Single Herb Glossary
Bái Sháo 白芍
| Pharmaceutical name | Paeoniae Radix alba white peony root, peony “white peony” |
| Category | Tonify Blood |
| Key Properties | Tonifies LV Blood Extinguishes Wind Stops Pain Nourishes LV & SP Yin |
| Properties | Bitter Sour (Astringent) Mildly cold |
| Tropism | LV, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Nourishes the Blood & Regulates the Menses 2) Calms & Curbs Liver Yang & Alleviates Pain (spasm) 3) Preserves Yin, Adjusts the Nutritive & Protective Levels (with help of Gui Zhi) |
| Dosages | 6-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Middle jiao Yang Def with Cold Eczema or rashes from exterior Wind with incomplete expression due to astringent nature Postpartum with Blood stagnation or when there is still bleeding |
| Contraindications (Western) | May cause drowsiness and sedation |
| Chemical Composition | Paeoniflorin, albiflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, paeonin, hydroxypaeoniflorin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • CNS suppressant: subcutaneous injection demonstrated marked sedative and suppressant effects on CNS in mice; prolonged sleeping time induced by barbiturates, and has protective effect against seizures induced by cardiazol • Gastrointestinal: inhibitory influence on smooth muscles of intestines and uterus; inhibits secretion of gastric acid to treat peptic ulcers in mice • Antibiotic: decoction shown to have inhibitory action against Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and some dermatophytes • Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory: paeoniflorin demonstrated marked antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects • Antiplatelet: paeoniflorin has mild influence to inhibit emboli formation through delayed aggregation of platelets • Cardiovascular: demonstrated marked action to relax blood vessels, dilate peripheral blood vessels, and cause slight decrease in blood pressure |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: shown to have mild inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and prevention of emboli formation; therefore, should be taken with caution by patients who are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs • Antidiabetics: prudent to use with caution with insulin, sulfonylureas, and other antidiabetic medications as combination may have synergistic effects, leading to hypoglycemia • Sedatives: has sedative and analgesic effects on CNS; prolonged sleeping time induced by barbiturates, and has protective effect against seizures induced by cardiazol • Incompatible with Li Lu (Veratri nigri Radix et Rhizoma) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.