Evidence supporting the use of: Peony
For the health condition: Depression

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Peony, particularly the root of Paeonia lactiflora (commonly referred to as "white peony"), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various ailments, including emotional imbalances such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. In TCM, peony is often included in herbal formulas (e.g., Xiao Yao San) designed to "soothe the liver" and regulate mood. The rationale for its use is based on traditional theories of energy (qi), blood flow, and organ harmony, rather than on modern scientific understanding of depression.

Modern scientific studies on peony's efficacy for depression are limited and preliminary. Some preclinical research suggests that compounds in peony, such as paeoniflorin, may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically influence mood. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and peony is not recognized as a standard or evidence-based treatment for depression in Western medicine. Thus, the main justification for its use in this context remains traditional, with a low to moderate level of supporting evidence.

In summary, peony’s use for depression is primarily tradition-based, supported by centuries of empirical use in TCM but only limited modern scientific evidence. Individuals considering peony for depression should consult healthcare professionals, especially since depression often requires comprehensive medical management.

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5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
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algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
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basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium longum
black tea
Indian frankincense
bасора
caffeine
Cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
choline
citicoline
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
folate
gardenia
ginger
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
Greek mountain tea
green tea
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
krill oil
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
L-carnosine
L-glycine
L-methionine
L-phenylalanine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
maca
magnesium
magnolia
Marine lipid
Matcha
Melatonin
Moringa
Muira puama
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
phenolic compounds
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
protein
butyric acid
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
Rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
selenium
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
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spirulina
Tongkat ali
Almond fruit
Valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Whey protein
Zinc
suma
gastrodia
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alpinia galangal
commiphora
blackboard tree
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lingzhi
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kanna
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dodder
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polyphenols
trace minerals
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cocoa
thyroid substance
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5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
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biopterin
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bee products
bacoside
baicalin
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biogenic amine
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caryophyllene
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crocin
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catalpol
Codonopsis
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curcumen
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chocolate
creatine
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cola nut
Canscora
cannabichromene
docosahexaenoic Acid
D-phenylalanine
DHEA
devil\'s club
dopamine
egg
Eicosatetraenoic acid
eicosapentaenoic acid
estrogen
folinic acid
folic acid
flavonoids
fragrant rosewood
fish
fatty acids
fungus
frankincense
guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Griffonia simplicifolia
Gypenoside
Glutamate
Glycine
gastrodin
Honokiol
Hypericin
Hellebore
Hypericum
hyperforin
Helicteres isora
hericium mushroom
hemp
isoliquiritigenin
long pepper
icariin
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limonene
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little ironweed
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linalool
lipids
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Methylxanthine
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magnolol
Mulungu
Mesembrine
Nardostachys
Nigella seed
Nymphaea caerulea
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Phosphocreatine
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polyunsaturated fat
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Tumerone
Trichilia catigua
Tetrahydropalmatine
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Uridine
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