Spandidos Publications Logo
  • About
    • About Spandidos
    • Aims and Scopes
    • Abstracting and Indexing
    • Editorial Policies
    • Reprints and Permissions
    • Job Opportunities
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact
  • Journals
    • All Journals
    • Oncology Letters
      • Oncology Letters
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • International Journal of Oncology
      • International Journal of Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Biomedical Reports
      • Biomedical Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Oncology Reports
      • Oncology Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Medicine International
      • Medicine International
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
  • Articles
  • Information
    • Information for Authors
    • Information for Reviewers
    • Information for Librarians
    • Information for Advertisers
    • Conferences
  • Language Editing
Spandidos Publications Logo
  • About
    • About Spandidos
    • Aims and Scopes
    • Abstracting and Indexing
    • Editorial Policies
    • Reprints and Permissions
    • Job Opportunities
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact
  • Journals
    • All Journals
    • Biomedical Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • International Journal of Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Medicine International
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Oncology Letters
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • Oncology Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
    • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
  • Articles
  • Information
    • For Authors
    • For Reviewers
    • For Librarians
    • For Advertisers
    • Conferences
  • Language Editing
Login Register Submit
  • This site uses cookies
  • You can change your cookie settings at any time by following the instructions in our Cookie Policy. To find out more, you may read our Privacy Policy.

    I agree
Search articles by DOI, keyword, author or affiliation
Search
Advanced Search
presentation
Medicine International
Join Editorial Board Propose a Special Issue
Print ISSN: 2754-3242 Online ISSN: 2754-1304
Journal Cover
May-June 2025 Volume 5 Issue 3

Full Size Image

Sign up for eToc alerts
Recommend to Library

Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Molecular Medicine is an international journal devoted to molecular mechanisms of human disease.

International Journal of Oncology

International Journal of Oncology

International Journal of Oncology is an international journal devoted to oncology research and cancer treatment.

Molecular Medicine Reports

Molecular Medicine Reports

Covers molecular medicine topics such as pharmacology, pathology, genetics, neuroscience, infectious diseases, molecular cardiology, and molecular surgery.

Oncology Reports

Oncology Reports

Oncology Reports is an international journal devoted to fundamental and applied research in Oncology.

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine is an international journal devoted to laboratory and clinical medicine.

Oncology Letters

Oncology Letters

Oncology Letters is an international journal devoted to Experimental and Clinical Oncology.

Biomedical Reports

Biomedical Reports

Explores a wide range of biological and medical fields, including pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, and molecular cardiology.

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

International journal addressing all aspects of oncology research, from tumorigenesis and oncogenes to chemotherapy and metastasis.

World Academy of Sciences Journal

World Academy of Sciences Journal

Multidisciplinary open-access journal spanning biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, environmental health, and synthetic biology.

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

Open-access journal combining biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and genetics to advance health through functional nutrition.

International Journal of Epigenetics

International Journal of Epigenetics

Publishes open-access research on using epigenetics to advance understanding and treatment of human disease.

Medicine International

Medicine International

An International Open Access Journal Devoted to General Medicine.

Journal Cover
May-June 2025 Volume 5 Issue 3

Full Size Image

Sign up for eToc alerts
Recommend to Library

  • Article
  • Citations
    • Cite This Article
    • Download Citation
    • Create Citation Alert
    • Remove Citation Alert
    • Cited By
  • Similar Articles
    • Related Articles (in Spandidos Publications)
    • Similar Articles (Google Scholar)
    • Similar Articles (PubMed)
  • Download PDF
  • Download XML
  • View XML
Review Open Access

Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Precious Barnes
    • Elvis Agbo
    • Faustina Halm‑Lai
    • Kwabena Dankwa
    • Roland Osei Saahene
    • Samuel Victor Nuvor
    • Dorcas Obiri‑Yeboah
    • Ewura Seidu Yahaya
  • View Affiliations

    Affiliations: Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 00233, Ghana, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an, Jiangxi 343000, P.R. China, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, 00233, Ghana, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 00233, Ghana
  • Published online on: February 26, 2025     https://doi.org/10.3892/mi.2025.223
  • Article Number: 24
  • Copyright : © Barnes et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Metrics: Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Cited By (CrossRef): 0 citations Loading Articles...

