| Peony Benefits and Side Effects |
Peony [Paeonia suffruticosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Paeonia veitchii]
The peony or paeony (Paeonia) is the sole genus in the flowering plant
family Paeoniaceae. They grow in Asia, southern Europe and western
North America. Paeonia suffruticosa [also called moutan or mu dan] and
Paeonia lactiflora are believed to provide various health benefits and
they are popular in herbal industry. They together with other Paeony
species all have somewhat different properties. Peony has been used in
some famous herbal formula such as shakuyaku-kanzo-to and
toki-shakuyaku-san. Unsually, use of peony within the recommended
doses does not cause side effects. However, it may not be safe to use
together with blood pressure lowering agents.
Peony is named for the mythical Greek figure Paeon. Paeon used a
peony plant to heal a wound for the god Pluto. The famous ancient
Chinese city Luoyang is a cultivation centre for the peonies. In Japan, it
was cultivated as garden plant. In the States, it is the state flower of
Indiana.
What are the potential health benefits of peony?
Peony has anti-oxidant activities.
Ethanol extract of the peony root(Paeonia Lactiflora Pall,
Paeoniaceae)and its ingredients-gallic acid and methyl gallate showed
protective effects against free radical generation, i.e. free radical
scavenging effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine, and lipid
peroxidation. [1] Researchers also demonstrated the antioxidative activity
of a few stilbene derivatives from seeds of Paeonia lactiflora wagainst the
2-deoxyribose degradation and rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation.
These compounds are stilbenes, trans-resveratrol,
trans-resveratrol-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, trans-epsilon-viniferin,
gnetin H, and suffruticosol A and B. [3]
Korean researchers showed antioxidant activities of a few compounds of
from peony (Paeonia suffruticosa). Alpha-benzoyloxypaeoniflorin and
some other compounds exhibited moderately potent radical scavenging
activity on DPPH radical. [5]
Peony may help cut risks of certain cancers.
Researchers showed the cytotoxic and antimutagenic effects of
transresveratrol, trans-epsilon-viniferin, gnetin H, suffruticosols A and B,
isolated from the seeds of peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) in a study of
five different cancer lines. They showed cytotoxic activity in a
dose-dependent manner, and especially did potent cytotoxic activity
against C6 (mouse glioma) cancer cell. Trans-Resveratrol showed
significant cytotoxic activity against HepG2 (liver hepatoma) and HT-29
(colon) human cancer cell lines. While, trans-epsilon-viniferin and
cis--viniferin, and gnetin H exhibited marked cytotoxic activity against
Hela (cervicse) and MCF-7 (breast) human cancer cell lines. [4]
Peony may have benefits of cholesterol-lowering.
Paeoniflorin, isolated from the methanol extract of peony (Paeonia
lactiflora), showed a lowering effect on cholesterol level in the
experimentally-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Paeoniflorin showed a
significantly lowering effect of total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride
levels compared with the control group at the dose of 200 and 400
mg/kg, p.o. once a day for 4 weeks. [2]
Hypercholesterolaemia induced an increase of endothelial superoxide
anion and endothelial dysfunction. Japanese researchers noticed that
administration of the peony (paeonia lactiflora root) extract increased the
endothelium-dependent relaxation and the activities of superoxide
dismutase compared with high the cholesterol diet group significantly. [6]
Peony may benefit diabetes.
A study in Taipei Medical College, Republic of China, showed a
significant blood sugar lowering effect of two chemicals from the dried
root of peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) on streptozotocin-treated rats. The
two compounds are paeoniflorin and 8-debenzoylpaeoniflorin. The
antihyperglycemic activity of 8-debenzoylpaeoniflorin seems lower than
that of paeoniflorin. The effect was an insulin-independent event as
plasma insulin did not change in paeoniflorin-treated normoglycemic rats.
