Paeonol crystals from Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews: Extraction, isolation, and multifaceted functional evaluation

Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews , a member of the Paeoniaceae family (formerly classified under Ranunculaceae), is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal plant . Its dried root bark is rich in paeonol , a bioactive compound with notable antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, bacteriostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, paeonol was extracted using a simple water distillation method, and its presence in the distillate was qualitatively confirmed. The extract's antioxidant capacity was evaluated by measuring DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant potential. Additionally, its ability to inhibit UV-induced hemolysis in rabbit erythrocytes and its bacteriostatic effects were assessed. This comprehensive functional analysis of paeonol provides a scientific basis for its potential industrial applications, especially in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical sectors. • Paeonol was efficiently extracted using simple ultrasonic - water distillation. • Paeonol enhances DPPH scavenging in a dose - dependent manner. • Paeonol inhibits Gram - positive and Gram - negative bacteria, strain - specifically. • Paeonol protects rabbit erythrocytes from UV - induced hemolysis.