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Chinese Peony Flower Extract

Also known as: Chinese Peony Flower Extract, Total Glucosides of Paeony, TGP, Bai Shao, Chinese peony, Paeonia lactiflora

Overview

Chinese Peony Flower Extract is derived from the flower parts (petals, calyx, stamens) of Paeonia lactiflora, a plant with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. This extract contains various bioactive phytochemicals, notably glucosides and paeoniflorin. It is primarily recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, with emerging research suggesting potential estrogenic effects. While the root extract (Total Glucosides of Paeony or TGP) has been more extensively studied in clinical trials, particularly for autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, the flower extract is gaining attention for similar applications and skin health benefits. Research on the flower extract is largely preclinical, but it shows promise. The overall evidence quality varies, with strong support for TGP in autoimmune conditions from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, while flower-specific data are still emerging.

Benefits

Chinese Peony Flower Extract offers several potential benefits, primarily driven by its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds. The stamens of the Chinese peony flower have been shown to significantly reduce inflammatory markers such as nitric oxide (NO), IL-6, and TNF-α in macrophage models, indicating strong anti-inflammatory potential. For autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 978 participants demonstrated that Total Glucosides of Paeony (TGP), often derived from the root but sharing active compounds, significantly reduced disease activity when combined with conventional treatment. Similarly, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that TGP combined with methotrexate improved clinical outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients, suggesting synergistic effects and a favorable safety profile. While human data are limited for the flower extract specifically, white peony root contains phytoestrogens that may help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Preclinical studies also suggest that paeoniflorin, a key compound in peony extracts, may improve mood by modulating serotonin transporters and enhance gut microbiota balance. The onset of benefits varies; improvements in autoimmune diseases are typically observed over weeks to months, while anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may be more immediate in vitro but require clinical validation.

How it works

The anti-inflammatory effects of Chinese Peony Flower Extract are primarily mediated by its ability to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and nitric oxide from immune cells. In autoimmune diseases, its immunomodulatory action likely involves regulating immune cell function and suppressing aberrant immune responses, thereby reducing disease activity. The presence of phytoestrogens, particularly in the root extract, allows it to mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors, which may contribute to its potential effects on menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, paeoniflorin, a key active compound, has been shown to inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT), leading to increased serotonin availability in the brain, which could explain its potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. The bioavailability of active compounds like glucosides and paeoniflorin varies by extract type, but they are absorbed systemically to exert their effects.

Side effects

Chinese Peony Flower Extract is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare but possible side effect. It is crucial to be aware of potential drug interactions. The extract may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners) due to its potential antiplatelet effects. It may also reduce the efficacy of phenytoin and could have additive effects when used concurrently with estrogen-containing medications due to its phytoestrogen content. Furthermore, it may interact with drugs metabolized by liver enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. Contraindications include concurrent use with blood thinners or hormone therapies without strict medical supervision. Due to a lack of sufficient safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using Chinese Peony Flower Extract. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those undergoing surgery should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Dosage

For autoimmune conditions, clinical trials typically utilize Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP) standardized to glucoside content, with common dosages ranging around 600 mg per day, often divided into multiple doses. However, specific optimal dosing for Chinese Peony Flower Extract, distinct from the root extract (TGP), is not yet well-established and requires further research. The timing of administration generally aligns with conventional treatment regimens in autoimmune diseases. While no specific cofactors have been identified to enhance absorption, it is generally believed that absorption may be improved when taken with food. There are no clearly defined upper limits or safety thresholds specifically for the flower extract, emphasizing the need for caution and professional guidance, especially given the varying concentrations of active compounds in different preparations.

FAQs

Is Chinese Peony Flower Extract safe?

Generally, it is considered safe, but caution is advised, especially if you are taking blood thinners or hormone therapies, due to potential interactions and additive effects.

How soon do benefits appear?

For autoimmune conditions, benefits may take weeks to months to become noticeable. Anti-inflammatory effects might be faster, but this needs more clinical confirmation.

Can it replace conventional medications?

No, Chinese Peony Flower Extract is typically used as an adjunctive therapy to complement, not replace, conventional medical treatments for various conditions.

Does it affect hormones?

Yes, it contains phytoestrogens that can interact with estrogen pathways in the body, potentially influencing hormonal balance.

Is flower extract the same as root extract?

No, while both come from the same plant, the root extract (TGP) is more extensively studied clinically, whereas flower extract data are mostly preclinical.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2024.1501966/full – This experimental study, primarily in vitro and some in vivo, investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Chinese peony flower stamens. It found that the stamens significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines like NO, IL-6, and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner, demonstrating strong anti-inflammatory potential. The study provides rigorous preclinical evidence for the flower's bioactivity.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35173622/ – This high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (978 SLE patients) evaluated the efficacy of Total Glucosides of Paeony (TGP) combined with conventional treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It concluded that TGP significantly reduced SLE disease activity (MD SLEDAI -3.54) with a good safety profile, despite some heterogeneity among trials, primarily involving Chinese populations.
https://www.healthline.com/health/white-peony-root – This source discusses the general benefits of white peony root, including its potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms due to phytoestrogen content and its traditional use for mood and gut health. It highlights that while some benefits are promising, human data for certain applications are limited and require further confirmation.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-32/peony – This source provides an overview of peony's uses, potential side effects, and interactions. It notes that peony extracts are generally safe but advises caution regarding interactions with anticoagulants, phenytoin, and estrogen-containing medications, as well as drugs metabolized by certain liver enzymes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748514/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the combination of Total Glucosides of Paeony (TGP) with methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. It found that this combination improved clinical outcomes and was safe, suggesting synergistic effects. The study's quality was moderate to high, though limited by the quality and sample sizes of the included trials.