Paeonia anomala

What's the taxonomical classification of Paeonia anomala?

Paeonia anomala belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Its taxonomic lineage continues through the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, placing it within the order Saxifragales. Specifically, this plant is a member of the family Paeoniaceae and falls under the genus Paeonia, ultimately reaching its specific designation as the species anomala.

Taxonomic Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Saxifragales
Family Paeoniaceae
Genus Paeonia
Species anomala
Evidence Level: ★★★★☆

What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?

Paeonia anomala has a robust, tuberous root system and deeply divided, pinnatifid leaves that are typically dark green and glabrous. The plant grows from a thick woody caudex that allows it to persist in rocky or mountainous habitats. Its large, solitary flowers feature numerous bright red or deep pink petals surrounding a dense center of golden stamens. The foliage is characterized by a complex, dissected structure that reduces surface area for water conservation. Following pollination, the plant produces large, follicle-like seed capsules that split open to reveal dark, shiny seeds.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What is the geographical distribution of this plant?

This plant is native to the mountainous regions of Central and Eastern Europe, spanning from the Balkan Peninsula through the Carpathian Mountains to the Caucasus. Its distribution is largely dictated by specific elevations found within temperate forest and meadow ecosystems. Populations are frequently recorded in countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine where rocky terrain is prevalent. The species favors limestone-rich soils and shaded slopes within these diverse European landscapes. Due to these niche habitat requirements, its range remains fragmented across various mountain ranges.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

How is this plant cultivated?

This plant Paeonia anomaloides thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH and requires full sun to partial shade for optimal blooming.

Growers should plant the tubers during the spring or autumn to ensure strong root establishment before the dormant season. Maintaining consistent moisture during the growing period is essential, though the soil must never remain waterlogged to prevent tuber rot. Providing adequate space between individual plants allows for necessary air circulation, which helps mitigate common fungal issues.

Once established, this perennial is relatively hardy and can tolerate moderate temperature fluctuations in temperate climates.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What parts of this plant are used medicinally?

This plant Paeonia anomalam is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through the use of its root. Practitioners often harvest the tuberous root system to extract active compounds used in traditional remedies. These roots are frequently dried and processed into various forms such as decoctions or powders. They are traditionally valued for their ability to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the body. Scientific interest continues to grow as researchers examine the specific chemical constituents found within the root tissue.

According to a study published by "Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis", the roots of Paeonia anomala contain specific monoterpenoids. The research used a liquid chromatography coupled with ion trap and time-of-flight mass spectrometry method to identify 35 monoterpenoids in the LC-MS profiles of Paeonia species. Within these profiles, 4-O-methyl-paeoniflorin was a component detected specifically in P. anomala. The total contents of 15 main monoterpenoids were found to be obviously lower in the roots of P. anomala compared to those of P. lactiflora and P. veiitchii. Principal component analysis allowed the samples from P. anomalas to be classified into their own respective group.

The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.

  • root
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What traditional systems uses this plant?

This plant Paeonia anomala has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine and various folk healing practices to treat inflammatory conditions and abdominal pain. Practitioners historically harvested the roots to prepare decoctions aimed at regulating blood circulation and alleviating menstrual discomfort. In different regional traditions, the botanical extracts were also applied to manage fever and digestive irregularities. These historical applications relied on the plant's perceived ability to balance internal energy and soothe physical distress. Such long-standing medicinal uses reflect its significant role in the ethnobotanical history of its native habitats.

According to a study published by "Nutriciion hospitalaria", the quality of Chishao from P. anomala is rated as lower than that of P. veiitchii, which is considered middle class. The study indicates that the quality of Chishao from P. anomala is also lower than the quality found in P. lactiflora or P. veiitchii. These results regarding the quality of the plant are consistent with traditional views. The research utilized RP-HPLC and principal component analysis (PCA) of several chemical components to evaluate the quality of these medicinal plants.

The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the pharmacological activities of Paeonia anomala?

This plant has significant pharmacological activities including anti-cancer, anticoagulant, and antiproliferative properties. Research indicates that its bioactive compounds can effectively inhibit the rapid growth of malignant cells through antiproliferative mechanisms. These specific phytochemicals also demonstrate potential in managing tumor progression by disrupting cancer cell cycles. Furthermore, the plant exhibits anticoagulant effects that may assist in regulating blood clotting processes. These diverse medicinal qualities make Paeonia anomala a subject of interest for developing new therapeutic agents.

