The white peony is a flowering plant that originates from eastern Asia. However, it’s cultivated elsewhere too, including in Siberia, Mongolia, and China.
White peony is a popular plant in gardens in the north of the US. You can find it under other common names such as bai shao, garden peony, Chinese peony, etc.
The dried root of the plant has been used in ancient Chinese medicine for a variety of health issues, including inflammation, pain, fever, and more.
Some of these advantages have been proven by science, but others haven’t.
The Best Health Benefits of White Peony
- For hyperpigmentation
In a lab study from 2016, white peony root extract was found beneficial in lowering hyperpigmentation or the darkening of the skin in some places.
White peony was applied onto a sample of human skin and it lowered the melanin; this is a pigment that gives skin its color.
- For autoimmune illnesses
White peony has glycosides.
These compounds have a carbohydrate attached to them. When the glycosides are extracted, it’s known as total glycosides of peony (TGP).
In a 2020 review, it was concluded that TGP helps regulate immunity and relieve autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, oral lichen planus, and Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Alleviates inflammation
TGP can help out with inflammatory disorders.
In a 2019 research review, it was concluded that the TGP paeoniflorin subdues the pathways of inflammation.
According to scientists, it can be of aid for chronic inflammatory diseases like kidney diseases, liver diseases, and arthritis.
- Betters the blood flow
White peony, according to ancient Chinese medicine, was once used to avert thrombosis.
In a 2016 animal study, this effect was tested. It was concluded that the paeoniflorin boosted the activity of urokinase, a plasminogen activator.
This enzyme encourages the natural resolution of thrombosis.
White peony helps thin the blood and prevents the formation of clots. And, it can be of aid for the body to resolve any current clots.
- Lowers pain
An animal study done in 2018 concluded that paeoniflorin has a pain-reducing effect. This is believed to be a result of the anti-inflammatory effects of paeoniflorin on the central nervous system.
- For anxiety and depression
In a study from 2020, done with lab mice, the extract of white peony was found helpful in lowering SERT (serotonin transporter) expression.
This protein catches serotonin; a chemical that encourages a feeling of well-being and happiness so that it’s dissolved and recycled.
Impeding SERT averts this process and increases serotonin and in turn, creates antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
Moreover, another study found that paeoniflorin was found to elevate the gut probiotics which may better the gut bacteria balance. This is found to be beneficial for anxiety and depression reduction.
Unproven Health Benefits of White Peony
Some claims about the health benefits of white peony aren’t proven.
These are sweating, PCOs, hair loss, wrinkles, fever, digestive problems, menstrual cramps, breathing problems, and migraines.
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