White Peony Root(Bai Shao,Paeonia lactiflora,Radix Paeoniae Alba)

1.和阴卫，止痛：

它通常用于治疗自汗、盗汗以及腹部绞痛和月经不适等各种疼痛。

Alternative Names:White Peony Root (Bai Shaoyao), Golden Peony Root (Jin Shaoyao)

Historical Origin:

White Peony Root is a type of peony first recorded in the classic “Shennong’s Herbal Classic” (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing). Tao Hongjing first distinguished between red and white varieties, noting: “The best grows in Baishan, Jiangshan, and Maoshan, which are white, large, and thick. Others are mostly red, smaller, and mildly beneficial.” The “Kai Bao Ben Cao” states: “There are two varieties; the red type promotes urination and gas release, while the white variety alleviates pain and disperses blood. Their flowers also come in red and white colors.” According to “Ben Cao Tu Jing”: “There are two types, golden peony root and woody peony root. The golden variety is medicinal, white, and rich in fat, while the woody one is purple and lean with many veins.” It further states: “Now found everywhere, best in Huainan region. Red buds sprout in spring forming clusters, stems branch into three parts with five leaves, similar to peonies but narrower and longer, 30-60 cm tall, flowering in summer.”

Botanical Source:

Derived from the dried roots of cultivated herbaceous plants Paeonia lactiflora Pall. and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. var. trichocarpa (Bunge) Stern.

Latin Botanical Names:

1. Paeonia lactiflora Pall. [P. albiflora Pall.]
2. Paeonia lactiflora Pall. var. trichocarpa (Bunge) Stern [P. albiflora Pall. var. trichocarpa Bunge; P. yui Fang]

Harvest and Storage:

1. Grows naturally in grassy hillsides and forests.
2. Found in mountainous shrubs.

Geographical Distribution:

1. Northeast China, North China, Shaanxi, and Gansu; widely cultivated across various towns and villages.
2. Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi; also widely cultivated.

1. Paeonia lactiflora: Perennial herb, 40-70 cm tall, hairless, thick spindle or cylindrical-shaped dark-brown roots. Erect branching stems, basal membranous scales. Alternately arranged leaves, compound with narrow oval or elliptical leaflets, 7.5-12 cm long, 2-4 cm wide, slightly leathery, smooth above with sparse hairs beneath along veins. Flowers bisexual, white petals often marked with deep purple or pink bases, numerous stamens, yellow anthers. Fruits are oval follicles. Flowers May-June, fruits June-August.
2. Paeonia lactiflora var. trichocarpa: Differs mainly in densely hairy carpels and young fruits; mature follicles sparsely hairy.

Propagation methods include seeds and root division. Sow seeds late September in trenches 3 cm deep, covered with 6-10 cm soil. Roots can be divided into sections with 1-2 buds each, planted 60-90 cm apart. Around 30,000 plants per hectare are recommended. Fertilize moderately to enhance yield.

Field Management:

Loosen soil regularly, especially after rains, weed 4-6 times annually. Cut back foliage before winter, mound soil around roots for frost protection. Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers thrice yearly, remove flower buds promptly unless for seed production.

Disease and Pest Management:

Treat diseases like brown spot, damping-off, root rot, grey mold, and rust using fungicides like Carbendazim or Zinc Mancozeb, or remove infected plants entirely. Pests include spider mites, aphids, grubs, and cutworms.

Medicinal Identification:

Roots cylindrical, uniform in thickness, straight, 5-20 cm long, 1-2.5 cm diameter. Bo White Peony (Bo Baishao) surface powdery white or off-white, smooth; Hang White Peony (Hang Baishao) brownish, rough with visible wrinkles. Firm, heavy texture, difficult to break, greyish-white cross-section with faint radiating lines, slight scent, taste mildly bitter and sour. Highest quality roots are thick, straight, smooth, firm, and powdery white internally without cracks.

Microscopic Characteristics:

Root cross-sections and powdered form contain calcium oxalate crystals (10-39μm), fiber tracheids, reticulate or scalariform bordered pitted vessels (30-80μm diameter), and starch granules often gelatinized.

Chemical Identification:

Refer to thin-layer chromatography standards under “Chi Shao” (Red Peony Root).

