Overview

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is an herb. The roots are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for many purposes.

Peony might block chemicals that can cause pain and swelling. It might also prevent blood clotting, kill cancer cells, and act as an antioxidant. Peony is sometimes called red peony and white peony. This refers to the color of the processed root, not the color of the flowers.

People use peony for menstrual cramps, aging skin, cough, epilepsy, psoriasis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for PEONY overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Peony is possibly safe when used for up to 6 months. It can cause stomach upset in some people. There isn't enough reliable information to know if peony is safe to use long-term.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if peony is safe. It can cause rash in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Peony is possibly safe when used for up to 6 months. It can cause stomach upset in some people. There isn't enough reliable information to know if peony is safe to use long-term.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if peony is safe. It can cause rash in some people.

Pregnancy: Peony is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause uterine contractions. Until more is known, don't use peony during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if peony is safe to use while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Peony is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to 12 months by children at least 1 year old.

Bleeding disorders: Peony might slow blood clotting. Don't use it if you have a bleeding disorder.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Peony extract might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use peony.

Surgery: Peony might slow blood clotting. This might increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using peony at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with PEONY

    Peony might slow blood clotting. Taking peony along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) interacts with PEONY

    Peony root might decrease the amount of phenytoin in the body. Taking peony root along with phenytoin might decrease the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk of seizures.

  • Birth control pills (Contraceptive drugs) interacts with PEONY

    Some birth control pills contain estrogen. Peony might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking peony along with birth control pills might increase the risk of side effects. It might also decrease the effects of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with peony, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.

  • Estrogens interacts with PEONY

    Peony might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking peony along with estrogen might increase the effects and side effects from estrogen.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with PEONY

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Peony might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with PEONY

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Peony might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosing

A specific type of peony product, total glucosides of peony (TGP), has most often been used by adults in doses of 600 mg by mouth three times daily for up to 24 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.