Paeonia delavayi
What's the taxonomical classification of Paeonia delavayi?
Paeonia delaayi belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized within the phylum Streptophyta. At the class level, it is classified as Equisetopsida, falling under the subclass Magnoliidae. Its taxonomic lineage continues through the order Saxifragales and the family Paeoniaceae. Finally, the plant is situated within the genus Paeonia, specifically identified by its species name, delaayi.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
| Species | delavayi |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Paeonia delaavayi has large, deeply lobed, dark green leaves and prominent, solitary flowers that feature bright red or deep pink petals surrounding a central cluster of numerous yellow stamens. The plant typically grows from a thick, fleshy tuberous root that provides energy for its perennial life cycle. Its stems are sturdy and upright, supporting the heavy weight of the large, bowl-shaped blooms. The foliage consists of compound leaves that are divided into several distinct, lanceolate leaflets. These morphological features allow the species to thrive in the rocky, high-altitude habitats of Central Asia.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. It typically grows in high-altitude habitats such as rocky slopes and mountain meadows. Within these central Asian ranges, it thrives in specific ecological niches that offer well-drained soil. Its distribution is often restricted to certain elevations where environmental conditions remain stable. These localized populations depend on the unique climatic patterns of the Hindu Kush and surrounding mountain systems.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining, loamy soil and a location that receives full sun to partial shade to thrive.
It is native to high-altitude rocky regions, so providing excellent drainage is essential to prevent tuber rot. During the growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to support its lush foliage and large blooms. In winter, the plant enters a necessary dormant period that should be protected by a layer of mulch.
Careful monitoring of soil pH and nutrient levels will ensure the long-term health of this specific peony species.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Paeonia delaavayi provides medicinal value through its roots, leaves, and stems. The roots are the most frequently utilized part because they contain high concentrations of active compounds like paeoniflorin. Extracts derived from the leaves are often employed in traditional practices to address various inflammatory conditions. The stems also contribute to the plant's medicinal profile when processed for specific therapeutic applications. Together, these different components offer a diverse range of chemical properties for pharmacological use.
According to a study published by "Journal of pharmaceuctical and biomedical analysis", 57 constituents were identified from the different parts of Paeonia delavayi, including 15 flavonoids, 10 monoterpene glycosides, eight tritrepinois, seven galloyl glucoses, six N-containing compounds, five gallic acids, two acetophenones, and four other types of compounds. The chemical profiles of the root core and root bark were similar, while the leaves and stems were differentiated by their characteristic constituents. All four parts at 200 μg/mL showed obvious inhibition on α-glucosidase and PTP1B with values of 81.2%-98.5%, but moderate to weak inhibition on TCPTP and DPP4 at 19.5%-34.9%. Luteolin demonstrated activity on α-glucosidase, PTP1B, and TCPTP with IC50 values of 94.6, 136.3, and 157.3 μM. Additionally, akebonic acid inhibited α-glucosidase and PTP1B with IC50 values of 73.5 and 57.8 μM.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- root
- stems
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Paeonia delavayi is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments through its medicinal root. Historically, practitioners have applied its extracts to address issues related to blood circulation and menstrual irregularities. The plant is also valued for its perceived ability to calm the liver and relieve pain. In different regional herbal practices, the root serves as a fundamental component in complex formulas designed to restore internal balance. These traditional applications rely on the specific phytochemical properties found within its complex structure.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Paeonia delavayi is an endemic species in southwestern China. This plant has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a remedy for cardiovascular, extravasated blood, stagnated blood and female diseases. The ethyl acetate fraction (EA) of the plant presented strong NA inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 75.932 μg/mL. Additionally, the ethanol fraction (E) of Paeonia delavayi showed strong NA inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 83.550 μg/mL. Analysis identified 27 constituents in these two active extracts, including seven major identified constituents. Among these, Benzoylpaeoniflorin (IC50 = 143.701 µM) and pentagalloylglucose (IC50 = 62.671 µM) exhibited the highest activity against the influenza virus.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Paeonia delavayi?
