Red Peony Root vs Pterocarpus santalinus

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Red Peony Root

Paeonia lactiflora var. rubra

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-inflammatory

Red Peony Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Pterocarpus santalinus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

The unprepared red form of Chinese peony root; used in TCM for clearing blood heat and moving blood stasis — different properties from Bai Shao.

South Indian tree with red heartwood used in Ayurveda for inflammation, skin conditions, and cooling therapy.

Active Compounds

paeoniflorin, paeonol, oxypaeoniflorin, gallic acid, tannins

santalin A, santalin B, pterostilbene, flavonoids, savinin

Traditional Uses

Blood heat conditions in TCM, Blood stasis patterns, Liver conditions with heat, Used in formulas for bruising and blood conditions

skin conditions, inflammation, fever, liver disease, diabetes

Modern Uses

Anti-inflammatory, Antiplatelet, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective

anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, skin soothing

Adult Dosage

6–15 g dried root as decoction; 500 mg extract 2x daily

1-3g red sandalwood powder as paste or tea 2x/day

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Bleeding disorders, Anticoagulant medications

pregnancy, anticoagulants

Side Effects

GI upset, Blood thinning, Nausea

skin staining (red), mild GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E