Commercial Grades:

Bo White Peony: Four grades based on length and diameter. Grade 1 is longest (≥8cm), thickest (≥1.7cm), free from impurities or defects.Hang White Peony: Seven grades based on similar criteria, with grade 1 being the thickest (≥2.2cm diameter). Other regions typically classify into four grades.

Toxicity:

Acute Toxicity:Intraperitoneal injection of Paeonia lactiflora methanol extract at 6 g/kg induced reduced spontaneous movements, piloerection, diarrhea, respiratory depression, with 50% mortality in rats and complete mortality in mice within 2 days. No abnormalities occurred with oral administration. Paeoniflorin intravenous LD50 in mice is 3.53 g/kg, intraperitoneal LD50 is 9.53 g/kg, with no mortality orally. Total glucosides from White Peony (Bai Shao) have intraperitoneal LD50 values of 125 mg/kg (mice) and 301 mg/kg (rats). Another study reported intravenous and intraperitoneal LD50 in mice as 159 mg/kg and 230 mg/kg, respectively, and oral LD50 >2500 mg/kg with no apparent toxicity or death.

Subacute Toxicity:Rats orally administered 1.5 g/kg and 3.0 g/kg daily for 21 days showed increased urine protein at lower doses, significant weight loss, decreased red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit at higher doses, with increased mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width suggesting macrocytic anemia. Both dosages caused dose-dependent spleen enlargement, dilated and congested spleen sinusoids, and significantly increased lung weight.

Chronic Toxicity:Daily oral administration of total glucosides from White Peony (Bai Shao) at 50 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg in rats for 90 days showed increased platelet counts but no other significant abnormalities.

Mutagenicity:Negative mutagenicity results in Salmonella typhimurium Ames test, Chinese hamster lung cell chromosome aberration test, and mouse bone marrow micronucleus test.

Chemical Composition:Root contains paeoniflorin, oxy-paeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, albiflorin, paeoniflorigenone, galloylpaeoniflorin, β-pinen-10-yl-β-vicianoside, lacioflorin, paeoni-lactone A, B, C, β-sitosterol, daucosterol. Tannins include 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, corresponding hexa- and hepta-O-galloyl glucoses, catechin, and volatile oils mainly containing benzoic acid, paeonol, and other phenolic and alcoholic compounds (totaling 33 identified).

Pharmacological Actions:

1. Central Nervous System Depression:

Significant analgesic effects noted; total glucosides from White Peony inhibit pain in mice (dose-dependent) and rats. Also enhances sedative effects of cyclohexylbarbitone sodium and pentobarbital sodium.

2. Antispasmodic Effects:

Reduces smooth muscle tension, counteracting spasms induced by barium chloride, potentially via inhibition of parasympathetic neurotransmitter release.

3. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-ulcer Effects:

Weak anti-inflammatory action on various edema types. Also exhibits preventive effects on stress-induced gastric ulcers.

4. Immune Modulation:

Enhances macrophage phagocytic activity, recovers immune suppression caused by cyclophosphamide, and modulates T-cell mediated immunity.

5. Cardiovascular Effects and Hypoxia Resistance:

Vasodilation, improved blood flow, and enhanced survival in hypoxic conditions demonstrated.

6. Effects on Hematological System:

Reduces serum urea nitrogen, ameliorates anemia from acute blood loss, and inhibits platelet aggregation.

7. Antimicrobial Activity:

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses.

8. Hepatoprotective and Detoxification Effects:

Reduces liver damage and enzymatic elevations from hepatotoxins like aflatoxin B1 and T-2 toxin.

9. Anti-mutagenic and Anti-tumor Effects:

Inhibits carcinogen-induced mutagenicity, enhances anti-tumor drug efficacy, and reduces chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.

10. Other Effects:

Neuromuscular blockade, inhibition of aldose reductase (relevant in diabetic neuropathy), antagonism of pancreatic enzyme secretion stimulated by cholecystokinin, and inhibition of various receptor-mediated biological pathways including histamine release from mast cells.

Processing Methods:

1. White Peony Root (Bai Shao):

Current practice: Select raw herb, remove impurities, sort by size, soak until partially hydrated, steam thoroughly until fully softened, slice thinly, and dry.

2. Dry-fried White Peony Root (Chao Bai Shao):

Current practice: Heat White Peony Root slices gently until the surface turns slightly yellow, remove, and cool. This method moderates the medicinal nature, calms the liver, harmonizes the spleen, and stops diarrhea.

