Evidence supporting the use of: European peony
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Paeonia lactiflora, known as European or Chinese peony, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The root is a key ingredient in the TCM formula "Tangkuei Decoction for Rheumatism" and in "Total Glucosides of Peony" (TGP), which is prescribed for RA and related disorders in China. Historical texts and modern TCM practitioners both cite its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects as rationales for use.
While there is some scientific research suggesting anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties of peony extracts (especially paeoniflorin), the majority of the evidence comes from traditional use and clinical experience in China. A few randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggest that TGP may reduce disease activity and improve symptoms when combined with standard RA treatments, with fewer side effects. However, most studies are of moderate to low quality, often conducted in China, and may not meet rigorous international standards for clinical research.
In summary, European peony’s use for RA is primarily rooted in tradition, with some emerging scientific support, but the evidence is not yet robust or universally accepted. Peony preparations are not a standard therapy for RA in Western medicine.
Other ingredients used for Rheumatoid Arthritis
adrenal cortexAlfalfa
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-pinene
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
borage oil
celery
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fisetin
fish protein
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
ginger
green lipped mussel
krill oil
luteolin
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
myristoleate
omega-3 fatty acids
phospholipids
resveratrol
rose hips
sardines
slippery elm bark
sulforaphane glucosinolate
Urolithin A
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
watercress
white willow
alpinia galangal
smilax
fumaria parviflora
Szechuan lovage
amber
teasel
guelder rose
gentiana macrophylla
Abies spectabilis
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
clematis
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Aralia
Akebia
Antler
Apigenin
Abrus
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
anthocyanidins
Ampelopsin
Actaea spicata
Arjunic Acid
Apocynin
Arctiin
Astragalin
Boswellic Acid
Baicalein
Bogbean
Boswellia
Black willow
Barbasco
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Baicalin
Black Hellebore
Bee venom
Bergenia
Cod Liver Oil
Cortisol
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cyanidin
Chinese Fleeceflower
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chuchuhuasi
Cetylated Fatty Acids
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Carnosic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Fat liver oil
Fructoborate
Flemingia philippinensis
Frankincense
Flavanols
Flavones
Ginkgetin
Gypenoside
Horse Gram
Hyperoside
Hellebore
Hydroxytyrosol
Harpagoside
Jatropha macrantha
Kaempferol
Mangiferin
Myricetin
Madder
Marine fat
Nobiletin
Osthole
Puerarin
Piper chaba
Phaeophyceae
Proteoglycans
Polydatin
Polyunsaturated Fat
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Qin Jiao
Silkmoth
Schizochytrium Oil
Schizochytrium
Salicin
Salmon Oil
Salvianolic acid
Sinomenium acutum
Semecarpus anacardium
saponins
Shilajit
Stearidonic acid
Sulforaphane
Taxillus chinensis
Tanshinone
Uncaria
Ursolic Acid
Withanolides
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