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East Asian native white peony, scientifically known as Paeonia lactiflora Pall., is a flowering plant. However, it grows all across the world, especially in China, Mongolia, and Siberia. In the northern US, it is also grown as a typical garden plant.
The white peony is also known as:
- the garden peony
- Asian peony
- Bin Shao (or bai-shao)
What effects do white peonies have on hormones?
Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine frequently uses white peony to treat gynecological issues. It is typically employed to treat infertility brought on by PCOS, hyperprolactinemia, endometriosis, ovarian failure, and excess androgen. Paeonia has been found to diminish high levels of androgens (testosterone), increase low levels of progesterone, and modify levels of estrogen and prolactin. The ovarian follicle is impacted by the active component paeoniflorin’s interaction with the aromatase enzyme in vitro. The synthesis of steroid hormones, follicular maturation, ovulation, corpus luteum, and the control of androgen to estrogen conversion all depend on aromatase. Prolactin and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone are regulated by aromatase through the pituitary and hypothalamus’ biofeedback systems (GnRH). The activity of aromatase is inhibited by elevated levels of prolactin and GnRH. Paeonia is always combined with other herbs in TCM. The TCM recipe Keishi-bukuryo-gan (TJ-25), also known as the Cinnamon and Hoelen Formula, comprises Paeonia lactiflora and is applied topically to treat infertility. One study with TJ-25 showed that using it for 14 days straight in rats boosted plasma levels of LH by 94%, FSH by 67%, and estradiol by 50%. It is believed that this mixture has modest antiestrogenic and GnRH antagonist properties. According to the TCM Licorice and Peony Formula, Paeonia lactiflora is beneficial in cases of androgen excess in enhancing fertility and increasing pregnancy rates.18 LH to FSH ratios were controlled by this mixture.