3. Wine-fried White Peony Root (Jiu Bai Shao):

Current practice: Spray slices evenly with yellow rice wine, slightly moisten, gently dry-fry until dry, remove and cool. Ratio: 100kg slices to 10kg wine. Used to regulate menstruation and relieve abdominal pain caused by internal cold.

4. Vinegar-fried White Peony Root (Cu Bai Shao):

Current practice: Mix slices with rice vinegar, slightly moisten, gently dry-fry until dry, remove and cool. Ratio: 100kg slices to 15kg vinegar. Used to consolidate blood and stop bleeding.

5. Earth-fried White Peony Root (Tu Chao Bai Shao):

Current practice: Heat fine stove earth (Fu Long Gan) in a pan, add White Peony Root slices, dry-fry until lightly coated with earth, turning slightly yellowish-brown, remove, sieve off excess earth, and cool. Ratio: 100kg slices to 20kg stove earth.

6. Charred White Peony Root (Bai Shao Tan):

Additional methods include baked, salt-fried, and bran-fried White Peony Root.

Description of Prepared Slices:

Charred White Peony Root: Surface blackened due to charring.

Identification:

1. Boil 0.5g powder in 10ml water, filter; add one drop of ferric chloride reagent, forming a blue-black precipitate (tests for tannins).
2. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC): Dissolve 0.5g powder in ethanol, prepare a standard paeoniflorin solution (2mg/ml), apply 4μl each solution onto silica gel G plate, develop with chloroform-ethyl acetate-methanol-formic acid (40:5:10:0.2), dry, spray with 5% vanillin sulfuric acid solution, heat until spots appear. Sample solution shows the same blue-purple spot as the standard solution.

Quality Indicator:Must contain no less than 2.0% paeoniflorin (C23H28O11).

Channel Tropism:

Liver and Spleen

Nature and Flavor:

Bitter, sour, slightly cold

Cautions:

Not suitable for use alone in deficiency-cold conditions; incompatible with Veratrum (Li Lu).

Annotations to the Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu): “Conflicts with Dendrobium and Mirabilite; avoid combination with Saltpetre, Turtle Shell, Small Thistle; incompatible with Veratrum.”

Extended Meanings of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Yan Yi): “Contraindicated in individuals with blood deficiency and cold constitution. The ancients warned to reduce use of White Peony Root to avoid internal cold—advice that should not be ignored.”

Commentary on the Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Jing Shu): “White Peony Root is sour and cold; contraindicated for abdominal pain, diarrhea, or sensations of cold in the gastrointestinal tract caused by internal cold.”

Correction to the Materia Medica (Ben Cao Zheng Yi): “Should not be used in cases of cold spleen with bloating and difficulty in digestion.”

Interpretation of Medicinal Substances (Yao Pin Hua Yi): “Contraindicated in cases of measles.”

Materia Medica with Therapeutic Combinations (De Pei Ben Cao): “Contraindicated for spleen deficiency with cold, pure blood diarrhea, and postpartum patients.”

Functions and Indications:

Nourishes the blood, harmonizes the nutritive Qi, relieves spasms and pain, consolidates Yin, and calms the liver. Commonly used for irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps, excessive uterine bleeding, spontaneous and night sweating, pain in the hypochondriac and abdominal regions, spasms in the limbs, headache, and dizziness.

Dosage:

Internal use: decoction 5–12g; for stronger effect, up to 15–30g.

Historical References:

Originally known as Shaoyao, or “Spoon Medicine,” as noted in the Book of Songs – Zheng Feng (Shi Jing·Zheng Feng, 《毛诗·郑风》): “Given as Shaoyao.” Li Shizhen wrote in Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu, 《本草纲目》): “Shaoyao symbolizes elegance and beauty,” describing the flower’s graceful form. Zhuangzi – Free and Easy Wandering (Zhuangzi·Xiao Yao You, 《庄子·逍遥游》) says: “Gentle like a maiden.” Han Shi Wai Zhuan (Han Shi, 《韩诗》) mentions: “Shaoyao, a plant of parting.” Dong Zhongshu explained: “Shaoyao is also called Ke Li, and is thus given as a token of farewell.”

