Abstract

In this short review, information on the anticancer properties of paeoniflorin (PF) and paeonol (PN) from Paeonia species is collated with reference to the types of cancer, cell lines, effects, and molecular processes. The chemistry, botany, and uses of Paeonia lactiflora and P. suffruticosa, where respective PF and PN are often isolated, are briefly described. PF is a monoterpene glucoside while PN is a phenolic compound. The chemical structure of PF consists of a glucose moiety, a benzoyl moiety, and a cage-like pinane skeleton. PN has a ketone carbonyl side chain at C1, an OH group at C2, and a methoxy component at C4. PF has effects on eight types of cancer cells of which glioma cells are most affected. Liver cancer cells are most affected by PN. In this overview, the anticancer properties of PF and PN against five types of cancer cells are described. Information entails cancer cell types, cancer cell lines, effects, and molecular mechanisms. Some further studies on the anticancer properties of PF and PN are suggested.

Key words: Chinese Peony, Moutan Peony, monoterpene glucosides, phenolic compound.