[7]
Researchers supplied extracts of peony root (paeonia suffruticosa) to
obese mice. They found mice, especially the male, declined in food
intake and increased in glucose tolerance. Thus, peony root extracts
may benefit diabetes and weight loss. [11]
Peony may have benefits in some cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers from Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University,
Japan, showed the endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of an
extract from the peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pallas) root on isolated rat
aorta. This extract was found to contain gallotannin. [8]
In a clinical study of 42 patients suffered from decompensative chronic
cor pulmonale or related conditions, intravenous injection of Paeonia
lactifiora improved hemorheologic parameters, oxygen consumption of
myocardium and related parameters such as blood pressure. [10]
In a study of rabbits, oral administration of nifedipine and Paeonia
lactiflora with 2% cholesterol diet for 15 weeks caused 60.75% and
74.24% reduction in the lesion area of aorta respectively. [13]
Researchers from Beijing College of TCM demonstrated that Paeonia
lactiflora could inhibit thrombosis and platelet aggregation, increase
fibrinolytic activity and promote thrombolysis in a vitro study. [14]
Peony may have properties of immunological Modulation
Researchers from Kyoritsu College of Pharmacy,Japan, demonstrated
the anti-complementary activities of an acidic polysaccharide isolated
from the root of peony (Paeonia lactiflora PALLAS) - peonan PA. Peonan
PA is composed of L-arabinose: D-galactose: D-galacturonic acid in the
molar ratio of 2:1:10. [9]
Peony may promote liver health.
In a rat study, a combined treatment of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and
Paeonia lactiflora (PL)showed protective benefits to
D-galactosamine-induced liver damage. [12]
MOST CLAIMS ARE BASED ON EITHER IN VITRO OR ANIMAL STUDIES ONLY. THIS ARTICLE IS
FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2006.
[1] Lee SC, et al, Arch Pharm Res. 2005 Jul;28(7):775-83. Antioxidative constituents from
Paeonia lactiflora. [2] Yang HO, et al, Paeoniflorin: an antihyperlipidemic agent from Paeonia
lactiflora.Fitoterapia. 2004 Jan;75(1):45-9.[3] Kim HJ, et al, Antioxidative activity of resveratrol
and its derivatives isolated from seeds of Paeonia lactiflora.Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2002
Sep;66(9):1990-3. [4] Kim HJ et al, Cytotoxic and antimutagenic stilbenes from seeds of Paeonia
lactiflora.Arch Pharm Res. 2002 Jun;25(3):293-9.[5] Ryu G,A new antioxidant monoterpene
glycoside, alpha-benzoyloxypaeoniflorin from Paeonia suffruticosa.Arch Pharm Res. 2001
Apr;24(2):105-8. [6] Goto H, et al, Effect of extract prepared from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora
on endothelium-dependent relaxation and antioxidant enzyme activity in rats administered
high-fat diet.Phytother Res. 1999 Sep;13(6):526-8. [7] Hsu FL, et al, Antihyperglycemic effects of
paeoniflorin and 8-debenzoylpaeoniflorin, glucosides from the root of Paeonia lactiflora.Planta
Med. 1997 Aug;63(4):323-5. [8] Goto H, et al, Endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of
extract prepared from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora on isolated rat aorta.Planta Med. 1996
Oct;62(5):436-9. [9] Tomoda M, et al, An acidic polysaccharide with immunological activities
from the root of Paeonia lactiflora.Biol Pharm Bull. 1994 Sep;17(9):1161-4. [10] Jia YB, Tang
TQ.Paeonia Lactiflora injection in treating chronic cor pulmonale with pulmonary hypertension
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 Apr;11(4):199-202, 195.[11] Nagasawa H, et al, Protection by
tree-peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr) of obesity in (SLN x C3H/He) F1 obese mice.In Vivo. 1991
Mar-Apr;5(2):115-8. [12] Qi XG. Protective mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia
lactiflora for experimental liver damageZhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 Feb;11(2):102-4, 69. [13]
Zhang YZ, Yan XF.Effects of nifedipine and Paeonia lactiflora on plasma TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1
alpha in cholesterol-fed rabbits Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Nov;10(11):669-71, 645. [14]
Wang Y, Ma R.Effect of an extract of Paeonia lactiflora on the blood coagulative and fibrinolytic
enzymesZhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Feb;10(2):101-2, 70.