This plant has anti-influenza virus activity, antidiabetic properties, and neuraminidase inhibitory activity. These specific pharmacological effects make it a subject of interest for treating metabolic disorders and respiratory infections. Its ability to demonstrate neuraminidase inhibition activity suggests a potential mechanism for blocking viral replication in the body. Researchers study these compounds to better understand how the plant's chemical constituents regulate blood glucose levels. Such diverse activities highlight the therapeutic potential of Paeonia delaavayi in modern medicine.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Paeonia delavayi is an endemic species in southwestern China used in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular, extravasated blood, stagnated blood and female diseases. The ethyl acetate fraction (EA) and the ethanol fraction (E) of the plant root presented strong influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 75.932 μg/mL and 83.550 μg/mL, respectively. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis characterized 27 constituents in these two active extracts, including 7 major identified constituents that exhibited high activity against the influenza virus. Among these, Benzoylpaeoniflorin (IC50 = 143.701 µM) and pentagalloylglucose (IC50 = 62.671 µM) exhibited the highest activity, which was far stronger than oseltamivir acid (IC50 = 281.308 µM). These results indicate that Paeonia delavayi acts as a strong NA inhibitor.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-influenza virus activity
- antidiabeic
- neuraminidase inhibition activity
- neuraminidase inhibitory activity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including 4-O-ethylpaeoniflorin, 6'-O-benzoyl-4''-hydroxy-3"-methoxy-paeoniflorin, 6'-O-benzoylalbiflorin, 9-hydroxy-paeonilactone-A, and benzoicylpaeoniflorin. These specific monoterpene glycosides are primary constituents identified within the chemical profile of Paeonia delaivayi. Each of these substances contributes to the diverse pharmacological potential observed in the species. Researchers study these molecules to understand their unique therapeutic properties and biological activities. Such detailed chemical analysis provides insight into the medicinal value of this particular botanical source.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the ethyl acetate fraction (EA) and the ethanol fraction (E) of Paeonia delavayi presented strong neuraminidase inhibition activity with IC50 values of 75.932 μg/mL and 83.550 μg/mL, respectively. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis characterized 27 constituents within these two active extracts. Seven major identified constituents exhibited high activity against the influenza virus. Among these, Benzoylpaeoniflorin exhibited an IC50 of 143.701 µM and pentagalloylglucose exhibited an IC50 of 62.671 µM. These specific compounds showed activity far stronger than oseltamivir acid, which had an IC50 of 281.308 µM.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 4-O-ethylpaeoniflorin
- 6'-O-benzoyl-4''-hydroxy-3"-methoxy-paeoniflorin
- 6'-O-benzoylalbiflorin
- 9-hydroxy-paeonilactone-A
- Benzoylpaeoniflorin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cardiovascular diseases, extravasated blood, female diseases, influenza virus, and stagnated blood. Its medicinal properties are particularly effective at promoting circulation to resolve stagnated blood within the body. When used externally, it helps the absorption of extravasated blood to reduce swelling and bruising. Additionally, the plant is employed in traditional remedies to manage various female diseases and support reproductive health. It also serves as a natural defense against the influenza virus to help strengthen the immune response.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Paeonia delavayi is a traditional remedy in traditional Chinese medicine used for cardiovascular, extravasated blood, stagnated blood and female diseases. The ethyl acetate fraction of the plant showed strong neuraminidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 75.932 μg/mL. Additionally, the ethanol fraction presented inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 83.550 μg/mL. Among the 27 characterized constituents, Benzoylpaeoniflorin exhibited an IC50 of 143.701 µM and pentagalloylglucose exhibited an IC50 of 62.671 µM. These seven major identified constituents showed high activity against the influenza virus, with results even stronger than oseltamivir acid which had an IC50 of 281.308 µM.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cardiovascular diseases
- extravasated blood
- female diseases
- influenza virus
- stagnated blood
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Paeonia delaavayi, a species used in traditional medicine to create decoctions, tinctures, and topical pastes primarily for treating inflammatory conditions and gynecological issues.
The medicinal value of the plant is largely derived from its roots, which contain bioactive compounds like paeoniflorin. Practitioners often boil the dried root material to extract therapeutic elements for oral consumption. These preparations are also applied externally to soothe skin irritations or reduce localized swelling.
Scientific interest remains high as researchers study these herbal formulations to better understand their analgesic and sedative properties.
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects such as gastrointestinal distress, allergic reactions, and potential interference with blood clotting processes. Consumption of the plant may lead to nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain in sensitive individuals. Some people might experience skin rashes or other signs of an allergic response upon exposure. Additionally, the chemical components in the plant could potentially thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding. It is important to exercise caution and consult a medical professional before using any part of this species.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Paeonia delavayi?
This plant Paeonia delavayi pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as sage, lavender, and rosemary to complement its delicate floral structure.
These woody and fragrant companions provide a textural contrast to the peony's large, soft foliage. Using silver-toned leaves from lavender creates a sophisticated color palette that highlights the plant's deep pink or red blooms. Incorporating sage adds a structural element that anchors the taller peony stems within a garden bed.
This combination ensures a balanced aesthetic while promoting a diverse microenvironment for pollinators.