According to a study published by "Medicinal chemistry (Shariqah (United Arab Emirates))", the ethanol extract from Paeonia anomala L. leaf showed the highest total phenolics content. The Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet demonstrated the most potent antiproliferative effects against the human liver cancer HepG2 cell line. From the Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet extract, the Gnetin-H compound was isolated and its molecular structure was determined by 1H and 13C NMR spectrum and IR spectroscopy methods. The major components found in the extract from the Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet were Gnetin-H, methyl gallate, and ethylgallate. This plant was among 15 Mongolian medicinal plants and 21 extracts screened for anti-oxidative effects.

The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • anti-cancer
  • anticogulant
  • antiproliferative
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What medicinal compounds this plant contains?

This plant contains the medicinal compounds 4-O-methyl-paeoniflorin and heparin-like fragments. These bioactive substances are primary components studied for their potential therapeutic properties in human health. The 4-O-methyl-paeoniflorin acts as a significant monoterpene glycoside within the species. Additionally, the presence of heparin-like fragments suggests that the plant may possess anticoagulant activities. Researchers continue to investigate how these specific chemical structures contribute to the plant's overall medicinal value.

According to a study published by "Izvestiia Akademii nauk. Seriia biologicheskaia", extracts prepared from the bark and wood parts of the Paeonia anomala root exhibit anticoagulant activity. This activity is attributed to the presence of heparin-like fragments within the preparations. Research on the functional state of the mast cell population and biochemical analysis supports this finding. Preparations derived from the Paeonia anomala root bark maintain their anticoagulant properties in the circulatory system for 1.5 h after intravenous administration. This duration of effect is similar to that of animal-derived heparin.

The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.

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Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What health conditions is this plant used for?

This plant is used for treating cancer, neutralizing free radicals, and utilizing its anticoagulant activity to manage various physiological processes. Research indicates that its bioactive compounds possess significant antioxidant properties that effectively combat harmful free radicals in the body. Specifically, studies have explored its potential efficacy in inhibiting the growth of human liver cancer cells. The plant also shows promise in medical applications involving anticoagulant activity to prevent blood clotting issues. These diverse medicinal properties make it a subject of intense pharmacological interest for treating complex diseases.

According to a study published by "Medicinal chemistry (Shariqah (United Arab Emirates))", Paeonia anomala L. leaf ethanol extract showed the highest total phenolics content. The Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet showed the most potent antiproliferative effects against human liver cancer HepG2 cell line. This same seed wallet extract also mentioned the best anti-cancer effects among the 21 extracts from 15 Mongolian medicinal plants studied. The major components found in the Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet extract were Gnetin-H, methyl gallate, and ethylgallate.

The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.

  • anticoaulgant activity
  • cancer
  • free radicals
  • human liver cancer
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the herbal preparations of this plant?

This plant is Paeonia anomala, which is utilized in various medicinal herbal preparations to harness its bioactive compounds for therapeutic purposes. One common method of processing the plant involves creating an ethanol extract of the leaf to isolate specific phytochemicals. These preparations are often studied for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in traditional medicine. Depending on the intended use, the plant material may also be processed into tinctures or dried infusions. Researchers continue to investigate how these specific preparations interact with biological systems to improve human health.

According to a study published by "Medicinal chemistry (Shariqah (United Arab Emirates))", ethanol extracts from Paeonia anomala L. leaf showed the highest total phenolics content. The Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet showed the most potent antiproliferative effects against the human liver cancer HepG2 cell line. The Gnetin-H compound was isolated from the Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet extract, and its molecular structure was determined by 1H and 13C NMR spectrum and IR spectroscopy methods. Gnetin-H, methyl gallate, and ethylgallate were the major components identified in the extract from the Paeonia anomala L. seed wallet. This screening study evaluated the anti-oxidative effects of 21 extracts from 15 Mongolian medicinal plants.

The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • ethanol extract of leaf
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What side effects this plant can have?

This plant can cause unknown adverse reactions because there is currently insufficient clinical data to determine specific side effects. While various peony species are studied for medicinal properties, the unique toxicological profile of Paeonia anomala remains poorly understood. Researchers have not yet conducted extensive human trials to identify potential risks such as organ toxicity or allergic responses. Consequently, the safety of consuming this specific species for therapeutic purposes cannot be guaranteed. Until more rigorous scientific studies are completed, users should approach the plant with extreme caution.

The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.

  • Insufficient clinical data to determine specific side effects
Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What herbs are paired with Paeonia anomala?

This plant Paeonia anomala pairs most effectively with medicinal herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis to balance its cooling properties.

These combinations are frequently utilized in traditional formulas to address circulatory issues and inflammatory conditions. Adding Angelica sinensis can further enhance the blood-tonifying effects of the peony root. Practitioners often include ginger or licorice to mitigate potential stomach irritation caused by the potent alkaloids.

Such precise herb pairings aim to harmonize the plant's energetic profile within a complex decoction.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