Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root)
Research reviewed: 2022-2025
Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root) (Paeonia lactiflora) is a dietary supplement with 11 published peer-reviewed studies involving 2,098 participants, researched for PCOS & Hormonal Balance, Autoimmune Conditions, Anti-inflammatory and 5 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
PCOS & Hormonal Balance
WeakAutoimmune Conditions
ModerateAnti-inflammatory
WeakFertility
ModerateBlood Sugar
ModerateAnti-Inflammatory
ModerateEye Health
ModerateCognitive Function
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
Blood Sugar
Shaoyao-Gancao decoction for the treatment of muscle cramps in maintenance hemodialysis: A prospective randomized crossover controlled trial.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Shaoyao-Gancao decoction for the treatment of muscle cramps in maintenance hemodialysis: A prospective randomized crossover controlled trial.
Dose
See study
Participants
81 participants
Duration
2 weeks
Results
CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the significant effectiveness of SG in alleviating muscle cramps among maintenance HD patients.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 40204247. J Ethnopharmacol
Anti-Inflammatory
Exploring the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the long-term management of postoperative ovarian endometriotic cysts: a systematic review and meta-a
Study Type
Meta-Analysis
Purpose
Exploring the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the long-term management of postoperative ovarian endometriotic cysts: a systematic review and meta-a
Dose
See study
Participants
1938 participants
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSION: CHM may be a viable choice in the long-term management of postoperative OEC, with the potential to enhance clinical efficacy while decreasing recurrence and adverse effects.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 38910886. Front Pharmacol
Study on molecular biological mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions based on data mining and network
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Study on molecular biological mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions based on data mining and network
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
CONCLUSION: In this study, we obtained the top 6 high-frequency Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions by data mining method, and revealed that their mechanisms ar.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 36581572. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban
Eye Health
Efficacy and safety of total glucosides of paeony in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-co
Study Type
Meta-Analysis
Purpose
Efficacy and safety of total glucosides of paeony in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-co
Dose
See study
Participants
79 participants
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Conclusion: TGP had a good long-term therapeutic effect on RAU with frequent occurrence.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 37601076. Front Pharmacol
Cognitive Function
Antidepressant Active Components of Bupleurum chinense DC-Paeonia lactiflora Pall Herb Pair: Pharmacological Mechanisms.
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Antidepressant Active Components of Bupleurum chinense DC-Paeonia lactiflora Pall Herb Pair: Pharmacological Mechanisms.
Dose
See study
Participants
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Results
We found that it works mainly through relieving oxidative stress, regulating HPA axis, and protecting neurons.
How They Measured It
PubMed PMID: 36408279. Biomed Res Int
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root) research
There are currently 11 peer-reviewed studies on Paeonia Lactiflora (White Peony Root) (Paeonia lactiflora), involving 2,098 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 (7 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, 7 out of 11 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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