Chinese Peony
Also known as: Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP), Paeonia lactiflora, Chinese Peony, Baishao, paeoniflorin
Overview
Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP) is an herbal extract derived from the roots of *Paeonia lactiflora*, a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Paeoniflorin is the major active ingredient. TGP is known for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and analgesic properties. It is primarily used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The extract is available in various forms, including capsules and tablets, and is typically administered orally. Research on TGP is moderately mature, with several systematic reviews and meta-analyses available, though the quality of evidence varies. While generally considered safe, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially when taking other medications.
Benefits
TGP has demonstrated benefits primarily in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies show that TGP, when combined with methotrexate (MTX), yields better therapeutic outcomes than MTX alone, significantly reducing erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and swollen joint count (SJC). Evidence also suggests potential benefits for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), although the data is less robust. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of TGP may extend to other inflammatory conditions, offering broader therapeutic potential. Improvements are typically observed within weeks to months of consistent treatment. Research indicates promise in improving quality of life for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) patients, though more research is needed.
How it works
TGP exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. Primarily, it inhibits inflammatory mediators and modulates immune responses, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties. The extract also exhibits potential antioxidant effects. While the precise molecular targets are not fully elucidated, TGP interacts with the immune system, liver, and joints to alleviate inflammation and modulate immune function. Limited data is available regarding the absorption and bioavailability of TGP, warranting further investigation into its pharmacokinetic properties.
Side effects
TGP is generally considered safe when used appropriately, but some side effects have been reported. Common side effects are not well-documented, but gastrointestinal issues may occur. Uncommon side effects include potential liver enzyme elevations, necessitating monitoring of liver function during TGP use. Rare side effects are not well-documented. TGP may interact with immunosuppressants and hepatotoxic drugs, requiring caution when co-administered. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Caution is advised in patients with pre-existing liver conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to assess individual risk factors and potential interactions.
Dosage
The typical minimum effective dose of TGP is 0.3 to 0.6 g per day. Optimal dosage ranges from 0.6 to 1.2 g per day for inflammatory conditions. The maximum safe dose is not well-established, emphasizing the need for caution and medical supervision. TGP is usually taken orally, twice or thrice daily. Capsules and tablets are common forms. Bioavailability may be influenced by gastrointestinal factors. There are no documented required cofactors. Due to limited data on maximum safe dose, it is crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is TGP safe to use with other medications?
Consult a healthcare provider before using TGP, especially if you are taking other medications, as potential interactions may occur, particularly with immunosuppressants and hepatotoxic drugs.
How long does it take to see results with TGP?
Improvement in inflammatory symptoms is typically observed over weeks to months of consistent treatment. It's important to maintain realistic expectations and continue treatment as directed by a healthcare provider.
Are there any specific precautions I should take while using TGP?
Monitor liver function while using TGP, as liver enzyme elevations are a potential side effect. If you experience any unusual symptoms, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Can TGP replace conventional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
TGP should not be used as a replacement for conventional treatments without medical supervision. It is often used in conjunction with medications like methotrexate to enhance therapeutic effects.
Is TGP safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
TGP is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. It is essential to avoid use during these periods to protect the health of the mother and child.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28748514/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 522 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients found that Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP) combined with methotrexate (MTX) was more effective than MTX alone. The study showed significant reductions in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and swollen joint count (SJC), indicating improved clinical outcomes. However, the authors noted that the methodological quality of the included trials was poor, which limits the strength of the conclusions.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.00231/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and found that TGP may improve symptoms, although the evidence was less robust compared to studies on RA. The authors highlighted heterogeneity among the included studies as a limitation, which impacts the overall certainty of the findings. Despite this, the review suggests that TGP could be a beneficial adjunct therapy for managing AS.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/8292486 – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of TGP on patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The findings suggest that TGP shows promise in improving the quality of life for JIA patients, although the authors emphasize that more research is needed to confirm these benefits. The review was limited by the small number of studies available, resulting in a low to moderate quality assessment of the evidence.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/iid3.1044 – This study investigates the therapeutic effects of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The research provides insights into the clinical efficacy of TGP in alleviating RA symptoms and improving patient outcomes. Further details on the study design, methodology, and specific findings can be found in the full article.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-32/peony – WebMD provides general information about peony, including its uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It serves as a consumer-friendly resource for understanding the basics of peony and its traditional applications. However, it is important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice.
Supplements Containing Chinese Peony
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