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Safety Overview
1.Chinese Peony — Essential Profile
The Chinese Peony, scientifically designated as Paeonia lactiflora var., is a captivating perennial herbaceous plant esteemed for both its ornamental allure and profound medicinal value. Typically reaching heights of 60 to 100 centimeters, this species forms a robust, dense clump from its fleshy, tuberous root system.
Its foliage is deeply lobed, often displaying a glossy texture, with individual leaves extending up to 40 centimeters in length, contributing significantly to its lush appearance. The stems, emerging from the ground, are generally green and sometimes glaucous, providing a subtle contrast to the vibrant leaves and blooms.
Chinese Peony is renowned for its large, exquisitely fragrant flowers, which can span an impressive 8 to 16 centimeters in diameter. These blooms showcase a rich palette of colors, predominantly shades of pink, white, and red, frequently adorned with broad, rounded petals that often feature delicate frilled edges, enhancing their visual appeal.
Taxonomically, Paeonia lactiflora var. belongs to the family Paeoniaceae, a group characterized by its distinctive flower structure, which typically includes numerous stamens encircling a subglobose seed pod.
Native to the temperate zones of East Asia, particularly northern China in provinces like Shanxi and Shaanxi, as well as Korea and Japan, Chinese Peony thrives in open grasslands, forest margins, and on dry, open stony slopes and riverbanks. It prefers well-drained, loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. Historically, this plant has held immense cultural and medicinal significance, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where its dried root, known as 'Bái Sháo' (White Peony), has been revered for over 1200 years.
It is harvested from plants typically 4-5 years old during summer or autumn, then cleaned, boiled, dried, and sliced for use in various herbal formulations. Its deep roots in traditional healing practices underscore its enduring importance in natural pharmacopeias across East Asia.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Paeonia lactiflora var.:
1.1.Chinese Peony — Highlights
- ✓Scientific Name — Paeonia lactiflora var.
- ✓Common Names — Chinese Peony, White Peony, Bái Sháo.
- ✓Family — Paeoniaceae.
- ✓Botanical Type — Herbaceous perennial flowering plant.
- ✓Medicinal Part — Dried root (Radix Paeoniae Alba).
- ✓Primary Active Compound — Paeoniflorin.
- ✓Traditional Medicine System — Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
- ✓Key Actions — Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antispasmodic.
- ✓Native Region — East Asia (China, Korea, Japan).
- ✓Ornamental Value — Highly prized for its large, fragrant, and colorful flowers.
1.2.Chinese Peony — Concise Overview
- ✓Revered TCM herb, 'Bái Sháo', for over 1200 years of medicinal use.
- ✓Known for potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects.
- ✓Key active compound is paeoniflorin, concentrated in Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP).
- ✓Traditionally used for pain, inflammation, dysmenorrhea, and autoimmune conditions like RA.
- ✓Thrives in temperate East Asian climates, requiring well-drained, organic-rich soil.
- ✓Generally well-tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea) as the primary side effect.
2.Chinese Peony — Scientific Identity
3.Chinese Peony — Categories & Tags
4.Chinese Peony — Botanical Features
5.Chinese Peony — Folk Medicine Applications
6.Chinese Peony — Phytochemistry
- ✓Monoterpene Glucosides — Paeoniflorin (the most abundant and active compound, responsible for analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects), Albiflorin, Oxypaeoniflorin, Benzoylpaeoniflorin, Lactiflorin, Galloylpaeoniflorin, and Paeoniflorigenone.
- ✓Phenolic Compounds — Paeonol (exhibits anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties), contributing to the plant's overall therapeutic profile.
- ✓Glycosides — A broad category encompassing the active monoterpene glucosides, crucial for their diverse pharmacological activities.
- ✓Tannins — Possess astringent properties, contributing to potential wound healing and anti-diarrheal effects.
- ✓Flavonoids — Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, supporting cellular health.
- ✓Volatile Oils — Present in minor amounts, contributing to the plant's characteristic aroma and potentially offering subtle therapeutic benefits.
- ✓Sterols — Plant sterols are present, which may have cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects.
- ✓Polysaccharides — Contribute to the plant's immunomodulatory properties and general health benefits.
7.Chinese Peony — Evidence-Based Benefits
- ✓Analgesic Effects — Verified in various animal models of pain, including visceral pain, suggesting its efficacy in relieving discomfort, partly mediated by adenosine A1 receptors.
- ✓Anti-Inflammatory Properties — Directly observed in acute and subacute inflammation models, inhibiting the production of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, and nitric oxide, while suppressing intracellular calcium ion concentration.
- ✓Immunomodulatory Actions — Exhibits dual effects on lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation of Th/Ts lymphocytes, and the production of proinflammatory cytokines and antibodies, contributing to immune system balance.