Clinical Applications:Fu Kang Ning Tablets:

(Source: Ministry of Health, Drug Standards – Chinese Herbal Formulations, Vol. 2, 1989)

Commentaries from Classical Texts:

1.Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Tu Jing):

“Shaoyao roots come in two colors: red and white. Cui Bao in Notes on the Past and Present (Gu Jin Zhu, 《古今注》) stated there are two types: Herbaceous Peony (Cao Shaoyao) and Tree Peony (Mu Shaoyao). The tree type has larger, darker flowers and is commonly mistaken for the Moutan (Paeonia suffruticosa), but it is not.”

“The immortals of old sometimes consumed it alone. According to An Qi Sheng’s elixir method: there are two types—Golden Peony (Jin Shaoyao) and Tree Peony (Mu Shaoyao). For medicinal use, choose Golden Peony—its roots are white and plump with more substance, while Tree Peony is purplish, slender, and veinous. Be careful to distinguish them. For internal use, clean and scrape off the skin, boil in running water a hundred times, dry in the shade, then steam in a wooden steamer covered with clean yellow clay for a full day and night before final drying.”

2.Alternative Sayings on Materia Medica (Ben Cao Bie Shuo):

“According to Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Peony grows in hills and valleys, but what we use today is mostly cultivated. For larger flowers and leaves, farmers enrich the soil; roots are harvested in August or September, sliced and dried for sale. The best White Peony Root comes from Zhenyang in Huainan, but many traders only judge by size and ignore fragrance or potency—thus its effectiveness is poor. It’s best to follow Shennong’s Classic and select wild ones from hills and valleys.”

3.Extended Meanings of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Yan Yi):

“Only the root is used. Prefer single-flowered plants with red petals from mountainous regions—more leaves often mean weaker roots. Though the root is typically red and astringent, the white, thicker ones are better. For people with blood deficiency and internal cold, it is contraindicated.”

From Commentary on the Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Jing Shu):

“White Peony Root harmonizes the middle burner, soothes the liver, and supports the spleen. When spleen Qi is deficient, there’s bloating; when in excess, the bloating resolves itself. Harmonizing the middle reduces epigastric hardness; draining the liver relieves hypochondriac pain. Frequent belching reflects spleen dysfunction—when spleen improves, the belching stops. Liver fire flaring causes lung distension, reverse flow, and cough. Sour-cold Peony Root drains liver fire and supports the spleen, thus calming the lungs. It cools and nourishes the blood to stop nosebleeds. Spleen deficiency causes dry eyes, which Peony Root alleviates by nourishing blood. Liver harmony and abundant Yin resolve conditions like alternating chills and fever (Yang Wei disorder), abdominal fullness and pain (Dai Mai disorder), and more.”

From Materia Medica Rooted in Original Principles (Ben Cao Chong Yuan), Zhang Yinan:

“Peony is bitter and neutral. Wind-wood pathogens disturb the Earth (spleen), obstructing its meridians and causing abdominal pain. Peony clears meridians, allowing such pain to resolve. The Heart governs blood, the Liver stores it. Peony, with Wood energy, treats the Liver; with Fire energy, treats the Heart—thus resolving blood stasis and dissolving masses. It helps treat hernia, lower abdominal masses, urinary difficulty, and supports Qi in the blood. Promoting Qi helps blood circulation.”

4.On the Sour and Astringent Nature of Peony Root:

Commentary on Treatise on Cold Damage (Zhu Jie Shang Han Lun), Cheng Wuji:

“The sour taste of Peony Root helps astringe fluids and strengthen the body’s nourishing aspect. Sour both astringes and disperses—it draws in Yin while expelling pathogenic Qi.”

Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu), citing Li Dongyuan:

“Some ask, if sourness astringes, why does Peony Root promote urination? Because it nourishes Yin and moistens, causing spontaneous urination—not due to diuretic action. As for its middle-tonifying function—it soothes the liver and regulates blood, hence its use in Siwu Tang. Its astringency helps stop fluid loss and strengthen the Spleen and Liver. White Peony belongs to Metal (West) and supplements; Red Peony to Fire (South) and purges.”

Interpretation of Medicinal Substances (Yao Pin Hua Yi), Jia Suoxue:

“White Peony is slightly bitter and mildly sour. The sour enters the Liver, and though the Liver prefers spreading, astringency helps restrain excess. It thus both supplements and purges—adjusting menstruation, treating liver disorders in men and women, regulating blood and Yin. Though not originally a spleen herb, stir-frying moderates its cold nature. It helps relieve diarrhea, abdominal pain, and damp-heat conditions. Its sour nature helps restrain Liver fire and support Spleen Qi.”

