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Chinese Peony Root Without Bark Extract

Also known as: Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Chinese Peony Root Without Bark Extract, White Peony Root Extract, Bai Shao, Paeonia lactiflora Root Extract

Overview

Chinese Peony Root Without Bark Extract, derived from *Paeonia lactiflora*, is a traditional Chinese medicine used for gynecological disorders, inflammation, and mood disorders. Key bioactive compounds include paeoniflorin, believed to confer therapeutic effects. Primary applications involve menopausal symptom relief, inflammation modulation, and potential neuropsychological benefits. Research includes randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, particularly on menopausal syndrome and inflammatory conditions. However, high-quality meta-analyses specifically on the extract without bark are limited, with much evidence derived from formulations containing white peony root. It is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and as part of herbal formulations. The root is typically sourced from cultivated *Paeonia lactiflora* plants.

Benefits

- **Menopausal symptom relief:** Phytoestrogens in white peony root can reduce menopausal hot flashes and vaginal dryness, with effects comparable to menopausal hormone therapy. A 2019 meta-analysis supports this, showing significant odds ratios favoring symptom reduction in Chinese herbal formulae including white peony root. - **Anxiety and depression:** Preclinical studies (e.g., a 2020 rat study) suggest that white peony root extract inhibits serotonin transporter (SERT), potentially increasing serotonin availability and reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Human clinical data are currently insufficient to confirm these effects. - **Anti-inflammatory effects:** Clinical evidence from a study involving men with chronic prostatitis showed that a formula containing white peony root reduced inflammatory infiltrates in prostate tissue compared to controls, indicating inflammation-modulating properties. - **Gut microbiome modulation:** Paeoniflorin may enhance probiotic populations and improve gut microbiota balance, potentially leading to systemic health benefits.

How it works

White peony root extract exerts its effects through several mechanisms. Its phytoestrogenic compounds mimic estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors, alleviating menopausal symptoms. The extract inhibits SERT expression, increasing synaptic serotonin levels, potentially underlying anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. It also modulates inflammatory cytokines and immune cell infiltration. Paeoniflorin promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, influencing systemic inflammation and mood regulation. Paeoniflorin is water-soluble and absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but bioavailability may be influenced by gut microbiota composition.

Side effects

White peony root extract is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Due to potential anticoagulant effects, caution is advised when combined with blood thinners. Use in pregnancy and lactation is not well-studied, so caution is advised. Limited data exist for children and the elderly; most studies focus on adult women, especially perimenopausal. It's crucial to monitor for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if they occur. Individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders should exercise caution. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Dosage

Clinical studies vary, but doses of white peony root extract in combination formulas typically range from 1 to 3 grams daily of the raw root equivalent. Optimal dosage depends on the formulation; standardized extracts providing 20-30% paeoniflorin are common. It is usually administered orally, in divided doses with meals to improve tolerance. Extracts standardized for paeoniflorin content are preferred for consistency. Co-administration with probiotics may enhance bioavailability and efficacy. There is no established upper limit, but exceeding recommended doses may increase the risk of side effects.

FAQs

Is it safe for long-term use?

Limited long-term safety data exist; short to medium-term use appears safe. Monitor for any adverse effects and consult with a healthcare provider for extended use.

How quickly do benefits appear?

Menopausal symptom relief may be observed within weeks; mood effects require further human trials. Individual responses can vary.

Can it replace hormone therapy?

It may be an alternative for mild symptoms but is not a direct substitute for hormone replacement therapy. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Does it interact with medications?

Potential interactions with anticoagulants and CNS-active drugs warrant medical supervision. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you are taking.

Research Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/white-peony-root – This Healthline article provides a general overview of white peony root, highlighting its traditional uses and potential health benefits. It mentions its use in treating inflammatory conditions and hormonal imbalances, but lacks specific details on research methodology.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-32/peony – This WebMD page offers basic information on peony, including its uses, side effects, and interactions. It notes that peony is used for various conditions, but the evidence supporting these uses is often limited and requires further research.
https://sa1s3.patientpop.com/assets/docs/78517.pdf – This document appears to be a clinical summary or patient information sheet related to peony root. It likely outlines the uses, benefits, and potential side effects of peony root in a clinical setting, but without further context, the specific details are unclear.
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=91833 – This is a research article published in the Scientific Research Publishing (SCIRP) journal. The article likely details specific research findings related to peony root, potentially covering its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, or clinical applications. Further review of the full article is needed for a comprehensive summary.
https://ad-teaching.informatik.uni-freiburg.de/InformationRetrievalWS1213/wikipedia-sentences.vocabulary.txt.WITH_FREQUENCIES – This URL leads to a vocabulary list extracted from Wikipedia sentences. It's not a direct research source on Chinese Peony Root, but it could be used to analyze the frequency and context of terms related to the herb in Wikipedia articles. It's primarily a linguistic resource rather than a scientific study.
– A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of Chinese herbal formulae including white peony root found that phytoestrogens in the root can reduce menopausal hot flashes and vaginal dryness, showing effects comparable to menopausal hormone therapy. Effect sizes were significant, with odds ratios favoring symptom reduction, though exact numerical values vary across studies. This Cochrane-style meta-analysis included 9 RCTs (sample sizes ≥30) evaluating modified Xiaoyao San, a formula containing white peony root, for perimenopausal syndrome. Results showed significant improvement in menopausal symptoms versus controls with low to moderate heterogeneity. Limitations include all studies published in Chinese and variable quality of blinding.
– A randomized trial with 60 men compared Reaping Mixture (including white peony root) plus finasteride versus finasteride alone. The combination significantly reduced prostate inflammatory infiltrates (p < 0.05), supporting anti-inflammatory effects independent of pelvic-floor function.
– Rat model study demonstrated white peony root extract decreased serotonin transporter expression, increasing serotonin availability and reducing anxiety-like behaviors. While promising, human RCTs are needed to confirm clinical relevance.