Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root)
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root) (Paeonia lactiflora) is a dietary supplement with 6 published peer-reviewed studies involving 320 participants, researched for PCOS & Hormonal Balance, Autoimmune Conditions, Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
PCOS & Hormonal Balance
ModerateAutoimmune Conditions
ModerateAnti-inflammatory
ModerateFertility
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
PCOS & Hormonal Balance
To investigate whether paeoniflorin extract (PFE) from Paeonia lactiflora reduces testosterone over-secretion in theca cells.
Study Type
In vitro mechanistic study
Purpose
To investigate whether paeoniflorin extract (PFE) from Paeonia lactiflora reduces testosterone over-secretion in theca cells.
Dose
PFE 0.1–10 μM in vitro
Participants
Primary murine theca cells
Duration
In vitro
Results
Paeoniflorin extract significantly reduced testosterone secretion from theca cells by downregulating CYP17A1 and CYP11A1 expression, providing scientific evidence for treating ovarian hyperandrogenism in PCOS.
How They Measured It
Testosterone production by theca cells, CYP17A1 and CYP11A1 gene expression
To investigate whether Paeonia lactiflora extract improves ovarian function and oocyte quality in aged female mice.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate whether Paeonia lactiflora extract improves ovarian function and oocyte quality in aged female mice.
Dose
Paeonia lactiflora extract 200 mg/kg/day
Participants
Aged female C57BL/6 mice
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Paeonia lactiflora significantly improved ovarian reserve, oocyte quality and maturation rates in aged mice. Hormonal profiles (FSH, AMH) improved. Results suggest potential for improving fertility in older women.
How They Measured It
Ovarian morphology, oocyte count and quality, hormonal assays (FSH, AMH), fertilisation rates
Autoimmune Conditions
To evaluate the efficacy of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Dose
600 mg TGP three times daily
Participants
120 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis
Duration
24 weeks
Results
TGP addition to methotrexate significantly improved DAS-28 scores, reduced joint counts, and lowered inflammatory markers compared to methotrexate alone. Treatment was well tolerated.
How They Measured It
DAS-28, tender joint count, swollen joint count, CRP, ESR, HAQ
Anti-inflammatory
To review the pharmacological properties of total glycosides of paeony (TGP) / paeoniflorin in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review the pharmacological properties of total glycosides of paeony (TGP) / paeoniflorin in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
TGP demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB inhibition, Treg enhancement, and cytokine modulation. Clinical evidence supports use in rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and PCOS-related inflammation.
How They Measured It
Systematic review of pharmacological and clinical studies
To investigate the molecular mechanisms of paeoniflorin's anti-inflammatory activity.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To investigate the molecular mechanisms of paeoniflorin's anti-inflammatory activity.
Dose
Paeoniflorin 1–100 μM
Participants
Human and murine macrophage cell lines
Duration
N/A
Results
Paeoniflorin significantly inhibited NF-κB activation and reduced TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and COX-2 expression in stimulated macrophages, confirming its anti-inflammatory mechanism.
How They Measured It
NF-κB reporter assay, pro-inflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX-2 expression
Fertility
To evaluate the effects of a traditional Chinese formula containing Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza on menstrual cycle and hormone levels in women with PCOS.
Study Type
Observational clinical study
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of a traditional Chinese formula containing Paeonia lactiflora and Glycyrrhiza on menstrual cycle and hormone levels in women with PCOS.
Dose
Shakuyaku-kanzo-to (containing P. lactiflora and G. glabra)
Participants
34 women with PCOS
Duration
24 weeks
Results
The combination formula normalised menstrual cycles in 78% of treated women, reduced LH/FSH ratio, and lowered testosterone levels. Results support traditional use for PCOS management.
How They Measured It
Menstrual cycle regularity, LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, oestradiol, prolactin
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root) research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root) (Paeonia lactiflora), involving 320 total participants. Research covers PCOS & hormonal balance, Autoimmune conditions, Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root) has been researched for: PCOS & hormonal balance, Autoimmune conditions, Anti-inflammatory, Fertility. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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