This article is mentioned in:



Abstract

Paeonol a, pharmacologically active constituent obtained from the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa has been extensively utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment, prevention and control of several diseases for years. Paeonol has been reported to possess key immunomodulatory properties; however, the underlying mechanisms involved in its immunomodulatory and anticancer effects have not been extensively researched due to limitations in terms of design, conduct and interpretation. The present review focuses on both the in vitro and in vivo immunosuppressive and anticancer effects of paeonol and the underlying mechanisms of action. The present literature review aimed to include all the notable findings published on Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, SciFinder and ScienceDirect. Overall, paeonol possesses multifaceted pharmacological activities with potential for use in the development of novel immunomodulator and anticancer therapeutic agents. Paeonol decreases IL‑1β expression to repress several inflammatory mediators, such as NO, iNOS, COX2 and PEG2 in the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome, NF‑κB, MAPK and TLR4 pathways to provide multiple levels immunosuppression; these effects may be beneficial in immune‑related diseases. Furthermore, paeonol inhibits cancer cell growth, proliferation, invasion and metastasis by inducing cell apoptosis and the suppression of the TLR4/NF‑κB/STAT3/MAPK/PI3K/AKT/CHOP/VEGF/HIF‑1α, pathways. The present review aimed to promote further research to exploit the potential use of paeonol as a novel therapeutic agent for immunomodulation and cancer management.
View Figures

Figure 1

View References

1 

Jantan I, Haque MA, Ilangkovan M and Arshad L: An insight into the modulatory effects and mechanisms of action of Phyllanthus species and their bioactive metabolites on the immune system. Front Pharmacol. 10(878)2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

2 

Greenberg S and Grinstein S: Phagocytosis and innate immunity. Curr Opin Immunol. 14:136–145. 2002.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

3 

Janeway C, Travers P, Walport M and Shlomchik M: Immunobiology. In: TheImmune System in Health and Disease. Vol 2: Garland Science, New York, 2001.

4 

Siracusano A, Riganò R, Ortona E, Profumo E, Margutti P, Buttari B, Delunardo F and Teggi A: Immunomodulatory mechanisms during Echinococcus granulosus infection. Exp Parasitol. 119:483–489. 2008.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

5 

M. D. Bagatini, ‘Immune System and Chronic Diseases 2018.’.

6 

Wolska K, Górska A, Antosik K and Ługowska K: Immunomodulatory effects of propolis and its components on basic immune cell functions. Indian J Pharm Sci. 81:575–588. 2019.

7 

Ilangkovan M, Jantan I, Mesaik MA and Bukhari SNA: Immunosuppressive effects of the standardized extract of Phyllanthus amarus on cellular immune responses in Wistar-Kyoto rats. Drug Des Devel Ther. 26:4917–4930. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

8 

Khandelwal V, Bhati A and Anjana G: Immunomodulatory activity of hot aqueous extract of Anthocephalus cadamba leaves in albino rats. Adv Bioresearch. 7:203–206. 2016.

9 

Stromberg SP and Carlson JM: The suppression of immune system disorders by passive attrition. PLoS One. 5(e9648)2010.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

10 

Okoye AA and Picker LJ: CD 4+ T-cell depletion in HIV infection: Mechanisms of immunological failure. Immunol Rev. 254:54–64. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

11 

Wherry EJ and Kurachi M: Molecular and cellular insights into T cell exhaustion. Nat Rev Immunol. 15:486–499. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

12 

Alpdogan O and van den Brink MR: Immune tolerance and transplantation. Semin Oncol. 39:629–642. 2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

13 

Redman JM, Gibney GT and Atkins MB: Advances in immunotherapy for melanoma. BMC Med. 14:1–11. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

14 

Saahene RO, Wang J, Wang ML, Agbo E and Pang D: The antitumor mechanism of paeonol on CXCL4/CXCR3-B signals in breast cancer through induction of tumor cell apoptosis. Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 33:233–240. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

15 

Pang KL, Vijayaraghavan K, Al Sayed B and Seyed MA: Betulinic acid-induced expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase in the immune organs of mice: A possible role of nitric oxide in immunomodulation. Mol Med Rep. 17:3035–3041. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

16 

Wu M, Yu Z, Li X, Zhang X, Wang S, Yang S, Hu L and Liu L: Paeonol for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A pharmacological and mechanistic overview. Front Cardiovasc Med. 8(690116)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

17 

Meng Y, Wang M, Xie X, Di T, Zhao J, Lin Y, Xu X, Li N, Zhai Y, Wang Y and Li P: Paeonol ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in BALB/c mice by inhibiting the maturation and activation of dendritic cells. Int J Mol Med. 39:1101–1110. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

