Bulk Paeonia lactiflora Extract Supplier — Paeoniflorin 10%–98% HPLC & 4:1 / 10:1 / 20:1 Ratio Extracts, B2B Wholesale
Valeherb supplies Paeonia lactiflora extract bulk wholesale — Bai Shao (白芍, White Peony Root) — in two product lines: paeoniflorin-standardized grades (10%, 30%, 50%, and 98% by HPLC) and concentration-ratio extracts (4:1, 10:1, and 20:1), with custom specifications available for anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cosmeceutical formulation. Derived from the peeled, dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Paeoniaceae), this extract has over 2,000 years of documented use in traditional Chinese medicine and a well-characterised modern pharmacological evidence base centred on paeoniflorin — a monoterpene glycoside that is both the primary active compound and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP 2020) HPLC quality marker for Radix Paeoniae Alba.[1]
On this page: Bai Shao vs Chi Shao distinction, available grades, active compound profile, research background, formulation applications, sourcing criteria, regulatory guidance, and references.
Bai Shao vs Chi Shao: The Procurement Distinction
Two commercially distinct peony root types share the same botanical species — Paeonia lactiflora Pall. — but are processed differently and have separate ChP 2020 monographs with different applications.
| Property | Bai Shao 白芍 (White Peony Root) | Chi Shao 赤芍 (Red Peony Root) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Roots peeled, boiled, and dried — skin removed | Roots unpeeled, dried raw — skin retained |
| Primary active compound | Paeoniflorin — typically 2–4% in raw root; concentrated to 10–98% in extract | Paeoniflorin + paeonol; different ratio and profile from Bai Shao |
| ChP 2020 monograph | Radix Paeoniae Alba (白芍) — paeoniflorin ≥1.6% by HPLC | Radix Paeoniae Rubra (赤芍) — paeoniflorin ≥1.8% by HPLC; separate monograph |
| TCM classification | Blood-nourishing, liver-soothing, yin-tonifying herb | Blood-invigorating, heat-clearing, blood-stasis-resolving herb |
| Primary research focus | Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antioxidant activity[1] | Vascular biology, hepatoprotective, antioxidant activity |
| Cosmeceutical use | Tyrosinase inhibition, antioxidant, skin-brightening — INCI: Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract | Less commonly used in cosmetic formulations |
Available Grades and Specifications
Paeoniflorin-Standardized Extracts — Guaranteed Marker Content
| Grade | Paeoniflorin Content | Assay Method | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Extract | 10% paeoniflorin | HPLC | Entry-level anti-inflammatory blends, TCM-format supplements, herbal tonic capsules |
| Mid-Potency Extract | 30% paeoniflorin | HPLC | Mainstream immune-support and adaptogenic capsules; mood and stress-support formulas |
| High-Potency Extract | 50% paeoniflorin | HPLC | Premium anti-inflammatory stacks; cosmeceutical actives; compact dosing applications |
| Purified Paeoniflorin | 98% paeoniflorin | HPLC | Pharmaceutical-adjacent applications; precision-dosed research applications; high-end cosmetic actives |
Ratio Extracts — 4:1 / 10:1 / 20:1
Full-spectrum whole-root extracts retaining paeoniflorin alongside albiflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, and the polysaccharide fraction. Paeoniflorin content is reported as-tested per batch.
| Grade (Ratio) | Concentration Profile | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 4:1 | Full-spectrum — paeoniflorin + albiflorin + polysaccharides | Classical TCM tonic blends, traditional Bai Shao formulas, entry-level supplements |
| 10:1 | Concentrated full-spectrum; higher paeoniflorin density | Mainstream anti-inflammatory and immune-support capsules; adaptogen blends |
| 20:1 | High active density per gram | Premium stacks; cosmeceutical serums; compact dosing formats |
Custom ratios and dual-compound (paeoniflorin + albiflorin) standardized grades available on request. MOQ, lead time, and current pricing available on inquiry.
Active Compounds
| Compound | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paeoniflorin | Monoterpene glycoside — primary ChP marker; water-soluble | Principal bioactive; CAS 23180-57-6; MW 480.46; ChP 2020 HPLC quality marker (≥1.6% in raw root); most extensively studied compound in published research[1] |
| Albiflorin | Monoterpene glycoside — secondary marker | Stereoisomer of paeoniflorin; present at approximately 30–50% of paeoniflorin levels in raw root; immunomodulatory and neuroprotective activity studied independently in published research |
| Oxypaeoniflorin | Monoterpene glycoside | Present in raw root at low levels; antioxidant activity studied in published research |
| Benzoylpaeoniflorin | Monoterpene glycoside | Minor compound; present in both Bai Shao and Chi Shao; studied for smooth muscle modulation activity in published research |
| Polysaccharides | Complex carbohydrate fraction | Immunomodulatory activity studied in published research; concentrated in aqueous extracts and ratio grades |
Research Background
The activity described below is reported in published research on Paeonia lactiflora extract and its constituent compounds. It is provided as scientific context for formulators, not as claims for any Valeherb product.
1. Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activity — Comprehensive Review
Zhou et al. (2020, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy) reviewed paeoniflorin’s pharmacokinetics and anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The review documented modulation of NF-κB, MAPK, and TLR4 signaling pathways with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) across multiple in vitro and in vivo models. Oral bioavailability is relatively low — a relevant formulation consideration for delivery system design.[1]
2. Neuroprotective Activity — Nervous System Review
Hong et al. (2022, Frontiers in Pharmacology) reviewed paeoniflorin’s pharmacological effects in the nervous system, documenting antioxidant effects via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation, neuroinflammation inhibition via TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 modulation, and neuroprotective activity against oxidative-stress-induced neuronal damage in published preclinical models.[2]
3. Antidepressant-Like Activity — Preclinical Models
Wang et al. (2021, Phytomedicine) reviewed paeoniflorin’s neuroprotective and antidepressant-like properties, documenting activity in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) animal models including restoration of hippocampal neuroplasticity and HPA axis modulation. The authors noted limited clinical evidence in humans at the time of publication.[3]
4. Pharmacokinetics and Multi-Organ Protective Mechanisms
Tian et al. (2021, Frontiers in Pharmacology) reviewed paeoniflorin’s pharmacokinetic properties and protective mechanisms across neurological, cardiovascular, and renal research models, confirming inhibitory effects on inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis via intracellular signaling modulation. Low oral bioavailability was noted as a formulation challenge, with phospholipid complexes and nanoparticle delivery systems proposed as solutions.[4]
Formulation Applications
- Anti-inflammatory and immune-support supplements: 30% or 50% grade at 200–500 mg per serving. Pairs with boswellia, curcumin, and andrographis; or with astragalus and Poria cocos in TCM-positioned immune blends
- Stress support and mood formulas: 10:1 or 30% grade in adaptogen and calm-support formulas. Combines with Suanzaoren extract and Polygala tenuifolia in Xiaoyao-San-inspired TCM blends
- Neuroprotective and cognitive stacks: 50% or higher grade with lion’s mane and Bacopa monnieri, based on published Nrf2/HO-1 and neuroinflammation-modulation activity in preclinical research
- Cosmeceutical actives: 50% or 98% grade in skin-brightening serums and anti-aging topicals. Published tyrosinase inhibitory and antioxidant activity in skin-cell models. INCI: Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
- TCM-format supplements: 4:1 full-spectrum extract in classical Bai Shao formula blends; ChP 2020 compliance documentation available
Sourcing Criteria
| Criterion | What to Require |
|---|---|
| Species & Processing Confirmation | Paeonia lactiflora Pall., peeled root (Bai Shao) confirmed on COA. Distinguish from unpeeled Chi Shao — different processing, different compound profile, separate ChP monograph |
| Paeoniflorin Content | HPLC-verified paeoniflorin percentage per batch — the ChP 2020 primary quality marker. For cosmeceutical applications, request HPLC chromatogram showing paeoniflorin peak alongside albiflorin for full-spectrum compound confirmation |
| Ratio & Extraction Format | Confirm stated ratio (4:1 / 10:1 / 20:1) against raw-to-finished input. Aqueous extraction for polysaccharide-inclusive full-spectrum; ethanol for higher paeoniflorin concentration per gram |
| Third-Party COA | Paeoniflorin content (HPLC), heavy metals (USP <232>), pesticide residues (multi-residue screen), microbial limits (USP <2021>), moisture — per production batch from accredited laboratory |
| Certifications | Non-GMO, Kosher/Halal for relevant markets; FDA-registered facility for US supply chains; ChP 2020 documentation for China domestic market |
Regulatory Guidance
- US (DSHEA): Anti-inflammatory support, immune support, and antioxidant structure/function claims are supportable with published research — each must be self-substantiated by the marketer and carry the required FDA disclaimer. Disease treatment claims require drug approval. FDA-registered facility (21 CFR Part 111)
- China (ChP 2020): Radix Paeoniae Alba (白芍) is a listed medicinal herb with standardized ChP 2020 monograph, specifying paeoniflorin ≥1.6% by HPLC as the quality marker. ChP compliance documentation available for both domestic and export use
- Cosmetics (EU/US): INCI name is Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract. Listed in EU Cosing database. Confirm safety assessment under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 for your specific formulation and concentration
- EU (supplements): Not currently on the EU authorized health claims register. Traditional use status may apply in some member states — confirm with regulatory counsel before finalizing EU-market product claims
- Canada (NHPs): Bai Shao (White Peony Root) is recognized in Traditional Chinese Medicine under Natural Health Products Regulations — confirm permitted claim language with a qualified Canadian regulatory consultant
