RESUMEN
Paeoniae Rubra Radix (PRR) with the function of clearing heat and cooling blood, dissipationg blood stasis and relieving pain, has been widely used in clinics. PRR, containing total glucosides of paeony, tannins, flavones, and volatile oil, is the current research focus because its significant hepatoprotective, antitumor, neuroprotective, and cardio-protective effect thus far, as well as its antithrombosis and anti-oxidative activities. According to vast information from literatures in the last decade, we summarize the chemical compositions and pharmacological actions, in hopes of offering more clues for further research as well as clinical application of PRR. Meanwhile, despite of enormous progress has been made all over the international research on PRR, the development of relevant safe and effective agents is still needed. At present, the definition of the mechanism and the extension of the clinical application remain as the primary tasks of the exploration of PRR.