefits of white peony root in humans. Specialists conducted a large proportion of the studies on animals and the results were not conclusive. But researchers believe the results are promising for the development of future drugs.

Immunomodulatory effects

We can get a few known compounds from white peony root, such as “total peony glycosides”. Specialists have studied these drugs for their potential as anti-inflammatory drugs. According to a review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology , these properties help regulate the immune system.

With that in mind, many people believe that it has the ability to reduce symptoms of autoimmune disorders, such as the following:

• Oral lichen planus.
• Psoriasis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sjögren’s syndrome.

Given the degree of these diseases, peony root supplementation should obviously not be the first treatment given. It is also important to consult your doctor before using it as part of your treatment.

Anti-inflammatory activity

To summarize the above, total peony glycosides have anti-inflammatory potential. A study in Frontiers in Pharmacology suggests that these drugs help suppress inflammatory pathways that cause disease. In this way, it reduces, among other things, the risk of nephropathy, liver disease and arthritis.

Blood flow

In Chinese medicine, people use white peony root as a blood-thinning medicine. In fact, many people believe that it helps prevent thrombosis. In addition, a study in animals published in Molecular Medicine Reports showed that peoniflorin (one of the glycosides in the plant) increases the effect of plasminogen activator urokinase.

This enzyme helps solve thrombosis problems naturally. Experts suggest that it inhibits the formation of blood clots. It can even help dissolve those that already exist. Specialists noted similar results in a review shared in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine .

Analgesic properties

Peoniflorin, one of the most important active components in this root, has a mild analgesic effect on the body. A study of animals in cellular physiology and biochemistry found that the drug acts on the central nervous system and helps reduce pain.

Mental health

Another use of white peony root is related to mental health. Traditionally, many have used it as an ally against symptoms of depression and anxiety. As a study published in BioMed Research International explains, this is because its extracts reduce the expression of the serotonin transporter.

In other words , it prevents this protein from inhibiting the effects of serotonin, a hormone that contributes to the feeling of well-being. For this reason, it has an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect.

In another study, peoniflorin in this root helped increase probiotics in the gut. According to a review shared in the International Journal of Clinical Practice  , this also helped relieve mood swings.

Skin health

Anecdotal data claim that extracts of white peony root are good for preventing premature aging. Its proponents suggest that it slows down the appearance of wrinkles, marks and other imperfections that we associate with old age. However, this lacks evidence to support it.

However, a laboratory study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science highlights that peoniflorin has depigmentation potential. It reduces melatonin and helps reduce dark spots.

Other uses for white peony root

Many of the benefits we attribute to this mess have not been explored. Popular literature mentions it, but there is no evidence of its effectiveness.

For this reason, when it comes to using supplements, you need to continue to be careful. The common uses of this root are in the following cases:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Digestive disorders.
• Excessive hair loss.
• Excessive sweating.
• Migraine.
• Respiratory disorders.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Mastalgia.

Possible side effects of white peony root

The American company WebMD suggests that white peony root is safe for most healthy people, provided they consume it in appropriate amounts. Adults have been able to use it without problems for up to 6 months.

Excessive intake is associated with the following side effects:

• Excessive bleeding.
• Diarrhea.
• Digestive problems.

Due to lack of evidence , we recommend that pregnant and lactating women do not use it. Its anticoagulant properties make it counterproductive in people planning to have surgery.

Similarly, it can be dangerous for people with bleeding disorders. For this reason, it is necessary to consult your doctor before you start taking it.

Possible interactions with medication

This root and its derivatives slow down blood clots. For this reason, you should not combine it with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. This is because there is a risk of bleeding or bruising.

Some of the drugs to consider are the following:

• Aspirin.
• Clopidogrel (Plavix ®).
• Diclofenac (Voltaren ®, Cataflam ®).
• Ibuprofen (Advil ®, Motrin ®).
• Naproxen (Anaprox ®, Naprosyn ®).
• Warfarin (Coumadin ®).

You should also avoid taking it with phenytoin because it reduces its effectiveness. This is an anticonvulsant and you should take it in certain concentrations to ensure that it is effective.

What forms is white peony root available in?

White peony root extracts are available as capsules, dye, powder and tea. It is important to mention that it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but you can find it in herbal medicine stores, pharmacies, health stores and traditional medicine pharmacies.

A safe dose has not yet been determined and how much you should take depends on factors such as age, health status and purpose of the drug. For this reason, you should follow the pharmacy’s instructions, as well as what is written on the label. Of course, where possible, it is always best to consult a doctor first.