The peony or paeony (Paeonia) is the sole genus in the flowering plant
family Paeoniaceae. They grow in Asia, southern Europe and western
North America. Paeonia suffruticosa [also called moutan or mu dan] and
Paeonia lactiflora are believed to provide various health benefits and
they are popular in herbal industry. They together with other Paeony
species all have somewhat different properties. Peony has been used in
some famous herbal formula such as shakuyaku-kanzo-to and
toki-shakuyaku-san. Unsually, use of peony within the recommended
doses does not cause side effects. However, it may not be safe to use
together with blood pressure lowering agents.
Peony is named for the mythical Greek figure Paeon. Paeon used a
peony plant to heal a wound for the god Pluto. The famous ancient
Chinese city Luoyang is a cultivation centre for the peonies. In Japan, it
was cultivated as garden plant. In the States, it is the state flower of
Indiana.
What are the potential health benefits of peony?
Peony has anti-oxidant activities.
Ethanol extract of the peony root(Paeonia Lactiflora Pall,
Paeoniaceae)and its ingredients-gallic acid and methyl gallate showed
protective effects against free radical generation, i.e. free radical
scavenging effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine, and lipid
peroxidation. [1] Researchers also demonstrated the antioxidative activity
of a few stilbene derivatives from seeds of Paeonia lactiflora wagainst the
2-deoxyribose degradation and rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation.
These compounds are stilbenes, trans-resveratrol,
trans-resveratrol-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, trans-epsilon-viniferin,
gnetin H, and suffruticosol A and B. [3]
Korean researchers showed antioxidant activities of a few compounds of
from peony (Paeonia suffruticosa). Alpha-benzoyloxypaeoniflorin and
some other compounds exhibited moderately potent radical scavenging
activity on DPPH radical. [5]
Peony may help cut risks of certain cancers.
Researchers showed the cytotoxic and antimutagenic effects of
transresveratrol, trans-epsilon-viniferin, gnetin H, suffruticosols A and B,
isolated from the seeds of peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) in a study of
five different cancer lines. They showed cytotoxic activity in a
dose-dependent manner, and especially did potent cytotoxic activity
against C6 (mouse glioma) cancer cell. Trans-Resveratrol showed
significant cytotoxic activity against HepG2 (liver hepatoma) and HT-29
(colon) human cancer cell lines. While, trans-epsilon-viniferin and
cis--viniferin, and gnetin H exhibited marked cytotoxic activity against
Hela (cervicse) and MCF-7 (breast) human cancer cell lines. [4]
Peony may have benefits of cholesterol-lowering.
Paeoniflorin, isolated from the methanol extract of peony (Paeonia
lactiflora), showed a lowering effect on cholesterol level in the
experimentally-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Paeoniflorin showed a
significantly lowering effect of total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride
levels compared with the control group at the dose of 200 and 400
mg/kg, p.o. once a day for 4 weeks. [2]
Hypercholesterolaemia induced an increase of endothelial superoxide
anion and endothelial dysfunction. Japanese researchers noticed that
administration of the peony (paeonia lactiflora root) extract increased the
endothelium-dependent relaxation and the activities of superoxide
dismutase compared with high the cholesterol diet group significantly. [6]
Peony may benefit diabetes.
A study in Taipei Medical College, Republic of China, showed a
significant blood sugar lowering effect of two chemicals from the dried
root of peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall) on streptozotocin-treated rats. The
two compounds are paeoniflorin and 8-debenzoylpaeoniflorin. The
antihyperglycemic activity of 8-debenzoylpaeoniflorin seems lower than
that of paeoniflorin. The effect was an insulin-independent event as
plasma insulin did not change in paeoniflorin-treated normoglycemic rats.
[7]
Researchers supplied extracts of peony root (paeonia suffruticosa) to
obese mice. They found mice, especially the male, declined in food
intake and increased in glucose tolerance. Thus, peony root extracts
may benefit diabetes and weight loss. [11]
Peony may have benefits in some cardiovascular conditions.
