Peaony

May 24th, 2008

Botanical Name: Paeonia officinalis (LINN.),Paeonia suffruticosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Paeonia veitchii
Family: N.O. Ranunculaceae/Paeoniace
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Genus: Paeonia

Common name: moutan (mu dan), red peony (chi shao), white peony (bai shao)
Synonym: Paeonia Corallina.
Part Used: Root.
Habitat:They are native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America.

Description:Most are herbaceous perennial plants 0.5–1.5 metres tall, but some are woody shrubs up to 1.5–3 metres tall. They have compound, deeply lobed leaves, and large, often fragrant flowers, ranging from red to white or yellow, in late spring and early summer. In the past, the peonies were often classified in the family Ranunculaceae, alongside Hellebores and Anemones
The Paeony is not indigenous to Great Britain, and only grows wild on an island called the Steep Holmes, in the Severn, where it was probably introduced some centuries ago.

The varieties Female and Male Paeony have no reference to the sexes of the flowers. The roots of the Female or Common Paeony are composed of several roundish, thick knobs or tubers, which hang below each other, connected by strings. The stems are green (red when quite young) and about 2 1/2 feet high. The leaves are composed of several unequal lobes, which are cut into many segments; they are of a paler green colour than those of the so-called Male Paeony, and the flowers are of a deeper purple colour. From this variety are derived the double garden Paeonies.

Many of the species have very fragrant flowers.

The roots of the Male Paeony - the kind found wild on the island in the Severn - are composed of several oblong knobs, hanging by strings fastened to the main head. The stems are the same height as in the preceding, and bear large single flowers, composed of five or six large roundish red (or sometimes white) petals. The flowers of both sorts open in May, the seeds ripening in the autumn.

The last-named variety is the kind formerly much cultivated for the roots, which were celebrated for their medicinal value in disorders of the head and nerves. It has been known also as Paeonia Corallina.

The genus is supposed to have been named after the physician Paeos, who cured Pluto and other gods of wounds received during the Trojan War with the aid of this plant.

The superstitions connected with the Pzeony are numerous. In ancient times, it was thought to be of divine origin, an emanation from the moon, and to shine during the night, protecting shepherds and their flocks, and also the harvest from injury, driving away evil spirits and averting tempests. Josephus speaks of the Paeony as a wonderful and curious plant. He says - according to Gerard - that ‘to pluck it up by the roots will cause danger to he that touches it, therefore a string must be fastened to it in the night and a hungry dog tied thereto, who being allured by the smell of roasted flesh set towards him may pluck it up by the roots.’ Pliny and Theophrastus assert:
‘that of necessity it must be gathered in the night, for if any man shall pluck of the fruit in the daytime, being seen of the woodpecker, he is in danger to lose his eyes.’

Gerard adds:
‘But all these things be most vainc and frivolous, for the root of Peionne may be removed at any time of the yeare, day, or houre whatsoever.

The seeds used to be strung as a necklace and worn as a charm against evil spirits.

Gerard says:
‘The black graines (that is the seed) to the number of fifteene taken in wine or mead is a speciall remedie for those that are troubled in the night with the disease called the Nightmare, which is as though a heavy burthen were laid upon them and they oppressed therewith, as if they were overcome with their enemies, or overprest with some great weight or burthen; and they are also good against melancholie dreames.’
A drink called ‘Paeony-water’ made from the plant was once much used, and the kernels or seeds were used in cookery as a spice.

‘Stick the cream with Paeony kernels,’ Mrs. Glasse’s Cookery (1796).

Cultivation: Peonies are extremely hardy and will grow in almost any soil or situation, in sun or shade. The best soil, however, is a deep, rich loam, which should be well trenched and manured, previous to planting.

Propagation is by division of roots, which increase very quickly. The best season for transplanting is towards the end of August, or the beginning of September. In dividing the roots, care must be taken to preserve a bud upon the crown of each offset.

Single varieties are generally propagated from seeds, sown in autumn, soon after they are ripe, upon a bed of light soil, covering them with 1/2 inch of soil. Water well in dry weather and keep clear from weeds. Leave the young plants in this bed two years, transplanting in September.

