Evidence supporting the use of: Peony
For the health condition: Fibromyalgia Syndrome

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Synopsis

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

Peony, particularly the root of Paeonia lactiflora (white peony), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various pain and inflammation-related conditions. In TCM, peony is believed to "nourish the blood," "soothe the liver," and alleviate muscle spasms and pain. Fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness, is not a classic diagnosis in TCM, but peony-containing formulas have been historically used for disorders that share similar symptoms, such as chronic pain syndromes, muscle aches, and rheumatism.

However, there is limited modern scientific research specifically evaluating peony’s effectiveness for fibromyalgia syndrome. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that peony extracts—especially paeoniflorin, its principal bioactive compound—may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects. These properties are theoretically relevant to fibromyalgia, which is believed to involve central sensitization and altered pain processing. A few small clinical trials and case reports have examined peony-based herbal formulas for chronic pain or rheumatic conditions, showing potential benefits, but these studies rarely focus on fibromyalgia as defined by current criteria and often use peony in combination with other herbs.

In summary, the use of peony for fibromyalgia is primarily rooted in traditional medicine practices, with rationale stemming from its historical use for pain and muscle-related symptoms. Direct scientific evidence for its efficacy in fibromyalgia is minimal, and any benefits remain to be confirmed by well-designed clinical trials.

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