5.Correct Meaning of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Zheng Yi), Zhang Shanlei:

“Some believe Peony Root conquers Liver Wood to support Spleen Earth, thus relieving abdominal pain. But more importantly, the Liver’s harsh nature must be softened with nourishing Yin. Overuse of warm, pungent Qi-moving herbs harms Yin, leading to worsening of Liver-Spleen disharmony. Zhang Zhongjing used Peony to nourish Liver and Spleen Yin, softening rigid Liver Qi rather than attacking it. Thus, Peony Root is not a Liver-attacking herb, but a Liver-softening one.”

6.On Abdominal Pain:

Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu), Zhu Danxi:

“Peony Root clears Spleen fire. Being sour and cold, it must be wine-fried in winter. Abdominal pain is often due to blood stasis, so it also requires wine-frying. It only treats blood-deficiency-type pain, not others, as it lacks warming or dispersing qualities.”

Essentials of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Bei Yao), Yu Chuan:

“White Peony doesn’t only treat blood deficiency; it also moves Qi. In ancient prescriptions, it is paired with Licorice Root for abdominal pain. Pain arises when Ying Qi (nutritive Qi) rebels under the skin. Peony regulates Ying Qi; Licorice harmonizes. Pain also stems from Liver overacting on the Spleen—Peony can restrain the Liver.”

7.On Peony Root Not Being a Tonifying Herb:

Reading the Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Jing Du)Chen Xiuyuan:

“Peony Root descends and purges through its bitter flavor. It’s not a tonic. It relieves pain and urinary difficulty caused by Qi stagnation by dispersing it. For blood stasis diseases, it promotes blood circulation through its bitterness.”

8.On Peony Root Postpartum Usage:

Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu), Zhu Danxi:

“Postpartum women should avoid Peony Root due to its sour and cold nature that suppresses vital energy. If necessary, it must be wine-fried.”

Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu), Li Shizhen:

“Postpartum Liver blood is deficient—further purging is inappropriate.”

Correct Meaning of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Zheng Yi), Zhang Jingyue:

“Peony is slightly cold—not extremely so. To say its white color (Metal) restrains Liver Wood (Wood) and is thus harmful after childbirth is unreasonable. Formulas like Shaoyao Decoction are classic postpartum prescriptions. It should be used with care, not strictly forbidden.”

Correct Meaning of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Zheng Yi), Zhang Shanlei:

“Zhu Danxi’s claim that Peony should be avoided postpartum due to its cold-sour nature is too sweeping. Postpartum conditions vary. Peony is only contraindicated for cold-deficiency types. In cases of heat or excess, it is appropriate. Banning it entirely is not reasonable.”

9.On the Differences Between White and Red Peony Root:

Kai Bao Materia Medica (Kai Bao Ben Cao), Liu Han:

“There are two types—Red Peony promotes urination and Qi movement; White Peony relieves pain and disperses blood.”

Commentary on Treatise on Cold Damage (Zhu Jie Shang Han Lun), Cheng Wuji:

“White Peony nourishes; Red Peony purges. White astringes; Red disperses.”

Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu), Li Shizhen:

“White Peony strengthens the Spleen and restrains overactive Liver. Red Peony expels pathogenic factors and invigorates blood. Earlier claims that Red Peony tonifies Qi and White Peony treats blood are inaccurate.”

Materia Medica (Ben Cao), Zhang Jingyue:

“White Peony is mainly nourishing; Red Peony is mainly purgative. White calms restlessness during pregnancy; Red promotes menstruation and invigorates blood.”

Cui Jin Qiu’s Commentary on Materia Medica (Cui Jin Qiu Ben Cao Shu Lu), Jiang Rong:

“Use White Peony when Yin is deficient and Yang hyperactive—to restore balance by nourishing Yin. Use Red Peony when Yin is excessive and Yang constrained—to disperse stagnation.”

Correct Meaning of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Zheng Yi), Zhang Shanlei:

《神农本草经》虽无红白之分，但其主治有别。白牡丹养血平肝脾；赤牡丹活血化瘀，解毒散结。