Part Used: The root, dried and powdered. It is dug in the autumn, from plants at least two years old. The roots should be cleansed carefully in cold water with a brush and only be allowed to remain in the water as short a time as possible. Then spread out on trays in the sun, or on the floor, or on shelves in a kitchen, or other warm room for ten days or more. When somewhat shrunken, roots may be finished off more quickly in greater heat over a stove or gas fire, or in an open oven, when the fire has just gone out. Dried roots must always be dry to the core and brittle.

Paeony root occurs in commerce in pieces averaging 3 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter, spindle-shaped, strongly furrowed and shrunken longitudinally, of a pinkish grey or dirty white colour, generally having been scraped. The transverse section is starchy and radiate, the rays more or less tinged with purple. The root has no odour, but its taste is sweet at first, and then bitter.

Active constituents of peony:
Peony contains a unique glycoside called paeoniflorin. Proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and paeoniflorin are all considered to contribute to the medicinal activity of various forms of peony. Paeoniflorin’s major effect seems to be to calm nerves and alleviate spasm. One study has confirmed the efficacy of shakuyaku-kanzo-to (formula with peony and licorice) for relieving muscle cramps due to cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, and dialysis.8 Shakuyaku-kanzo-to is approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare for treatment of muscle cramps. Another Japanese formulation known as toki-shakuyaku-san combines peony root with dong quai and four other herbs and has been found to effectively reduce symptoms of cramping and pain associated with dysmenorrhea (painful menses).9

Paeoniflorin and peony extracts also enhance mental function in animal studies,10 suggesting a potential benefit for dementia. Human studies have not yet been conducted to confirm this theory.

Red peony root and moutan bark have both shown antioxidant activity in test tubes, likely due to the presence of paeoniflorin, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids.11 Polysaccharides found in peony bark and root have shown an ability to stimulate immune cells in the test tube.12 13

Animal studies have found that red peony root, alone or in combination with other Chinese herbs, could help prevent liver damage due to various chemical toxins.14 A crude extract of red peony root was shown in a small, preliminary trial to reduce liver fibrosis in some patients with chronic viral hepatitis.15 Other case studies published in Chinese have found red peony root helpful for people with viral hepatitis.16

Crude red peony root extracts and combinations of these extracts with other Chinese herbs inhibit platelet aggregation, thrombosis, and excessive clotting in the test tube and in animals.17 18 A rabbit study found that peony was effective at lowering cholesterol levels in the aorta.19 A preliminary human study confirmed that peony could inhibit platelet clumping.20 This suggests that peony might be helpful for prevention of atherosclerosis. However, clinical studies are needed to confirm this effect.

One uncontrolled clinical trial reported that moutan bark could significantly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.21

Peony shows some weak estrogen-like effects, acting like a very weak anti-estrogen, particularly as part of the formula shakuyaku-kanzo-to. In a preliminary study, this formula was shown to improve fertility in women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome.22

Medicinal Action and Uses: Antispasmodic, tonic. Paeony root has beensuccessfully employed in convulsions and spasmodic nervous affections, such as epilepsy, etc.

It was formerly considered very efficacious for lunacy. An old writer tells us: ‘If a man layeth this wort over the lunatic as he lies, soon he upheaveth himself whole.’

The infusion of 1 OZ. of powdered root in a pint of boiling water is taken in wineglassful doses, three or four times daily.

An infusion of the powdered root has been recommended for obstructions of the liver, and for complaints arising from such obstructions.

Peony has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Chronic viral hepatitis
Liver cirrhosis (shakuyaku-kanzo-to formula)
Muscle cramps (shakuyaku-kanzo-to formula)
1Star
Atherosclerosis (red peony root)
Dysmenorrhea (painful menses)
Fever (moutan bark)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (shakuyaku-kanzo-to)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

How much peony is usually taken?

