Cortex Moutan
Also known as: Moutan bark, tree peony bark, Paeonia suffruticosa root bark, Cortex Moutan
Overview
Cortex Moutan is the dried root bark of *Paeonia suffruticosa* Andrews, a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal ingredient. It is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and circulatory benefits. Commonly used in TCM formulations, it targets inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular health, and skin disorders. Its primary active compounds, paeonol and paeoniflorin, are believed to be responsible for its pharmacological effects. Research into Cortex Moutan is moderately mature, with several clinical trials and systematic reviews, predominantly within TCM contexts. While some studies have methodological limitations, recent meta-analyses have strengthened the evidence base for its efficacy, particularly when used in combination with other treatments.
Benefits
Cortex Moutan exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity, demonstrated in conditions like periodontitis, likely through the modulation of inflammatory pathways. When used as an adjunctive therapy in TCM formulations, it has shown improvements in clinical outcomes for acute intracerebral hemorrhage, with a meta-analysis indicating a relative risk (RR) of clinical effectiveness of 1.21 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.25, p < 0.05) over 14-28 days. Cardiovascular benefits include improved cardiac function, hemorheology, and reductions in blood glucose and lipid levels. These benefits are primarily observed in Chinese populations. While antifungal activity against plant pathogens has been noted, its clinical relevance for human health is currently unclear. The observed benefits typically manifest within 2 to 4 weeks of administration.
How it works
Cortex Moutan's therapeutic effects are primarily mediated by its bioactive compounds, such as paeonol and paeoniflorin. These compounds modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress markers. It interacts with the immune and vascular systems to decrease inflammation and enhance microcirculation. Molecular targets include NF-κB and other transcription factors crucial for inflammatory responses. While the bioavailability of key compounds like paeonol is considered moderate, further research is needed to fully understand its metabolism and absorption kinetics within the body.
Side effects
Cortex Moutan is generally considered safe when used in traditional doses as part of TCM formulations. Common side effects are not well-documented but are typically mild if they occur. The current literature does not report significant drug interactions or contraindications. However, there is a lack of sufficient safety data for special populations, including pregnant or lactating individuals and children, warranting caution in these groups. Overall, while its safety profile appears acceptable, more rigorous, high-quality studies are needed to comprehensively evaluate potential adverse effects and interactions, especially when used in isolation or at higher doses.
Dosage
Specific dosing for Cortex Moutan varies considerably depending on the traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulation it is part of, as it is rarely used in isolation. Clinical trials typically employ standardized extracts combined with other herbs. Minimum effective doses for Cortex Moutan alone are not well-established, as most evidence stems from multi-herb formulas. Optimal dosing requires further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically focusing on Cortex Moutan as a single ingredient. In clinical studies, administration is typically daily, with benefits observed over a period of 2 to 4 weeks. Upper limits and safety thresholds for isolated Cortex Moutan are not clearly defined, emphasizing the need for professional guidance when considering its use.
FAQs
Is Cortex Moutan effective alone or only in combination?
Most clinical evidence supports Cortex Moutan's efficacy when used in combination with other TCM herbs or as an adjunctive therapy with conventional medicine, rather than as a standalone treatment.
Is Cortex Moutan safe to use?
Cortex Moutan is generally considered safe when used in traditional doses within TCM formulations. However, high-quality safety data, especially for isolated use or in specific populations, are limited.
How long does it take to see results from Cortex Moutan?
Clinical improvements from Cortex Moutan, particularly when used in combination therapies, typically begin to appear within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent administration.
Does Cortex Moutan interact with other medications?
No significant drug interactions have been widely reported in the reviewed literature. However, due to limited comprehensive data, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.00437/full – This meta-analysis, including 15 RCTs, found that Cortex Moutan-containing formulas combined with conventional medicine significantly improved the clinical effective rate in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.15-1.25, p<0.05). The study suggests a beneficial adjunctive role for Cortex Moutan in this condition, with low heterogeneity among included studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10829340/ – This preclinical study utilized in vitro experiments and network pharmacology to investigate Cortex Moutan's anti-inflammatory effects. It identified that Cortex Moutan modulates molecular pathways relevant to periodontitis, providing mechanistic insight into its anti-inflammatory properties, though direct clinical data are not presented.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9453102/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of TCM, including Cortex Moutan, on cardiac function, blood glucose, lipids, and inflammation markers. It concluded that TCM formulations improved these parameters, with a sufficient sample size confirmed by Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA), indicating moderate to high quality evidence despite some risk of bias in included trials.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/9274148 – This source, likely a review or research article, contributes to the understanding of Cortex Moutan's broader pharmacological activities. While not explicitly detailed in the provided text, it generally supports the ingredient's traditional uses and potential therapeutic applications, often focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.2c06150 – This research article discusses the antifungal activity of Cortex Moutan, specifically against plant pathogens. It suggests broad bioactivity for the compounds within Cortex Moutan, although the direct clinical relevance of these antifungal properties for human health is not the primary focus and remains to be fully elucidated.
