RESUMEN
Paeonia Radix Alba is the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.in the ranunculus family,which is mainly produced in Zhejiang(Hang Paeony),Anhui(Hao Paeony)and Sichuan(Chuan Paeony).It has the effects of calming liver,relieving pain,nourishing blood,regulating menstrual period,collecting Yin,and preventing perspiration.Similar to Paeonia Radix Alba,Paeonia Radix Rubra is the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.or Paeonia veitchii Lynch.in the ranunculus family.Although the chemical constituents are similar,the efficacy and clinical application of the two herbal medicines are obviously different owing to their various processing methods and techniques.Modern studies have shown that Paeonia Radix Alba is rich in multiple chemical constituents,mainly including monoterpenoids and their glycosides,triterpenoids and their glycosides,volatile oils,flavonoids,and polyphenols,and has a wide range of pharmacological effects such as analgesia,anti-inflammation,anti-depression,liver protection,anti-tumor,and anti-hyperglycemia.This paper reviews the progress of research on effective constituents of Paeonia Radix Alba and their pharmacological effects to provide references for the comprehensive development and utilization of Paeonia Radix Alba.