White peony capsules are used in the amount of 1.5 to 4 grams three times per day. Red peony and moutan capsules are used in the amount of 1 to 3 grams three times per day.23 Capsules of shakuyaku-kanzo-to formula are used in the amount of 2.5 grams three times per day.24
Are there any side effects or interactions with peony?
If used in the amounts listed above, peony is not associated with side effects. It is not known whether peony is safe for use during pregnancy, though there is an uncontrolled study showing it could safely be used to lower blood pressure in pregnant women.25

Shakuyaku-kanzo-to should be taken only while under the care of a healthcare professional trained in herbal medicine.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with peony.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Other Different Uses:
The peony is among the longest-used flowers in ornamental culture and is one of the smallest living creature national emblems in China. Along with the plum blossom, it is a traditional floral symbol of China, where it is called ?? (mu dan). It is also known as ??? (fuguihua) ‘flower of riches and honour’, and is used symbolically in Chinese art. In 1903, the Qing Dynasty declared the peony as the national flower. Currently, the Republic of China on Taiwan designates the plum blossom as the national flower, while the People’s Republic of China has no legally designated national flower. In 1994, the peony was proposed as the national flower after a nationwide poll, but the National People’s Congress failed to ratify the selection. In 2003, another selection process has begun, but to date, no choice has been made.

The famous ancient Chinese city Luoyang has a reputation as a cultivation centre for the peonies. Throughout Chinese history, peonies in Luoyang are often said to be the finest in the country. Dozens of peony exhibitions and shows are still held there annually.

In Japan, Paeonia lactiflora used to be called ebisugusuri (”foreign medicine”). In kampo (the Japanese adaptation of Chinese medicine), its root was used as a treatment for convulsions. It is also cultivated as garden plant. In Japan Paeonia suffruticosa is called the “The King of flowers” and Paeonia lactiflora is called the “prime minister of flowers”.

Pronunciation of ?? (peony) in Japan is “botan”. Before Meiji period, meat taken from quadrupeds was seldom consumed in Japan due to Buddhism. Thus in cases where such meat was handled, it was paraphrased using the names of flowers. The term botan was used (and is still used) to paraphrase wild boar meat. This comes from the flowery resemblance of the sliced meat when spread over a dish. Another example is sakura (cherry blossoms) which stands for horsemeat.

In 1957, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law to make the peony the state flower of Indiana, a title which it holds to this day. It replaced the zinnia, which had been the state flower since 1931.
Mischievous nymphs were said to hide in the petals of the Peony thus casing this magnificent flower to be given the meaning of Shame or Bashfulness in the Language of Flowers. It was named after Pæon, a physician to the gods, who obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. Once planted the Peony likes to be left alone and punishes those who try to move it by not flowering again for several years. Once established, however, it produces splendid blooms each year for decades. (Taken from The Language of Flowers, edited by Sheila Pickles, 1990)

Peonies are also extensively grown as ornamental plants for their very large, often scented flowers.

Peonies tend to attract ants to the flower buds. This is due to the nectar that forms on the outside of the flower buds.

Name of 30 different species of Peaony
o Paeonia abchasica
o Paeonia anomala
o Paeonia bakeri
o Paeonia broteri
o Paeonia brownii (Brown’s Peony)
o Paeonia californica (California Peony)
o Paeonia cambessedesii
o Paeonia caucasica
o Paeonia clusii
o Paeonia coriacea
o Paeonia daurica
o Paeonia emodi
o Paeonia hirsuta
o Paeonia intermedia
o Paeonia japonica (Japanese Peony)
o Paeonia kesrouanensis (Syrian Peony)
o Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese Peony)
o Paeonia macrophylla
o Paeonia mairei
o Paeonia mascula (Balkan Peony)
o Paeonia mlokosewitschii (Golden Peony)
o Paeonia obovata
o Paeonia officinalis (European Peony)
o Paeonia parnassica (Greek Peony)
o Paeonia peregrina
o Paeonia rhodia
o Paeonia sterniana
o Paeonia steveniana
o Paeonia tenuifolia
o Paeonia tomentosa
o Paeonia veitchii (Veitch’s Peony)
o Paeonia wittmanniana

A white peony in Warren County, Indiana.
A white peony in Warren County, Indiana.

* Woody species (about 10 species)
o Paeonia decomposita
o Paeonia delavayi (Delavay’s Tree Peony)
o Paeonia jishanensis (Jishan Peony; syn. Paeonia spontanea)
o Paeonia ludlowii (Ludlow’s Tree Peony)
o Paeonia ostii (Osti’s Peony)
o Paeonia potaninii
o Paeonia qiui (Qiu’s Peony)
o Paeonia rockii (Rock’s Peony)
o Paeonia suffruticosa (Suffruticosa Peony; probably of hybrid origin)

Resources:
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/paeony01.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peony
http://www.evitamins.com/healthnotes.asp?ContentID=3658006