18 

Fan HY, Qi D, Yu C, Zhao F, Liu T, Zhang ZK, Yang MY, Zhang LM, Chen DQ and Du Y: Paeonol protects endotoxin-induced acute kidney injury: Potential mechanism of inhibiting TLR4-NF-κB signal pathway. Oncotarget. 7:39497–39510. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

19 

Du Q, Feng GZ, Shen L, Cui J and Cai JK: Paeonol attenuates airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced asthma. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 88:1010–1016. 2010.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

20 

Kim SH, Kim SA, Park MK, Kim SH, Park YD, Na HJ, Kim HM, Shin MK and Ahn KS: Paeonol inhibits anaphylactic reaction by regulating histamine and TNF-α. Int Immunopharmacol. 4:279–287. 2004.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

21 

Yuan C, Xu X, Wang N, Zhu Q, Zhang J, Gong W, Ding Y, Xiao W, Chen W, Lu G, et al: Paeonol protects against acute pancreatitis by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization via the NLRP3 inflammasomes pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 600:35–43. 2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

22 

Lyu ZK, Li CL, Jin Y, Liu YZ, Zhang X, Zhang F, Ning LN, Liang ES, Ma M, Gao W, et al: Paeonol exerts potential activities to inhibit the growth, migration and invasion of human gastric cancer BGC823 cells via downregulating MMP-2 and MMP-9. Mol Med Rep. 16:7513–7519. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

23 

Li M, Tan SY and Wang XF: Paeonol exerts an anticancer effect on human colorectal cancer cells through inhibition of PGE2 synthesis and COX-2 expression. Oncol Rep. 32:2845–2853. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

24 

Ou Y, Li Q, Wang J, Li K and Zhou S: Antitumor and apoptosis induction effects of paeonol on mice bearing EMT6 breast carcinoma. Biomol Ther (Seoul). 22:341–346. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

25 

Zhang L, Tao L, Shi T, Zhang F, Sheng X, Cao Y, Zheng S, Wang A, Qian W, Jiang L and Lu Y: Paeonol inhibits B 16 F 10 melanoma metastasis in vitro and in vivo via disrupting proinflammatory cytokines-mediated NF-κB and STAT 3 pathways. IUBMB life. 67:778–788. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

26 

Liu MH, Lin AH, Lee HF, Ko HK, Lee TS and Kou YR: Paeonol attenuates cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation by inhibiting ROS-sensitive inflammatory signaling. Mediators Inflamm. 2014(651890)2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

27 

Ge Y, Pan M, Zhang C, Wang C, Ma K, Yan G, Wang T, Wu D and Shao J: Paeonol alleviates dextran sodium sulfate induced colitis involving Candida albicans-associated dysbiosis. Med Mycol. 59:335–344. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

28 

Ping M, Xiao W, Mo L, Xiao X, Song S, Tang W and Yang X: Paeonol attenuates advanced oxidation protein product-induced oxidative stress injury in THP-1 macrophages. Pharmacology. 93:286–295. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

29 

Liu CM, Yang HX, Ma JQ, Yang W, Feng ZJ, Sun JM, Cheng C, Li J and Jiang H: Role of AMPK pathway in lead-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in kidney and in paeonol-induced protection in mice. Food Chem Toxicol. 122:87–94. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

30 

Kang B, Park DH, Lee MJ, Jeon CY, Kang KS and Choi YK: Beneficial effect of paeonol on antibiotic-associated inflammatory response in mice with diarrhea. Biomolecules. 12(1634)2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

31 

Meng Y, Liu Z, Zhai C, Di T, Zhang L, Zhang L, Zhang L, Xie X, Lin Y, Wang N, et al: Paeonol inhibits the development of 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis via mast and T cells in BALB/c mice. Mol Med Rep. 19:3217–3229. 2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

32 

Miao J, Ye P, Lan J, Ye S, Zhong J, Gresham A, Li S, You A, Chen X, Liu X and Li H: Paeonol promotes the phagocytic ability of macrophages through confining HMGB1 to the nucleus. Int Immunopharmacol. 89(107068)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

33 

Sheng SQ, Yu LY, Zhou XW, Pan HY, Hu FY and Liu JL: Paeonol prevents migration and invasion, and promotes apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting 5-lipoxygenase. Mol Med Rep. 23:1–8. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

