White Peony

Therapeutic Uses

• Anxiety and Depression – Traditionally, white peony root is used to treat anxiety and depression. In a 2020 study on rats, white peony root extract was found to reduce expression of serotonin transporter (SERT). Typically, this protein “captures” serotonin — a chemical that contributes to happiness and well-being — so it can be broken down and recycled. Inhibiting SERT prevents this process, which increases serotonin and in turn produces an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect. A 2019 study found that paeoniflorin also increases probiotics in the gut, which may improve your balance of gut bacteria. This also benefits anxiety and depression, according to a 2017 research review.
• Autoimmune Disorders – White peony root contains glycosides. These are compounds with a carbohydrate attached. This includes paeoniflorin, among other compounds. When these glycosides are extracted (removed) from the root, it’s known as total glycosides of peony (TGP). According to a 2020 review, TGP can regulate your immune system. It’s been found to effectively treat autoimmune conditions like: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, oral lichen planus, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
• Blood Flow – In ancient Chinese medicine, white peony root is used to prevent thrombosis. A 2016 animal study examined this effect. The researchers found that paeoniflorin increased activity of plasminogen activator urokinase, an enzyme that supports the natural resolution of thrombosis. White peony thins your blood so clots don’t form. It also helps your body better resolve any existing blood clots. A 2019 review also notes that the active compounds in white peony, including paeoniflorin, can increase blood flow by inhibiting blood coagulation (clotting).
• Estrogen – According to a 2019 research review, white peony root contains phytoestrogens. These compounds are structurally similar to estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, and they act like estrogen in the body. Also, according to a 2012 review, older studies have examined the effect of paeoniflorin, a main compound in white peony. Paeoniflorin has been found to increase the activity of aromatase, an enzyme that turns testosterone into estrogen. The compound also reduces testosterone synthesis.
• Hyperpigmentation – A 2016 lab study states that white peony root extract can decrease hyperpigmentation. This is when skin appears darker in certain places, and can range from small spots to your entire body. When applied to a human skin sample, the extract reduced melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. So, white peony root extract may be useful for controlling overproduction of melanin.
• Inflammation – Similarly, TGP has benefits for inflammatory disorders. According to a 2019 research review, paeoniflorin in TGP can suppress inflammatory pathways. The researchers suggest that it may be beneficial for chronic inflammatory conditions, including: arthritis, kidney disease, and liver disease.
• Pain – A 2018 animal study found that paeoniflorin has an analgesic (pain-relieving) effect. According to the researchers, this is due to paeoniflorin’s anti-inflammatory properties in the central nervous system.

Medicinal Uses: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) * Cirrhosis * Cough * Epilepsy * Fever * Gout * Hardening of the Arteries (Atherosclerosis) * Induce Vomiting * Menstrual Cramps * Migraine Headache * Muscle Cramps * Nerve Pain (Neuralgia) * Osteoarthritis * Polycystic Ovary Syndrome * Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) * Respiratory Tract Illnesses * Spasms * Starting Menstruation * Upset Stomach * Viral Hepatitis * Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Side Effects: Peony can cause stomach upset in some people. Peony extract might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use peony. Research suggests that peony can cause uterine contractions. Don’t use peony if you are pregnant. Also avoid peony if you are breast-feeding. Because peony might slow blood clotting, there is a concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Peony extract might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen (breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids), don’t use peony. Peony might slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it could increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using peony at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.