Researchers from Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University,
Japan, showed the endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of an
extract from the peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pallas) root on isolated rat
aorta. This extract was found to contain gallotannin. [8]
In a clinical study of 42 patients suffered from decompensative chronic
cor pulmonale or related conditions, intravenous injection of Paeonia
lactifiora improved hemorheologic parameters, oxygen consumption of
myocardium and related parameters such as blood pressure. [10]
In a study of rabbits, oral administration of nifedipine and Paeonia
lactiflora with 2% cholesterol diet for 15 weeks caused 60.75% and
74.24% reduction in the lesion area of aorta respectively. [13]
Researchers from Beijing College of TCM demonstrated that Paeonia
lactiflora could inhibit thrombosis and platelet aggregation, increase
fibrinolytic activity and promote thrombolysis in a vitro study. [14]
Peony may have properties of immunological Modulation
Researchers from Kyoritsu College of Pharmacy,Japan, demonstrated
the anti-complementary activities of an acidic polysaccharide isolated
from the root of peony (Paeonia lactiflora PALLAS) - peonan PA. Peonan
PA is composed of L-arabinose: D-galactose: D-galacturonic acid in the
molar ratio of 2:1:10. [9]
Peony may promote liver health.
In a rat study, a combined treatment of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and
Paeonia lactiflora (PL)showed protective benefits to
D-galactosamine-induced liver damage. [12]
MOST CLAIMS ARE BASED ON EITHER IN VITRO OR ANIMAL STUDIES ONLY. THIS ARTICLE IS
FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY
QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2006.
[1] Lee SC, et al, Arch Pharm Res. 2005 Jul;28(7):775-83. Antioxidative constituents from
Paeonia lactiflora. [2] Yang HO, et al, Paeoniflorin: an antihyperlipidemic agent from Paeonia
lactiflora.Fitoterapia. 2004 Jan;75(1):45-9.[3] Kim HJ, et al, Antioxidative activity of resveratrol
and its derivatives isolated from seeds of Paeonia lactiflora.Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2002
Sep;66(9):1990-3. [4] Kim HJ et al, Cytotoxic and antimutagenic stilbenes from seeds of Paeonia
lactiflora.Arch Pharm Res. 2002 Jun;25(3):293-9.[5] Ryu G,A new antioxidant monoterpene
glycoside, alpha-benzoyloxypaeoniflorin from Paeonia suffruticosa.Arch Pharm Res. 2001
Apr;24(2):105-8. [6] Goto H, et al, Effect of extract prepared from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora
on endothelium-dependent relaxation and antioxidant enzyme activity in rats administered
high-fat diet.Phytother Res. 1999 Sep;13(6):526-8. [7] Hsu FL, et al, Antihyperglycemic effects of
paeoniflorin and 8-debenzoylpaeoniflorin, glucosides from the root of Paeonia lactiflora.Planta
Med. 1997 Aug;63(4):323-5. [8] Goto H, et al, Endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect of
extract prepared from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora on isolated rat aorta.Planta Med. 1996
Oct;62(5):436-9. [9] Tomoda M, et al, An acidic polysaccharide with immunological activities
from the root of Paeonia lactiflora.Biol Pharm Bull. 1994 Sep;17(9):1161-4. [10] Jia YB, Tang
TQ.Paeonia Lactiflora injection in treating chronic cor pulmonale with pulmonary hypertension
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 Apr;11(4):199-202, 195.[11] Nagasawa H, et al, Protection by
tree-peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr) of obesity in (SLN x C3H/He) F1 obese mice.In Vivo. 1991
Mar-Apr;5(2):115-8. [12] Qi XG. Protective mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia
lactiflora for experimental liver damageZhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991 Feb;11(2):102-4, 69. [13]
Zhang YZ, Yan XF.Effects of nifedipine and Paeonia lactiflora on plasma TXB2 and 6-Keto-PGF1
alpha in cholesterol-fed rabbits Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Nov;10(11):669-71, 645. [14]
Wang Y, Ma R.Effect of an extract of Paeonia lactiflora on the blood coagulative and fibrinolytic
enzymesZhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Feb;10(2):101-2, 70.