34 

Pan M, Wang Q, Liu Y, Xiao N, Niu X, Wu D, Wang T, Yan G and Shao J: Paeonol enhances treatment of fluconazole and amphotericin B against oropharyngeal candidiasis through HIF-1α related IL-17 signaling. Med Mycol. 60(myac011)2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

35 

Wu J, Xue X, Zhang B, Jiang W, Cao H, Wang R, Sun D and Guo R: The protective effects of paeonol against epirubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in 4T1-tumor bearing mice via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/NF-kB pathway. Chem Biol Interact. 244:1–8. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

36 

Wu J, Xue X, Zhang B, Cao H, Kong F, Jiang W, Li J, Sun D and Guo R: Enhanced antitumor activity and attenuated cardiotoxicity of Epirubicin combined with Paeonol against breast cancer. Tumor Biol. 37:12301–12313. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

37 

Zhou ZQ: Taxonomy, geographic distribution and ecological habitats of tree peonies. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 53:11–22. 2006.

38 

Zhao M and Wu S: A review of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of tree peony (Sect. Moutan). South African J Botany. 124:556–563. 2019.

39 

Wang X, Fan H, Li Y, Sun X, Sun X, Wang W and Zheng C: Analysis of genetic relationships in tree peony of different colors using conserved DNA-derived polymorphism markers. Scientia Horticulturae. 175:68–73. 2014.

40 

He L, Suo Z, Zhang C, Jin X, Zhao D, Zhao X, Hou B and Deng C: Classification of Chinese medicinal tree peony cultivars based on chloroplast DNA sequences. Aasri Procedia. 1:344–352. 2012.

41 

Feng Y, Yin L, Liu Y, Cao L, Zheng N, Li M and Zhan S: Quantitative determination and optimun extraction technique of nine compounds of Paeoniae Radix Alba. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 49:356–363. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar : (In Chinese).

42 

Sun M, Huang L, Zhu J, Bu W, Sun J and Fang Z: Screening nephroprotective compounds from cortex Moutan by mesangial cell extraction and UPLC. Arch Pharm Res. 38:1044–1053. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

43 

Jiao MJ, Deng Z, Zhang J, Wang SH, Cui WJ, Zhang GY and Liu A: Preparation and quality standard of standard decoction of Chinese herbal medicine containing volatile components-case study of Moutan Cortex. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 43:891–896. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar : (In Chinese).

44 

Sun Y, Liu L, Shi XY, He H, Huang HW and Dai M: Paeonol inhibits macrophage M1 polarization by down-regulating miR-155/JAK1-STAT1 pathway. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 45:2158–2164. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar : (In Chinese).

45 

Liu Y, Li C, Wu H, Xie X, Sun Y and Dai M: Paeonol attenuated inflammatory response of endothelial cells via stimulating monocytes-derived exosomal MicroRNA-223. Front Pharmacol. 9(1105)2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

46 

Lou Y, Wang C, Tang Q, Zheng W, Feng Z, Yu X, Guo X and Wang J: Paeonol inhibits IL-1β-induced inflammation via PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathways: In vivo and vitro studies. Inflammation. 40:1698–1706. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

47 

Lin C, Lin HY, Chen JH, Tseng WP, Ko PY, Liu YS, Yeh WL and Lu DY: Effects of paeonol on anti-neuroinflammatory responses in microglial cells. Int J Mol Sci. 16:8844–8860. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

48 

Chen N, Liu D, Soromou LW, Sun J, Zhong W, Guo W, Huo M, Li H, Guan S, Chen Z and Feng H: Paeonol suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokines in macrophage cells and protects mice from lethal endotoxin shock. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 28:268–276. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

49 

Niu Y, Jin Y, Hao Y, Liang W, Tang F, Qin Z, Liang T and Shi L: Paeonol interferes with lupus nephritis by regulating M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. Mol Immunol. 169:66–77. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

50 

Zhang Z, Chen T, Liu W, Xiong J, Jiang L and Liu M: Paeonol accelerates skin wound healing by regulating macrophage polarization and inflammation in diabetic rats. Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 27:437–448. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

51 

Miao J, Liu X, Liao Y, Li Y, Kuang Y, Zheng J, Li Z and Lan J: Paeonol enhances macrophage phagocytic function by modulating lipid metabolism through the P53-TREM2 axis. Front Pharmacol. 14(1214756)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

