PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 23 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Paeonia officinalis is a perennial herb used traditionally for various ailments, demonstrating antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant properties in research [PMID:34388412, 40265918].
Background
Paeonia officinalis is a native perennial herb of Southern Europe and Western Asia [PMID:34388412]. It is considered a homoploid hybrid species between Paeonia peregrina and a member of the Paeonia arietina species group [PMID:11259655].
Traditional uses
It is most commonly used to treat heart disease, menstrual irregularities, uterine fibroids, arthritis, and cough, although supporting data is poor [PMID:30000962]. It has been used globally for over 2000 years for its anticonvulsant effect [PMID:34388412].
Active compounds
Root compounds include paeoniflorin, albiflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, liquiritin, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, tannins, terpenoids, triterpenoids, and complex polysaccharides [PMID:30000962]. Other identified root components include lactiflorin, galloyl paeoniflorin, benzoic acid, methyl gallate, and β-sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside [PMID:36500473]. Seeds contain resveratroloside (trans-resveratrol-4'-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside) [PMID:31655335]. Petals contain phenolic compounds [PMID:41012020].
Mechanism of action
Paeoniflorin is thought to be the primary ingredient that decreases serum prolactin [PMID:30000962]. Resveratroloside from seeds exhibits tyrosinase inhibiting activity [PMID:31655335]. Root extracts have been shown to induce hyperpolarization of mitochondria and increase reactive oxygen species levels in certain cancer cell lines [PMID:33513825].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BIntractable epilepsy in children
A hydroalcoholic extract administered as adjunct therapy significantly decreased the mean frequency of seizures; 62.5% of patients showed a ≥50% reduction in frequency [PMID:34388412]
Evidence BAcute anal fissure
Homeopathic Paeonia officinalis mother tincture significantly reduced pain intensity (VAS score) from 8.94 to 0.11 over 12 weeks [PMID:40834876]
Evidence BSkin tolerance/cosmetic use
A clinical study with 40 Caucasian participants demonstrated good skin-tolerance, a high moisture effect, and reduction of pores using seed extract [PMID:31655335]
Safety & adverse effects
The herb is generally well tolerated, but can occasionally cause gastrointestinal upset and allergic skin reactions, particularly with topical application [PMID:30000962].
Pregnancy & lactation
It is probably best to avoid during breastfeeding because it can lower serum prolactin and might suppress lactation [PMID:30000962]. No data exist on the excretion of components into breastmilk or safety in nursing mothers and infants [PMID:30000962].
Evidence summary
Evidence consists of a mix of in vitro studies showing antimicrobial and antioxidant activity (Level D), a few small open-label clinical trials for epilepsy and anal fissures (Level B), and general reviews (Level C).
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30000962 (2006) — Pharmacological actions of Paeonia officinalis. · Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association. American Pharmaceutical Association
- 2.PMID: 40265918 (2025) — Prospective Approaches to the Sustainable Use of Peonies in Bulgaria. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 36500473 (2022) — Bioassay-Guided Fractionation with Antimalarial and Antimicrobial Activities of Paeonia officinalis. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 4.PMID: 38766273 (2024) — A novel source of biologically active compounds - The leaves of Serbian herbaceous peonies. · Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society
- 5.PMID: 31655335 (2019) — From bench to counter: Discovery and validation of a peony extract as tyrosinase inhibiting cosmeceutical.