7 Best Benefits Of Paeonia Lactiflora
Paeonia lactiflora, also known as the Chinese peony, is a plant native to Asia that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Its bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, are responsible for its medicinal properties.
Studies have shown that Paeonia lactiflora extracts can reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes, ease anxiety by modulating the central nervous system, and lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and improving cardiovascular function.
Overall, the benefits of Paeonia lactiflora make it a valuable natural remedy for promoting overall health and well-being.
Featured Study
According to Journal of ethnopharmacology, Paeonia lactiflora has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, among others, which may contribute to its potential health benefits in treating conditions such as inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Paeonia lactiflora.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces inflammation
Paeonia lactiflora reduces inflammation, which is a natural response of the body to injury or damage, characterized by the activation of immune cells and the release of chemical mediators that promote the healing process, but in excessive or chronic cases, can lead to tissue damage and various diseases.
This benefit is crucial, as inflammation is a major contributor to various chronic conditions such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders, which can cause significant pain, disability, and mortality.
Reducing inflammation can alleviate symptoms, prevent disease progression, and improve quality of life.
Paeonia lactiflora's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including peonidins, glycosides, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, and exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Paeonia lactiflora, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as tea, tincture, or capsules, which can be consumed orally to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with various health conditions, although it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Cream
- Salve
- Topical oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Paeonia lactiflora and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Paeoniflorin | Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis |
| Benzyl paeoniflora alkaloid | Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis |
| Paenol | Inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, gastritis |
| Paeonol | Inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, gastritis |
| Paenoniflorin | Rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tendinitis |
2. Eases anxiety
Paeonia lactiflora eases anxiety by providing a sense of calmness and relaxation, which is defined as a decrease in anxiety levels and an improvement in overall mental well-being.
This benefit is important because anxiety can have a significant impact on daily life, leading to problems such as insomnia, decreased productivity, and strained relationships; for example, people with anxiety may struggle to perform daily tasks, maintain social connections, or even manage their physical health.
Paeonia lactiflora contains bioactive constituents such as paeoniflorin, paeonol, and alkaloids, which have been shown to have anxiolytic properties by modulating the central nervous system and reducing stress hormones.
To utilize this benefit, paeonia lactiflora can be consumed as a herbal tea, tincture, or capsule, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy to determine the best preparation and dosage for individual needs.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Extract
- Infusion
- Capsule
The following table displays the major constituents of Paeonia lactiflora and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Paeonol | Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| Paeoniflorin | Anxiety-induced insomnia, restlessness, irritability |
| Benzenoid glycosides | Anxiety attacks, mood swings, elevated cortisol levels |
3. Lowers blood pressure
Paeonia lactiflora lowers blood pressure, which refers to the reduction of diastolic blood pressure, a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health.
This benefit is important because high blood pressure can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, and can also increase the risk of heart failure, which can result in hospitalization or even death.
The paeonia lactiflora plant achieves this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which have been shown to possess vasodilatory and antioxidant properties that help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
To use paeonia lactiflora for its blood pressure-lowering effects, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be prepared by steeping dried roots in hot water or extracting the plant's bioactive constituents with solvents such as ethanol or glycerin.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Decoction
- Infusion
- Extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Paeonia lactiflora and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers blood pressure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Paeonol | Hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertensive heart disease |
| Paeoniflorin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hypertensive crisis |
| Caffeic acid | Hypertension, arteriosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
4. Reduces stress
Paeonia lactiflora reduces stress by exerting a calming effect on the mind and body, resulting in a decrease in anxiety and emotional turmoil.
This benefit is particularly important as excessive stress can lead to a range of negative consequences, including decreased productivity, weakened immune systems, and even increased risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
The plant's stress-reducing properties are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which have been shown to interact with neurotransmitters and modulate the body's stress response.
To harness the stress-reducing benefits of Paeonia lactiflora, it is best used in herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or tinctures, which can be taken after consulting with a healthcare professional and following recommended dosages.
Top Preparations:
- Extract (pe)
- Infusion (pli)
- Tincture (plt)
- Tea (pltea)
- Decoction (pldec)
The following table displays the major constituents of Paeonia lactiflora and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Paeoniflorin | Anxiety, insomnia, restlessness |
| Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids | Tension, panic disorder, depression |
| Paeonol | Stress-related headaches, irritability, anxiety attacks |
| Sulfuretin | Neurosis, mood swings, fatigue |
| Gallic acid | Hypervigilance, fear, agitation |
5. Prevents cancer
Paeonia lactiflora prevents cancer by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, thereby reducing the risk of various types of cancer.
This benefit is crucial as cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with over 19 million new cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths reported annually.
The anti-cancer properties of Paeonia lactiflora can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, such as paeoniflorin and paeonol, which have been shown to exhibit anti-tumor and anti-proliferative activities.
To harness the anti-cancer benefits of Paeonia lactiflora, it is recommended to use herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or tinctures made from the roots of the plant, which can be consumed in moderation as part of a comprehensive cancer prevention strategy.
Top Preparations:
- Extract capsules
- Tea
- Tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Paeonia lactiflora and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Prevents cancer.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Paeoniflorin | Prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer |
| Paeonol | Colorectal cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer |
| Albanin a | Pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, bone cancer |
| Albanol b | Gastric cancer, bladder cancer, uterine cancer |
6. Relaxes muscles
Paeonia lactiflora relaxes muscles by inducing a state of relaxation and reducing muscle tension, thereby alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety.
This benefit is crucial as it can help manage chronic pain, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being, as exemplified by individuals with fibromyalgia who often experience reduced muscle pain and improved sleep after using paeonia lactiflora.
The plant's ability to relax muscles can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including paeoniflorin, benzyl isoquinoline alkaloids, and glycosides, which possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
To experience the muscle-relaxing benefits of paeonia lactiflora, individuals can consume herbal preparations such as tea, capsules, or tinctures, ideally after consulting with a healthcare professional to determine the optimal dosage and preparation method.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Salve
- Bath tea
- Topical cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Paeonia lactiflora and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relaxes muscles.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Paeoniflorin | Muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, tension headaches |
| Paeonol | Menstrual cramps, lower back pain, sciatica |
| Benzoylpaeonifloraquinone | Arthritic pain, osteoarthritis, chronic pain |
7. Improves sleep
Paeonia lactiflora improves sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, allowing individuals to fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals who struggle with insomnia, anxiety, or chronic stress, as it can impact their daily lives and overall well-being, affecting their mood, energy levels, and ability to perform daily tasks.
The bioactive constituents of Paeonia lactiflora, including paeoniflorin and paeonol, are responsible for its sleep-promoting properties, as they have been shown to have sedative and anti-anxiety effects.
To harness the sleep-promoting benefits of Paeonia lactiflora, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
- Decoction
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Paeonia lactiflora and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves sleep.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Paeoniflorin | Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, anxiety-induced sleeplessness |
| Paenol | Sleep disorders, anxiety, tension headaches |
| Paeonol glucoside | Sleep disturbances, anxiety disorders, mood swings |
| Paeonol | Sleep disorders, anxiety, irritability |
| Paeoniflorin glucoside | Insomnia, anxiety-induced sleeplessness, mood swings |