52 

Chen G, Guo T and Yang L: Paeonol reduces IL-β production by inhibiting the activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein-3 inflammasome and nuclear factor-κB in macrophages. Biochem Cell Biol. 100:28–36. 2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

53 

He LX, Tong X, Zeng J, Tu Y, Wu S, Li M, Deng H, Zhu M, Li X, Nie H, et al: Paeonol suppresses neuroinflammatory responses in LPS-activated microglia cells. Inflammation. 39:1904–1917. 2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

54 

Li X, Shi H, Zhang D, Jing B, Chen Z, Zheng Y, Chang S, Gao L and Zhao G: Paeonol alleviates neuropathic pain by modulating microglial M1 and M2 polarization via the RhoA/p38MAPK signaling pathway. CNS Neurosci Ther. 29:2666–2679. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

55 

Adki KM and Kulkarni YA: Neuroprotective effect of paeonol in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Life Sci. 271(119202)2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

56 

Wu J, Wu D, Ma K, Wang T, Shi G, Shao J, Wang C and Yan G: Paeonol ameliorates murine alcohol liver disease via mycobiota-mediated Dectin-1/IL-1β signaling pathway. J Leucoc Biol. 108:199–214. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

57 

Wu S, Liu L, Yang S, Kuang G, Yin X, Wang Y, Xu F, Xiong L, Zhang M, Wan J and Gong X: Paeonol alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through suppression of hepatic stellate cells activation via inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 41:438–445. 2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

58 

Li J, Li Y, Pan S, Zhang L, He L and Niu Y: Paeonol attenuates ligation-induced periodontitis in rats by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis via regulating Nrf2/NF-κB/NFATc1 signaling pathway. Biochimie. 156:129–137. 2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

59 

Tang Y, Huang W, Song Q, Zheng X, He R and Liu J: Paeonol ameliorates ovalbumin-induced asthma through the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK signaling. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018(3063145)2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

60 

Gong X, Yang Y, Huang L, Zhang Q, Wan RZ, Zhang P, Wan RZ, Zhang P and Zhang B: Antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis by paeonol in LPS/d-GalN-induced acute liver failure in mice. Int Immunopharmacol. 46:124–132. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

61 

Zong SY, Pu YQ, Xu BL, Zhang T and Wang B: Study on the physicochemical properties and anti-inflammatory effects of paeonol in rats with TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis. Int Immunopharmacol. 42:32–38. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

62 

Ding Y, Li Q, Xu Y, Chen Y, Deng Y, Zhi F and Qian K: Attenuating oxidative stress by paeonol protected against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. PLoS One. 11(e0154375)2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

63 

Liao WY, Tsai TH, Ho TY, Lin YW, Cheng CY and Hsieh CL: Neuroprotective effect of paeonol mediates anti-inflammation via suppressing toll-like receptor 2 and toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathways in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injured rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016(3704647)2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

64 

Lee H, Lee G, Kim H and Bae H: Paeonol, a major compound of moutan cortex, attenuates Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013(310989)2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

65 

Bihlet AR, Byrjalsen I, Andersen JR, Reynolds A, Larkins N, Alexandersen P, Rovsing H, Moots R and Conaghan PG: The efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose combination of apocynin and paeonol, APPA, in symptomatic knee OA: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 32:952–962. 2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

66 

Zhang W, Cai J, Chen S, Zheng X, Hu S, Dong W, Lu J, Xing J and Dong Y: Paclitaxel resistance in MCF-7/PTX cells is reversed by paeonol through suppression of the SET/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. Mol Med Rep. 12:1506–1514. 2015.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

67 

Cai J, Chen S, Zhang W, Hu S, Lu J, Xing J and Dong Y: Paeonol reverses paclitaxel resistance in human breast cancer cells by regulating the expression of transgelin 2. Phytomedicine. 21:984–991. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

68 

Zhang J, Cai L, Pang K, Dong Y, Zhang Z, Li B, Li R and Han CH: Paeonol inhibits proliferation and induces cell apoptosis of human T24 and 5637 bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Clin Transl Oncol. 23:601–611. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

69 

Liu LH, Shi RJ and Chen ZC: Paeonol exerts anti-tumor activity against colorectal cancer cells by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest and cell apoptosis via inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med. 46:675–684. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

70 

Li M, Tan SY, Zhang J and You HX: Effects of paeonol on intracellular calcium concentration and expression of RUNX3 in LoVo human colon cancer cells. Mol Med Rep. 7:1425–1430. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

