Paenia Lactiflora Root Extract
Also known as: Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Chinese peony, Bai Shao, Total glucosides of paeony, TGP, Paeonia lactiflora root extract
Overview
Paeonia lactiflora root extract, commonly known as Chinese peony or Bai Shao, is derived from the dried roots of the *Paeonia lactiflora* plant. It is primarily standardized to total glucosides of paeony (TGP), with paeoniflorin being the most abundant and active compound, accounting for over 90% of TGP content. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, this herbal extract is recognized for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Its main applications in modern research focus on its role as an adjunctive treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. The extract works by modulating immune function and regulating inflammatory cytokines. Research into its efficacy and safety is growing, with several meta-analyses supporting its use in specific autoimmune conditions.
Benefits
Paeonia lactiflora root extract, specifically its standardized form TGP, offers significant benefits primarily as an adjunctive therapy for autoimmune diseases. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), TGP combined with conventional treatments has been shown to significantly reduce disease activity scores (e.g., SLEDAI-1m mean difference ~ -3.54, 95% CI -4.08 to -3.00, p < 0.00001) compared to conventional treatment alone. Meta-analyses further indicate an improved clinical effective rate (OR ~4.19, 95% CI 2.21 to 7.95, p < 0.0001) when TGP is added to standard SLE therapy. Beyond SLE, TGP is associated with improved immune regulation and reduced inflammation in other rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The benefits are most pronounced in patients with autoimmune conditions, with moderate to large effect sizes observed in reducing disease activity. These improvements can be seen within short to intermediate treatment durations (4 to 26 weeks), with some evidence suggesting sustained effects. The evidence base is supported by multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.
How it works
Paeonia lactiflora root extract, primarily through its active compounds total glucosides of paeony (TGP) and paeoniflorin, exerts its therapeutic effects by modulating immune function. It achieves this by regulating inflammatory cytokines and influencing the activity of various immune cells. Specifically, TGP and paeoniflorin inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways and modulate both T-cell and B-cell responses, which are crucial in autoimmune processes. This action helps to reduce overall autoimmune activity and inflammation within the body. Paeoniflorin is the main bioactive molecule responsible for these immunomodulatory effects, and it demonstrates good oral bioavailability when administered as part of a TGP formulation.
Side effects
Paeonia lactiflora root extract, particularly in its TGP form, is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used as an adjunctive therapy for autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have reported that common side effects are mild and infrequent, with no major adverse events consistently documented. The safety profile appears robust within the context of rheumatic disease treatment, although less data is available for other populations. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been extensively documented in the reviewed scientific literature. While intermediate-term use (up to 26 weeks) has shown a good safety record, long-term safety data are more limited. Patients should always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
The typical dosage for Paeonia lactiflora root extract, specifically standardized total glucosides of paeony (TGP), ranges from 600 mg to 1,200 mg daily. This range is based on doses used in clinical trials that demonstrated efficacy in autoimmune conditions. While an optimal single dosage is not firmly established, these amounts align with those showing therapeutic benefits. The extract is generally administered orally, often divided into multiple doses throughout the day, and is intended to be used as an adjunct to conventional therapies. Paeoniflorin, the primary active compound within TGP, exhibits adequate absorption when taken orally, and no specific cofactors are typically required to enhance its bioavailability. Patients should adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially when combining with other medications.
FAQs
Is TGP safe for long-term use?
Evidence supports safety for intermediate-term use (up to 26 weeks). While longer-term data are limited, no major safety signals have been reported in existing research.
Can TGP replace conventional treatments for autoimmune diseases?
No, TGP is intended as an adjunct to standard therapies for autoimmune diseases, not as a standalone treatment. It should be used in conjunction with prescribed medications.
How soon can benefits be expected from taking TGP?
Improvements in disease activity and clinical symptoms can typically be observed within weeks to a few months of consistent use, as shown in clinical studies.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.834947/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 RCTs involving 978 SLE patients found that TGP combined with conventional treatment significantly reduced SLE disease activity (MD -3.54, p<0.00001). The study highlighted TGP's efficacy as an adjunctive therapy, despite some heterogeneity and moderate risk of bias in included trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9771270/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 RCTs with 836 SLE patients concluded that TGP significantly improved the clinical effective rate (OR 4.19, p<0.0001) and demonstrated a good safety profile. It noted limitations such as limited long-term data and small sample sizes in some trials, suggesting moderate to high quality evidence.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/8292486 – This systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing multiple RCTs, indicated that TGP was favored in achieving overall response rates in the intermediate term (OR 2.47, p=0.01). The review acknowledged some heterogeneity and small sample sizes in certain studies, classifying the evidence as moderate quality.
