Paeoniflorin inhibits pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells in an acidic environment and alleviates the degeneration of the intervertebral disc in rats

• Paeoniflorin can inhibit nucleus pulposus cell pyroptosis caused by acidic environment. • Paeoniflorin can alleviate the degeneration of intervertebral disc induced by puncture in rats. • Paeoniflorin inhibits the abnormal increase in the intracellular calcium level in NPCs caused by higher acidity.