71 

Li M, Cai O, Yu Y and Tan S: Paeonol inhibits the malignancy of Apatinib-resistant gastric cancer cells via LINC00665/miR-665/MAPK1 axis. Phytomedicine. 96(153903)2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

72 

Fu J, Yu L, Luo J, Huo R and Zhu B: Paeonol induces the apoptosis of the SGC-7901 gastric cancer cell line by downregulating ERBB2 and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med. 42:1473–1483. 2018.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

73 

Lv J, Zhu S, Chen H, Xu Y, Su Q, Yu G and Ma W: Paeonol inhibits human lung cancer cell viability and metastasis in vitro via miR-126-5p/ZEB2 axis. Drug Dev Res. 83:432–446. 2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

74 

Zhang L, Chen WX, Li LL, Cao YZ, Geng YD, Feng XJ, Wang AY, Chen ZL, Lu Y and Shen AZ: Paeonol suppresses proliferation and motility of non-small-cell lung cancer cells by disrupting STAT3/NF-κB signaling. Front Pharmacol. 11(572616)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

75 

Lei Y, Li HX, Jin WS, Peng WR, Zhang CJ, Bu LJ, Du YY, Ma T and Sun GP: The radiosensitizing effect of Paeonol on lung adenocarcinoma by augmentation of radiation-induced apoptosis and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Int J Radiat Biol. 89:1079–1086. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

76 

Zhou J, Liu Q, Qian R, Liu S, Hu W and Liu Z: Paeonol antagonizes oncogenesis of osteosarcoma by inhibiting the function of TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Acta Histochem. 122(151455)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

77 

Gao L, Wang Z, Lu D, Huang J, Liu J and Hong L: Paeonol induces cytoprotective autophagy via blocking the Akt/mTOR pathway in ovarian cancer cells. Cell Death Dis. 10(609)2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

78 

Han L, Guo XJ, Chen Z, Bian H, Zhang CY, Zang WH, Wang Q and Hu JL: The mechanisms of paeonol reversing multidrug resistance in ovarian cancer SKOV3/DDP cells. Acta Pharm Sin. 53:1511–1517. 2018.

79 

Li B, Yang J, Hong L, Tang J, Li Q and Fu Q: Paeonol induces apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells through the AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Int J Clin Exp Med. 10:10170–10178. 2017.

80 

Zhou HM, Sun QX and Cheng Y: Paeonol enhances the sensitivity of human ovarian cancer cells to radiotherapy-induced apoptosis due to downregulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt/phosphatase and tensin homolog pathway and inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor. Exp Ther Med. 14:3213–3220. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

81 

Yin J, Wu N, Zeng F, Cheng C, Kang K and Yang H: Paeonol induces apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cells. Acta Histochem. 115:835–839. 2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

82 

Xu Y, Zhu JY, Lei ZM, Wan LJ, Zhu ZW, Ye F and Tong YY: Anti-proliferative effects of paeonol on human prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and PC-3. J Physiol Biochem. 73:157–165. 2017.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

83 

Horng CT, Shieh PC, Tan TW, Yang WH and Tang CH: Paeonol suppresses chondrosarcoma metastasis through up-regulation of miR-141 by modulating PKCδ and c-Src signaling pathway. Int J Mol Sci. 15:11760–11772. 2014.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

84 

Cheng CS, Chen JX, Tang J, Geng YW, Zheng L, Lv LL, Chen LY and Chen Z: Paeonol inhibits pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion through the inhibition of TGF-β1/smad signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition. Cancer Manag Res. 29:641–651. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

85 

Du J, Song D, Li J, Li Y, Li B and Li L: Paeonol triggers apoptosis in HeLa cervical cancer cells: The role of mitochondria-related caspase pathway. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 239:1–10. 2021.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

86 

Chen Y, Jia Y, Li Y, Zheng Y, Chen G and Shi Y: Investigation on the antitumor effects of paeonol against renal cell carcinoma based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. J Ethnopharmacol. 285(114857)2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

87 

Cai M, Shao W, Yu H, Hong Y and Shi L: Paeonol inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating miR-21-5p/KLF6 axis. Cancer Manag Res. 17:5931–5943. 2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

88 

Li Q, Zhang Y, Sun J and Bo Q: Paeonol-mediated apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by NF-κB pathway. Oncol Lett. 17:1761–1767. 2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