- ✓Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment — Beneficial effects confirmed by randomized controlled trials, leading to the approval of Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP) as a disease-modifying drug in China.
- ✓Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Support — Traditionally used to manage symptoms associated with this autoimmune condition, leveraging its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
- ✓Hepatitis Management — Employed in traditional medicine to support liver health and manage inflammation associated with hepatitis.
- ✓Dysmenorrhea Relief — Historically used to alleviate menstrual cramping and pain, likely due to its antispasmodic and analgesic effects.
- ✓Muscle Cramping and Spasms Alleviation — Effective in reducing muscle tension and spasms, providing relief from discomfort.
- ✓Fever Reduction — Traditional applications include its use as an antipyretic to help lower fever.
- ✓Antioxidant Protection — Reported to have protective effects against oxidative stress, safeguarding cells from damage caused by free radicals.
7.1.Chinese Peony — Reported Uses
8.Chinese Peony — Safety Considerations
8.1.Chinese Peony — Side Effects & Warnings
- ✓Gastrointestinal Upset — The most commonly reported adverse events include mild gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
- ✓Allergic Reactions — Sensitive individuals may experience allergic responses, including skin rashes, itching, or swelling.
- ✓Hypotension — High doses may potentially lead to a mild reduction in blood pressure, so caution is advised for individuals with low blood pressure.
- ✓Sedation — Some individuals may experience mild drowsiness or sedation, particularly when taken in larger quantities.
- ✓Drug Interactions — May interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants (due to potential blood-thinning effects) or immunosuppressants (due to its immunomodulatory actions).
- ✓Menstrual Changes — Due to its influence on uterine function, it may potentially affect the menstrual cycle in some women.
8.2.Chinese Peony — Risk Assessment
- ✓Pregnancy and Lactation — Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and potential uterine stimulant effects.
- ✓Bleeding Disorders — Use with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications, as it may enhance blood-thinning effects.
- ✓Autoimmune Diseases — While used for autoimmune conditions, careful monitoring by a healthcare professional is crucial due to its complex immunomodulatory actions.
- ✓Pre-surgical Discontinuation — It is advisable to discontinue use at least two weeks prior to any scheduled surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding complications.
- ✓Children — Not recommended for infants or young children without the explicit guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
- ✓Pre-existing Conditions — Individuals with chronic health conditions, especially liver or kidney impairment, should consult a healthcare provider before use.
- ✓Dosage Adherence — Adhere strictly to recommended dosages to minimize the risk of adverse effects and ensure safe therapeutic outcomes.
9.Chinese Peony — Usage Guide
- ✓Traditional Decoction — The dried root without bark ('Bái Sháo') is commonly prepared by simmering slices in water to create a medicinal tea or decoction.
- ✓Herbal Formulas — Frequently combined with other synergistic herbs in complex Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations to address specific health conditions.
- ✓Tinctures — Alcohol-based extracts of the root are prepared to concentrate its active compounds for convenient liquid dosing.
- ✓Standardized Extracts — Modern supplements, such as Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP), are available in capsule or tablet form, providing a standardized dose of active constituents.
- ✓Topical Applications — In some traditional practices, poultices or infused oils of the root might be applied externally to soothe localized pain or inflammation.
- ✓Culinary Use — While primarily medicinal, the root has been historically incorporated into some traditional foods or health tonics in East Asian cultures.
- ✓Expert Consultation — Always consult a qualified medical herbalist or healthcare practitioner for appropriate dosage and preparation methods, especially when addressing specific health concerns.
10.Chinese Peony — Cultivation & Care
- ✓Climate Preference — Thrives in temperate zones, preferring full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and flowering.
- ✓Soil Requirements — Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy soils rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.0).
- ✓Propagation — Primarily propagated by division of its tuberous roots in autumn or early spring; can also be grown from seeds, though this takes longer to mature.
- ✓Planting — Root divisions should be planted shallowly, with the 'eyes' or growth buds facing upwards, about 2-3 inches below the soil surface.
- ✓Watering — Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells and in its establishment phase, but is intolerant of waterlogging.
- ✓Fertilization — Benefits from an annual application of a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted compost in early spring to support vigorous growth.
- ✓Harvesting — Medicinal roots are typically harvested from cultivated plants that are 4-5 years old, usually in late summer or autumn after the foliage has died back.
- ✓Pests and Diseases — Generally robust, but can be susceptible to fungal diseases like botrytis blight and powdery mildew, and pests such as scale insects; good air circulation helps prevent issues.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
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1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Important medical disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Do not use any herb to self-treat a medical condition without professional guidance.
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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