Organic Chinese Peony Root Extract
Also known as: Chinese Peony Root, White Peony Root, Bai Shao, Total glucosides of paeony, TGP, Paeoniflorin, Paeonia lactiflora
Overview
Organic Chinese Peony Root Extract is derived from the dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora, a plant extensively utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. The extract's primary bioactive compounds are total glucosides of paeony (TGP), with paeoniflorin being the most prominent. It is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic, and phytoestrogenic properties, making it a common supplement for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic urticaria. Emerging evidence also suggests its utility in alleviating menopausal symptoms and potentially modulating mood disorders. Research on this extract is moderately mature, with several systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy and safety, particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases.
Benefits
Organic Chinese Peony Root Extract offers several evidence-based benefits. For rheumatoid arthritis (RA), meta-analyses indicate that TGP, when combined with methotrexate (MTX), significantly improves symptoms like joint pain and swelling, and slows disease progression, demonstrating a good safety profile. This combination therapy is more effective than MTX alone. In chronic urticaria, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that TGP, used as an add-on to H1-antihistamines, improves symptom control and reduces recurrence rates in adolescents and adults. The extract also contains phytoestrogens that may alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, with some studies suggesting effects comparable to menopausal hormone therapy. Preliminary animal studies suggest paeoniflorin may inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT), potentially increasing serotonin levels and reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, though human data for mood disorders are limited and require further research. Other potential benefits, including improved blood flow and pain relief, need further confirmation.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Chinese Peony Root Extract, particularly its TGP content, involves significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. TGP inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates the activity of various immune cells, thereby reducing inflammation in autoimmune conditions. Its analgesic effects are likely mediated through these anti-inflammatory pathways and potentially through modulation of neurotransmitter systems. The extract also exhibits phytoestrogenic activity, where its compounds structurally mimic estrogen, binding to estrogen receptors to help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, paeoniflorin, a key component, has been shown in animal studies to inhibit the serotonin transporter (SERT), which could lead to increased serotonin availability in the brain, potentially improving mood and reducing anxiety. Oral bioavailability of paeoniflorin is moderate, with metabolism occurring via hepatic pathways.
Side effects
Organic Chinese Peony Root Extract is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. The most common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal discomfort and nausea. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of individuals, include allergic reactions and dizziness. Rarely, less than 1% of users may experience hepatic enzyme elevation. Due to its immunomodulatory properties, there is a potential for interactions with immunosuppressants, and its effects on blood clotting may interact with anticoagulants, necessitating caution. The extract is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to its phytoestrogen content, which could interfere with hormone balance. Individuals with severe liver disease should also avoid its use. Safety in children and the elderly requires further dedicated study to establish specific guidelines for these populations.
Dosage
Clinical trials commonly use Total Glucosides of Paeony (TGP) doses of 600 mg/day for rheumatoid arthritis, which can be considered a minimum effective dose. The optimal dosage ranges from 600 mg to 1200 mg per day of TGP extract, often administered in divided doses. The maximum safe dose is not well established, and doses exceeding 1200 mg/day lack sufficient safety data. It is typically administered orally, with divided doses taken with meals to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects. For consistent efficacy, standardized extracts with a defined paeoniflorin content are preferred. Food may influence absorption, so consistent administration practices are recommended. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is it safe to use with methotrexate?
Yes, clinical trials support the combined use of TGP with methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis, showing improved efficacy and an acceptable safety profile.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Clinical improvements in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and chronic urticaria are typically observed within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
Can it replace hormone therapy for menopause?
While it may alleviate some menopausal symptoms due to its phytoestrogenic effects, it should not replace prescribed hormone therapy without medical consultation.
Are there risks of hormone-related side effects?
Yes, due to its phytoestrogenic properties, caution is advised in individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, as it can exert estrogen-like effects.
Does it interact with antidepressants?
There is no direct evidence of interactions with antidepressants, but caution is advised due to paeoniflorin's potential serotonergic effects, which could theoretically alter serotonin levels.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.961371/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated TGP as an add-on treatment for chronic urticaria. It found that TGP combined with antihistamines significantly improved symptom control and reduced recurrence rates in adolescents and adults, demonstrating a good safety profile. The study noted that most included studies were from China, which might introduce some heterogeneity.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5754451/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated TGP combined with methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis. It concluded that combination therapy significantly improved clinical symptoms and inflammatory markers compared to MTX alone, without increasing adverse events. The study highlighted some variability in design and reporting among the included RCTs.
- https://www.healthline.com/health/white-peony-root – This narrative review, referencing peer-reviewed studies, discusses the phytoestrogenic and neurochemical effects of white peony root. It suggests that phytoestrogens in white peony can reduce menopausal symptoms and that paeoniflorin modulates the serotonin transporter in animal models. It notes that human clinical trials for mood effects are still limited.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748514/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to the same meta-analysis as PMC5754451, focusing on TGP combined with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis. It supports the finding that combination therapy significantly improved clinical symptoms and inflammatory markers compared to MTX alone, without increasing adverse events, based on RCTs with adequate sample sizes.
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