Mountain Peony Extract
Also known as: Paeonia × suffruticosa, Moutan Peony, Mountain Peony Extract, Moutan Cortex Extract, Total Glucosides of Peony, TGP, Paeonia lactiflora
Overview
Mountain Peony Extract is a herbal supplement primarily derived from the root bark (Moutan Cortex) of Paeonia × suffruticosa, a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is also associated with Paeonia lactiflora, another common peony species used for extracts. The extract contains key bioactive compounds such as paeonol, paeoniflorin, and total glucosides of peony (TGP). These compounds are responsible for its recognized anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Research, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, indicates its potential efficacy, particularly in managing inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The scientific understanding of Mountain Peony Extract is evolving, with a growing body of preclinical and clinical studies supporting its therapeutic applications.
Benefits
Mountain Peony Extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models demonstrated that total glucosides of paeony (TGP) significantly reduce serum inflammatory cytokines, highlighting its potent anti-inflammatory activity. Its antioxidant capacity stems from phenolic compounds like paeonol, which reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, as shown in cellular and animal models, including protection against lung inflammation and myocardial infarction. For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that combining TGP with methotrexate significantly improves clinical outcomes in RA patients, suggesting a synergistic effect and enhanced efficacy over methotrexate alone. While immunomodulatory effects and possible estrogen-like activity have been reported, the clinical evidence for these benefits is less robust.
How it works
Mountain Peony Extract exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It activates the Nrf2 transcription factor signaling pathway, which leads to the upregulation of cytoprotective enzymes and a reduction in oxidative stress. Concurrently, it inhibits the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8. The key active compounds, paeonol and paeoniflorin, are central to these actions, directly targeting oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. While oral absorption of TGP and paeonol occurs, specific pharmacokinetic data regarding their bioavailability are limited.
Side effects
Mountain Peony Extract is generally considered safe when used at recommended doses in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Serious adverse events have not been consistently reported. However, there are potential drug interactions that warrant caution. It may interact with anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding. Its efficacy might be reduced when taken with phenytoin. Due to potential additive estrogenic effects, caution is advised when combined with estrogen-containing drugs. Furthermore, it may interact with medications metabolized by liver enzymes CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, potentially altering their metabolism. Therefore, individuals on blood thinners, anticonvulsants, or hormone therapies should exercise caution. Data on its use in special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are limited, and its safety in these groups has not been well-studied.
Dosage
In human clinical studies, the typical dosage of Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP) for rheumatoid arthritis trials is approximately 600 mg per day, administered orally. This dosage is often used in combination with methotrexate. In animal studies, TGP doses ranged from 25 to 370 mg/kg/day in rodent models. The maximum safe dose for humans has not been firmly established, but clinical trials have reported good tolerance at the studied doses. Mountain Peony Extract is usually administered daily, with the duration of treatment varying from weeks to months depending on the specific indication and clinical response. It is typically available as standardized extracts containing total glucosides of peony or paeonol.
FAQs
Is Mountain Peony Extract effective for arthritis?
Yes, systematic reviews support its efficacy, particularly when combined with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis, showing improved clinical outcomes.
Are there safety concerns with Mountain Peony Extract?
It is generally safe, but caution is advised due to potential drug interactions, especially with blood thinners, anticonvulsants, and hormone therapies.
How long does it take to see effects from Mountain Peony Extract?
Animal studies show effects within weeks. Clinical trials typically assess outcomes over 8–12 weeks, suggesting a similar timeframe for noticeable benefits.
Can Mountain Peony Extract be used as a standalone treatment?
It is often used adjunctively with other therapies. Evidence for its efficacy as a monotherapy is less robust compared to its use in combination.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9739549/ – This systematic review by Ekiert et al. (2022) examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Paeonia × suffruticosa extracts. It demonstrated that paeonol, a key compound, reduces reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines in cell and animal models, primarily through Nrf2 and MAPK/NF-κB pathways. The review highlighted promising preclinical data but noted the need for more human studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1349259/full – He et al.'s 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis included 41 animal studies on Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP) in rheumatoid arthritis models. The study found that TGP significantly reduced serum inflammatory cytokines at doses ranging from 25–370 mg/kg/day over 1–8 weeks. While well-controlled, the findings are limited to animal data, emphasizing the need for human clinical trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748514/ – This 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis by Feng et al. analyzed clinical trials combining TGP with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It concluded that this combination improved efficacy and safety profiles compared to methotrexate alone, showing statistically significant clinical improvements. The study noted adequate sample sizes but acknowledged moderate risk of bias in some included trials.
Supplements Containing Mountain Peony Extract
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