Tao Ren - 桃仁 - Semen Persicae

Properties: Bitter, sweet, neutral, lightly toxic

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Heart, Liver, Lung and Large Intestine
Divergent Channels: Gallbladder, Liver
Extraordinary Vessels: Dai

Traditional Actions/Indications:

Breaks up Blood Stasis and invigorates Blood circulation
Menstrual disorders, abdominal pain, traumatic injury, flank pain, Lung abscess and Intestinal abscess with fixed abdominal masses associated with Blood Stasis
Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
Constipation due to dry Intestines
Drains abscesses
Lung and Intestinal abscesses

Suggested Daily Dosage: 5-10g in decoction.

Cautions: Prohibited for pregnant women. Use with cautions for loose stool. Not overuse because of its toxicity.

Notable Constituents:

Amygdalin
Cyanogenic glycoside present in approx 5% which translates as up to 0.3% cyanide. It was claimed to be a cancer cure by Ernst T. Krebs who attempted to reclassify it as "Vitamin B17" but it has not proven effective. It may also have other effects, including suppression of the inflammatory immune processes, and pro- and anti-oxidant effects, but these are not yet well established (Figurová et al. 2021). It also has a narrow therapeutic index (Lin, Chang & Wu, 2016) so should be a supportive herb and not used singularly or as the primary herb.

Once converted into a cyanide, it acts as an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase in the fourth complex of the electron transport chain of the mitochondrial membrane. It complexes with the ferric iron atom in this enzyme preventing the transport of electrons from cytochrome c oxidase to oxygen, resulting in disruption of the electron transport chain and the cell being no longer able to produce ATP aerobically.

The lethal dose in humans is between 0.5 and 3.5 mg/kg of body weight (Aranguri-Llerena & Siche, 2020) with kernels containing approximately 0.5 mg cyanide each. Case reports indicate that 30 kernels is enough to cause acute toxicity in adults (Suchard et al., 1998). This has led to recommended maximum daily exposure without acute effects to be set at 5 µg/kg/bw/day by the Food Standards Agency, 12 µg/kg/bw/day by WHO and 20 µg/kg/bw/day by the Council of Europe, amounting to a safe dose of 1 kernel per day (0.5-mg/day, equivalent to 8 µg/kg/bw for a 60 kg adult; Committee on Toxicity, 2006).

Removal of the amygdalin content, and several other antinutrients (tannins, flavonoids, trypsin inhibitor, saponins, oxalates, phytates and hydrocyanic acid) can be achieved by soaking the flour in 24 hours in 25% sodium chloride solution (salt) and then washing and drying (Tanwar, Modgil, & Goyal, 2019) which may be useful if long term, high dose usage is required but could also be removing some of its medicinal benefit for acute conditions.

In the UK: "The sale, supply and advertising of preparations containing the cyanogenic substance Amygdalin (also known as B17 and Laetrile) has been subject to restriction in the UK since 1984. Part 1 of schedule 1 of The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 classifies cyanogenic substances other than preparations for external use, as prescription only medicines. In this Part 'cyanogenic substances' means preparations which are presented for sale or supply under the name of, or as containing, amygdalin, laetrile or vitamin B17; (et.seq)

In the UK it is an offence to sell, supply or advertise products containing Amygdalin without a marketing authorisation" (MHRA, 2016).
Tocopherol
Phenolic compound known as vitamin E with strong antioxidant activities and present in many nuts and seeds.

Appears in 49 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (Tonify Yang to Restore Five Tenths Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Da Huang Mu Dan Tang (Rhubarb and Moutan Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Da Huang Xing Ren Jiu (Rhubarb and Almond Wine)
From: A+ Medical Encyclopedia (2011)

Da Tou Wen Tang (Massive Febrile Disorder of the Head Decoction)
From: Medical Collectanea of Kong Bo-Hua (1988) by Kong Bo-Hua

Dan Nang Shu Shi Chen Liao Yang Cao Yao Fang (Gallbladder Rat Time Recuperative Herbal Prescription)
From: Treatise on Armament Technology by Mao Yuanyi (1621)

Dang Gui Tang (Angelica Decoction)
From: New Compilation of Proven Formulas by Bao Xiang-Ao (1846)

