Capsules: Peonies and Dementia

Japanese scientists have linked peonies to treatments for dementia.

By Kenneth Jones
September/October 1997
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS

As the elderly population of Japan begins to outnumber the young, scientists at Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University are searching for medicines to enhance mental performance. They may have found one in a formula from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Specifically, the researchers are testing a compound found in the formula szu-wu-tang. The compound’s scientific name is paeoniflorin and it comes from the root of the peony (Paeonia lactiflora).

RELATED CONTENT

The researchers’ findings so far suggest that the compound may help treat senile dementia, a mental deterioration associated with old age. When they gave older, learning-impaired rats daily doses of paeoniflorin (0.01 mg/kg of body weight) for five weeks, the rats showed significant improvement in working and reference memory. The same dosage given to younger, normal rats had no effect. Neither group experienced bad reactions to the compound.

To see just how effective paeoniflorin really is, clinical research is still necessary; however, results so far suggest the compound has the potential to sharpen the mind’s performance.

The formula szu-wu-tang is used in Chinese medicine to treat childbirth ­fatigue, gynecological disorders, gastro­intestinal disturbances, dry skin, and bad complexions. It consists of equal parts of Angelica sinensis root, Rehmannia glutinosa root, the root crown of Ligusticum wallichii, and peony root.
—Kenneth Jones

References

Wang, Yu-ching, translator. “Handbook of Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Prescriptions Approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Pharmaceutical Affairs Bureau, Japan.” Bulletin of the ­Oriental Healing Arts Institute of U.S.A. 1983, 8(8):100.
Watanabe, H. “Candidates for cognitive enhancer extracted from medicinal plants: paeoniflorin and tetramethylpyrazine.” ­Behaviourial Brain Research 1997, 83: 135–141.
Watanabe, H., et al. “A kampo prescription, Shimotsu-to, improves ­scopolamine-induced spatial cognitive deficits in rats.” Japanese Journal of Psychopharmacology 1991, 11:215–222.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print


Archived Comments

6334
MY COMMUNITY

MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save 58% off the Cover Price
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*


(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to The Herb Companion

Your guide to the many uses and even more pleasures of nature's most helpful plants!

The Herb Companion is the smart and easy complement to your own healthy, vibrant lifestyle! In every issue you'll find information on using herbs to:

  • Transform simple dishes into spectacular meals
  • Make gardens as useful as they are beautiful
  • Replace harsh chemicals with natural alternatives
  • Help find fulfillment, balance and good health
  • And much more!

Yes, send me a one-year subscription (6 issues) to The Herb Companion. I'll pay just $19.95.

Save Even More Money By Paying NOW!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our Earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You save an additional $5.00 and get 6 issues of The Herb Companion for only $14.95 (USA only).