Paeonia lactiflora
Paeonia lactiflora · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Paeonia lactiflora is a versatile botanical species utilized extensively in Chinese herbal medicine, particularly through preparations like Paeoniae Radix and dried root. The plant's various parts, including the root, flower, leaf, and fruit, serve as rich sources of bioactive chemicals such as paeoniflorin, albiflorin, gallic acid, and catechin. These compounds provide significant therapeutic potential, offering antioxidant properties and neuroprotective effects against conditions like depression. Research highlights its pharmacological activities as an antidiabetic agent and an inhibitor of 11B-HSD, 5-alpha-reductase, and 3-alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Furthermore, this plant shows promise in managing inflammatory states such as collagen-induced arthritis.
- Synonyms
- Paeonia Makoya · Paeonia Reevesiana · 27 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Paeoniaceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Root · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Paeonia lactiflora is a versatile and beloved species known by many different names across the globe. In many regions, it is most frequently identified by its common English name, the Garden peony. It is also widely recognized in Chinese culture as the Chinese peony or the Chinese pioen. Moving into German-speaking areas, the plant is affectionately called the Garten-Pfingstrose. Finally, in Turkey, this beautiful flowering plant is known as the Kokulu Çin şakayığı.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Paeonia lactiflora is a botanically significant species that is frequently associated with several taxonomic synonyms. Most notably, this plant is widely recognized by the alternative name Paeonia albiflora. Within this botanical group, various specific forms have been identified, including the distinct Paeonia albiflora f. hirta and Paeonia albiflora f. nuda. Further classifications extend to specialized varieties such as Paeonia albiflora f. pilifera and Paeonia albiflora f. pilosella. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for anyone studying the complex lineage of this flowering perennial.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Paeonia lactiflora is a remarkable specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological kingdom, it is specifically categorized under the class Equisetopsida. This flowering plant is further organized into the order Saxifragales, showcasing its unique evolutionary path. It holds a distinguished position within the genus Paeonia, a group known for its stunning blooms. Finally, its precise botanical classification is completed by its membership in the family Paeoniaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Paeonia lactiflora is widely distributed across the Asia-Temperate region, with a particularly strong presence throughout China. Its range extends through the diverse landscapes of China North-Central and China South-Central, demonstrating remarkable adaptability. Additionally, the species thrives in the China Southeast territories, showcasing its broad ecological footprint. Beyond the central provinces, the plant is also commonly found in the northern reaches of Inner Mongolia. Finally, its natural habitat includes the Manchuria region, completing its extensive geographic reach across East Asia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Paeonia lactiflora is a distinctive herbaceous plant that maintains a sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches a modest height, generally ranging between 0.4 m and 1 m. Depending on the specific environmental conditions, its stature often stabilizes within a more narrow window of 0.55 m. Such versatile dimensions allow it to integrate seamlessly into various garden landscapes. Understanding these physical characteristics is essential for any gardener looking to cultivate this beautiful herb.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Paeonia lactiflora is a versatile medicinal plant that exhibits a wide range of significant therapeutic activities. Research indicates its antidiabetic potential, specifically through the inhibition of PTP1B and its role as an insulin sensitizer. In the realm of women's health, the plant is recognized as an emmenagogue capable of helping to treat menstrual irregularities such as oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea. Furthermore, its extracts demonstrate potent free-radical scavenging properties, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory benefits. Finally, compounds derived from its roots, such as paeoniflorin, offer remarkable neuroprotective effects by regulating critical signaling pathways to combat neurodegenerative conditions.
Compounds
Paeonia lactiflora is a versatile plant characterized by a complex profile of bioactive chemical constituents. Research identifies that this species contains the monoterpene glycosides paeoniflorin and albiflorin, which are primary components often found in high concentrations within the roots. Additionally, the plant serves as a source of important phenolic compounds, including gallic acid and catechin. Beyond these primary metabolites, studies on the flowers of the plant have also confirmed the presence of ethyl gallate. Together, these diverse compounds contribute to the significant medicinal properties associated with the species.
Conditions
Paeonia lactiflora demonstrates significant antioxidant properties, often working through signaling pathways like Nrf2 to combat oxidative stress. This plant also exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activities, which are considered critical to many of its other pharmacological effects. Research indicates it possesses anticancer potential and effective antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, when used in traditional formulas like Kangen-Karyu, it helps to invigorate the blood and dispel blood stasis. Collectively, these diverse biological activities highlight its extensive medicinal value.
Preparations
Paeonia lactiflora is prepared as Chinese herbal medicine to provide essential components for various traditional treatments. This plant is also prepared as Paeoniae Radix, which serves as a key ingredient in Kampo and classic medicinal formulas. As a crude drug, the plant's roots are widely utilized in Asia and Europe to improve blood flow. The dried root of the species is frequently used to isolate active constituents like paeoniflorin. Furthermore, Paeonia lactiflora is prepared as an extract to study its specific effects on endothelial function and antioxidant activity.
Parts used
Paeonia lactiflora is a versatile perennial herb that contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds distributed throughout its different anatomical structures. Scientific analysis reveals that the root is a primary source of medicinal components like paeoniflorin and catechin, which offer significant antioxidant and protective benefits. Beyond the roots, the stems and leaves also serve as important reservoirs for antioxidants, with paeoniflorin specifically being synthesized in the leaf before being transported downward. The flowers of the plant are rich in diverse chemical constituents, including various gallic acid derivatives and phenolic compounds. Additionally, unique ellagitannins have been identified within the fruits, highlighting the complex chemical profile present across the entire plant.