Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese peony
For the health condition: Fibromyalgia Syndrome

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora, particularly its root known as “Bai Shao”) is a staple herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is classically used for conditions described as “painful obstruction” or “blood deficiency” syndromes, which sometimes overlap with symptoms resembling those of fibromyalgia, such as muscle pain and fatigue. However, there is no direct historical reference to fibromyalgia as understood in modern Western medicine. Instead, its traditional use for pain, muscle cramps, and inflammation has led to its inclusion in some TCM formulas prescribed for chronic pain disorders.

Scientific research on Chinese peony specifically for fibromyalgia syndrome is extremely limited. Most available studies focus on its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and analgesic effects in other conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or menstrual pain), with little to no clinical trials targeting fibromyalgia patients. Preclinical studies suggest that paeoniflorin, a key compound in peony root, may have central analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, but direct evidence for efficacy or safety in fibromyalgia is lacking. Thus, while its use is justified by tradition, the scientific evidence supporting its use for fibromyalgia is weak and mostly extrapolated from broader pain or inflammatory conditions.

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