Evidence supporting the use of: European peony
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
European peony (Paeonia officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, including for women’s health issues such as menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms. The roots and, less commonly, the seeds and flowers, have been used in folk remedies aimed at easing hot flashes, irritability, and sleep disturbances associated with menopause. The rationale was based on the plant’s reputed ability to “balance” the female reproductive system, possibly due to its mild antispasmodic and sedative effects. However, most of the traditional use documentation is anecdotal or based on historical herbals rather than systematic studies.
From a scientific standpoint, there is limited evidence supporting the use of European peony for menopause. Most clinical studies investigating peony for women’s health have focused on Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony), often in combination with other herbs such as licorice, rather than Paeonia officinalis. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest peony species may influence hormone regulation and inflammation, but these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical practice for menopause, especially for European peony. As such, while the traditional use is well documented, high-quality scientific validation is lacking, and the efficacy of European peony for menopause remains unproven by modern standards.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by European peony
ArthritisBackache
Bruises (healing)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Dysmenorrhea
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stress
Wounds and Sores