89 

Fan L, Song B, Sun G, Ma T, Zhong F and Wei W: Endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced resistance to doxorubicin is reversed by paeonol treatment in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. PLoS One. 8(e62627)2013.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

90 

Ramachandhiran D, Vinothkumar V and Babukumar S: Paeonol exhibits anti-tumor effects by apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities in 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene induced oral carcinogenesis. Biotech Histochem. 94:10–25. 2019.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

91 

Chen X, Xu Z, Lu M, Ding W, Zhong J, Deng S, Li S, Miao J, Liu X, Wen Q, et al: Paeonol inhibits melanoma growth by targeting PD1 through upregulation of miR-139-5p. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 656:86–96. 2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

92 

Tsai CY, Kapoor M, Huang YP, Lin HH, Liang YC, Lin YL, Huang SC, Liao WN, Chen JK, Huang JS and Hsu MH: Synthesis and evaluation of aminothiazole-paeonol derivatives as potential anticancer agents. Molecules. 21(145)2016.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

93 

Adki KM, Murugesan S and Kulkarni YA: In silico and in vivo toxicological evaluation of paeonol. Chem Biodivers. 17(e2000422)2020.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

94 

Chang X, Feng X, Du M, Li S, Wang J, Wang Y and Liu P: Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of paeonol on antitumor and prevention of side effects of cancer therapy. Front Pharmacol. 14(1194861)2023.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

95 

Cheng S, Chen W, Guo Z, Ding C, Zuo R, Liao Q and Liu G: Paeonol alleviates ulcerative colitis by modulating PPAR-γ and nuclear factor-κB activation. Sci Rep. 14(18390)2024.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

96 

Himaya S, Ryu B, Qian ZJ and Kim SK: Paeonol from Hippocampus kuda Bleeler suppressed the neuro-inflammatory responses in vitro via NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Toxicology In Vitro. 26:878–887. 2012.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

97 

Morsy MA, Ibrahim YF, Hafez SMN, Zenhom NM, Nair AB, Venugopala KN, Shinu P and Abdel-Gaber SA: Paeonol attenuates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB signaling pathways. Antioxidants (Basel). 11(1687)2022.PubMed/NCBI View Article : Google Scholar

Related Articles

  • Abstract
  • View
  • Download
Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Barnes P, Agbo E, Halm‑Lai F, Dankwa K, Saahene R, Nuvor S, Obiri‑Yeboah D and Yahaya E: Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review). Med Int 5: 24, 2025.
APA
Barnes, P., Agbo, E., Halm‑Lai, F., Dankwa, K., Saahene, R., Nuvor, S. ... Yahaya, E. (2025). Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review). Medicine International, 5, 24. https://doi.org/10.3892/mi.2025.223
MLA
Barnes, P., Agbo, E., Halm‑Lai, F., Dankwa, K., Saahene, R., Nuvor, S., Obiri‑Yeboah, D., Yahaya, E."Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review)". Medicine International 5.3 (2025): 24.
Chicago
Barnes, P., Agbo, E., Halm‑Lai, F., Dankwa, K., Saahene, R., Nuvor, S., Obiri‑Yeboah, D., Yahaya, E."Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review)". Medicine International 5, no. 3 (2025): 24. https://doi.org/10.3892/mi.2025.223
Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Barnes P, Agbo E, Halm‑Lai F, Dankwa K, Saahene R, Nuvor S, Obiri‑Yeboah D and Yahaya E: Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review). Med Int 5: 24, 2025.
APA
Barnes, P., Agbo, E., Halm‑Lai, F., Dankwa, K., Saahene, R., Nuvor, S. ... Yahaya, E. (2025). Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review). Medicine International, 5, 24. https://doi.org/10.3892/mi.2025.223
MLA
Barnes, P., Agbo, E., Halm‑Lai, F., Dankwa, K., Saahene, R., Nuvor, S., Obiri‑Yeboah, D., Yahaya, E."Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review)". Medicine International 5.3 (2025): 24.
Chicago
Barnes, P., Agbo, E., Halm‑Lai, F., Dankwa, K., Saahene, R., Nuvor, S., Obiri‑Yeboah, D., Yahaya, E."Insight into the immunomodulatory and chemotherapeutic mechanisms of paeonol (Review)". Medicine International 5, no. 3 (2025): 24. https://doi.org/10.3892/mi.2025.223
Follow us
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
About
  • Spandidos Publications
  • Careers
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
How can we help?
  • Help
  • Live Chat
  • Contact
  • Email to our Support Team