HERBAL MONOGRAPHSEuropean Peony
Paeonia officinalisDESCRIPTION
A Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried ripe
seeds, the fresh underground parts harvested in spring and
the fresh root.Flower and Fruit: The large flowers are solitary at the ends
of the stems. The calyx consists of 5 green, partly corolla-
like sepals. The wild species has 5 to 8 ovate, red petals that
are 4 to 5 cm long; the cultivated forms have many more.
The stamens are light-red with long yellow anthers. The 2 or
3 ovaries have red stigmas and develop into tomentose
follicles containing numerous, dark, glossy, pea-sized seeds.Leaves, Stem and Root: In its winter state, the plant has a
turnip-like rhizome and close, gnarled root fibers that are
brown on the outside and white inside. The stem is leafy,
erect, lightly branched and glabrous, with a stalk about 50
cm high. The leaves are alternate, more or less petiolate with
a dark green glossy upper surface and a light green finely
pubescent undersurface.
m
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the mountains ot
southern Europe from Portugal to Albania and Hungary, as
far as Asia Minor. It is widely cultivated as a garden plant.
Production: European Peony flower consists of the petals of
Paeonia officinalis and/or Paeonia mascula. European Peony
root consists of the dried secondary roots of Paeonia
officinalis and/or Paeonia mascula. The cultivated Peony
roots are dug up in spring, cleaned and dried in the sun or
artificially. The flowers are harvested in dry weather shortly
after the end of flowering and dried quickly in the shade or
in moderate sunshine.Other Names: Peony, Piney
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS: EUROPEAN PEONY FLOWERS
Anthocyans: in particular paeonin (paeonidin-3,5-
diglucoside)Tannins (pentagalloyl glucose)£ Flavonoids: in particular kaempferol glycosides
EFFECTS: EUROPEAN PEONY FLOWERS
The plant contains anthocyanin glycosides and tannins (main
active principle: paeonidin-3, 5-diglucoside). Animal tests
have demonstrated strong uterine contraction, tone reduction
in the gastrointestinal tract and a drop in blood pressure.
Anticonvulsive and analgesic effects could not be demon-
strated, although hypertonia has been reported in animal
tests.EUROPEAN PEONY/ 295COMPOUNDS: EUROPEAN PEONY ROOT
Monoterpenes: monoterpene ester glucosides of the pinane-
type: chief component paeoniflorine (1.5 to 3.5%)EFFECTS* EUROPEAN PEONY ROOT
The plant contains anthocyanin glycosides and tannins (main
active principle: paeonidin-3, 5-diglucoside*. Animal tests
have demonstrated strong uterine contraction, tone reduction
in the gastrointestinal tract and a drop in blood pressure.
Anticonvulsive and analgesic effects could not be
demonstrated.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
EUROPEAN PEONY ROOT
Unproven Uses: In folk medicine. European Peony root is
used for neurasthenia and neurasthenia syndrome, neuralgia,
migraines and allergic disorders such as excitability, epilepsy
and whooping cough.
Homeopathic Uses: Among uses in homeopathy are hemor-
rhoids and other anal conditions.
EUROPEAN PEONY FLOWERS
Unproven Uses: The flowers were formerly used as a folk
medicine remedy for epilepsy, as an emetic, emmenagogue
and abortifacient, for diseases of the skin and mucous
membranes, fissures, anal fissures associated with hemor-
rhoids, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and ailments of the
respiratory tract.
Homeopathic Uses: Homeopathic uses include hemorrhoids
and other anal conditions.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Side ef-
fects that may occur, particularly in cases of overdosages,
include gastroenteritis with vomiting, colic and diarrhea.
Because efficacy has not been documented, therapeutic use
cannot be recommended.
DOSAGE
EUROPEAN PEONY FLOWERS
Mode of Administration: Therapeutic use cannot be recom-
mended because efficacy has not been proven.
How Supplied: Forms of commercial pharmaceutical prepa-
rations include drops and compound preparations.
Preparation: To make an infusion, use 1 g Tree Peony
flowers per cup water.Daily Dosage: Drink one cup of infusion per day.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops. 1 tablet or 10 globules every
30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic).
Parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute. 3 times daily: chronic: once
a day (HAB1).