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Moutan

Also known as: Moutan, Moutan Cortex, Tree Peony root bark, Paeonia suffruticosa

Overview

Moutan, scientifically known as *Paeonia suffruticosa*, refers to the dried root bark of the Tree Peony, a plant traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine. It is primarily valued for its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and circulatory-enhancing properties. While often included in multi-herb formulas to address conditions such as inflammation, blood stasis, and pain, research on Moutan as a standalone ingredient is limited. Most clinical data supporting its use come from studies on complex herbal formulations where Moutan is combined with other herbs. The current evidence base is considered preliminary, with a scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and no large-scale systematic reviews or meta-analyses focusing exclusively on Moutan's effects. Its traditional use suggests a role in various therapeutic applications, but more rigorous scientific investigation is needed to confirm its specific benefits and mechanisms when used in isolation.

Benefits

Clinical trials involving Chinese herbal formulas that contain Moutan have suggested potential benefits in alleviating symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and depression, as well as reducing inflammation. However, it is crucial to note that these effects cannot be definitively attributed solely to Moutan due to the multi-herb composition of the formulas. For instance, meta-analyses of Chinese herbal medicine for AMS have indicated statistically significant reductions in symptom scores compared to placebo, but the overall quality of the included trials was low, limiting firm conclusions. Similarly, Bayesian network meta-analyses of Chinese herbal medicines, including those with Moutan, for depression have shown some efficacy comparable to conventional antidepressants, yet these findings are constrained by a high risk of bias and heterogeneity across studies. There are currently no high-quality randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses that specifically isolate and evaluate the effects of Moutan with adequate sample sizes and controls, making it difficult to ascertain its individual benefits.

How it works

Moutan contains several bioactive compounds, notably paeonol and paeonoside, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties in preclinical studies. These compounds are believed to exert their effects by modulating inflammatory cytokines, influencing oxidative stress pathways, and potentially improving microcirculation. While these mechanisms suggest a basis for its traditional uses, human pharmacokinetic data, including information on absorption, bioavailability, and specific molecular targets, remain poorly characterized. The precise ways in which these compounds interact with human biological systems to produce therapeutic effects are not yet fully understood, and further research is needed to elucidate the complete mechanism of action in vivo.

Side effects

Based on traditional use, Moutan is generally considered safe when administered in prescribed doses within the context of herbal formulas. However, there is a significant lack of well-documented adverse effects or drug interactions derived from high-quality clinical trials focusing specifically on Moutan. The current safety data are insufficient to conclusively rule out the possibility of rare or long-term side effects. Due to the limited rigorous research, comprehensive information regarding potential drug interactions, contraindications, or specific risk factors associated with Moutan as a standalone supplement is not available. Users should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals, especially if taking other medications or having pre-existing health conditions, as the full safety profile of isolated Moutan has not been thoroughly established through modern scientific methods.

Dosage

There are no standardized dosing guidelines established for isolated Moutan. Its traditional use is almost exclusively within multi-herb formulas, where doses vary widely according to the specific formulation and the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Clinical trials and research studies have not provided clear minimum effective or maximum safe doses for Moutan when used alone. In traditional preparations, Moutan root bark is typically combined with other herbs, and its dosage is determined by the overall therapeutic strategy of the herbal formula. Without specific research on isolated Moutan, it is not possible to recommend a precise dosage, timing considerations, or upper limits for safety. Any use of Moutan should ideally be under the guidance of a qualified practitioner familiar with TCM principles.

FAQs

Is Moutan effective when used alone?

Current scientific evidence does not support efficacy claims for Moutan as a single agent. Any reported benefits have been observed only within multi-herb formulas, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to Moutan.

Is Moutan safe to use?

Traditional use suggests Moutan is generally safe within prescribed herbal formulas. However, rigorous safety data from modern clinical trials are lacking, meaning its full safety profile, especially as a standalone supplement, is not well-established.

How long does it take for Moutan's effects to appear?

There are no specific data on the time course for effects when using isolated Moutan. For multi-herb formulas containing Moutan, the onset of effects can vary over weeks, depending on the specific condition being addressed.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3881533/ – This Cochrane-style systematic review and meta-analysis by Liu et al. (2013) evaluated Chinese herbal medicine for acute mountain sickness. It included 9 RCTs, noting low methodological quality across studies. While meta-analyses showed reductions in symptom scores, the poor trial quality prevented firm conclusions regarding efficacy.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1295564/full – Wang et al. (2024) conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis of 198 RCTs on Chinese herbal medicines for depression. The study found some formulas containing Moutan to be comparable to antidepressants, but acknowledged that 68% of the included studies had some risk of bias and high heterogeneity, limiting the strength of conclusions.