Di Dang Tang (Appropriate Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Dian Kuang Meng Xing Tang (Decoction to Wake from the Nightmare of Insanity)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Die Da Sun Shang Yu (Traumatic Bruises Bath)
From: Shen-nong.com

Fu Fang Da Cheng Qi Tang (Revised Major Order the Qi Decoction)
From: Integrated Chinese and Western Medical Treatment of the Acute Abdomen (1973)

Fu Yuan Huo Xue Tang (Revive Health by Invigorating the Blood Decoction)
From: Illustration of Medicine (Jin Dynasty)

Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis from Below the Diaphragm Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Guo Qi Yin (Delayed Menstruation Drink)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Huo Yu Fu Sui Tang (Stasis Quickening Successful Recovery Decoction)
From: Ten Lectures on the Use of Formulas from the Personal Experience of Jiao Shu-De by Jiao Shu-De (2005)

Jia Jian Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Modified Minor Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Six Texts on Cold Damage (1445) by Tao Hua

Jia Wei Da Chai Hu Tang (Modified Greater Bupleurum Decoction)
From: Revised and Expanded Discussion of Warm-Heat Pathogen Diseases (1907)

Jia Wei Mai Men Dong Tang (Modified Ophiopogonis Decoction)
From: Essays on Medicine Esteeming the Chinese and Respecting the Western by Zang Xi Chun / Zang Shou Fu (1918-1934)

Jin Gu Die Da Wan (Sinew and Bone Injury Pills)
From: Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2000)

Ju He Wan (Tangerine Seed Pill)
From: Formulas to Aid the Living by Yan Yong-He (1253)

Lou Xie Liu Ren Tang (Six Seed Decoction with Trichosanthis and Chinese Garlic)
From: Bases of Medicine (1861) by Shi Shou-Tang

Ma Xin Shi Chen Liao Yang Cao Yao Fang (Heart Horse Time Recuperative Herbal Prescription)
From: Treatise on Armament Technology by Mao Yuanyi (1621)

Niu Xi San (Achyranthes Powder)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

Qian Lie Shu Wan (Prostate Comfort Pills)
From: Aura Herbs (2020)

Run Chang Wan (Moisten the Intenstines Pill)
From: Shen's Book for Revering Life (1773)

Run Chang Wan (Moisten the Intestines Pill)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

San Hua Fu Sui Tang (Three Transformations Successful Recovery Decoction)
From: Ten Lectures on the Use of Formulas from the Personal Experience of Jiao Shu-De by Jiao Shu-De (2005)

San Jiao Zhu Shi Chen Liao Yang Cao Yao Fang (Triple Heater Pig Time Recuperative Herbal Prescription)
From: Treatise on Armament Technology by Mao Yuanyi (1621)

Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan (Pill to Treat Painful Wind Anywhere)
From: Medical Formulas Collected and Analysed by Wang Ang (1682)

Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis from a Painful Body Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Sheng Hua Tang (Generating and Transforming Decoction)
From: Fu Qing-Zhu's Women's Disorders by Fu Qing-Zhu (1826)

Shu Gan Tang (Dredge the Liver Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang (Relax the Channels and Invigorate the Blood decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Sun Shang Yao Jiu (Detriment and Damage Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Tao He Cheng Qi Tang (Peach Pit Decoction to Order the Qi)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction with Peach Pit and Safflower)
From: Supreme Commanders of the Medical Ramparts (1291)

Tao Ren San Yu Tang (Peach Seed Decoction to Scatter Stasis)
From: Complete External Therapies of Chinese Drugs by Xu Xiangcai

Tong Bian Ling Pian (Constipation Pills)
From: Aura Herbs (2020)

Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang (Unblock the Orifices and Invigorate Blood Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Tong You San (Unblock the Stomach Opening Decoction)
From: Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1249)

Tong You Tang (Free Darkness Decoction)
From: Secrets from the Orchid Chamber by Li Gao / Li Dong Yuan (1276)

Wei Jing Tang (Reed Decoction)
From: Records of Proven Formulas Past and Present (627)

Wu Ren Wan (Five Seed Pill)
From: Effective Formulas from Generations of Physicians (1345)

Xia Yu Xue Tang (Purge Static Blood Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis in the Mansion of Blood Decoction)
From: Correction of Errors Among Physicians by Wang Qing-Ren (1830)

Yi Yi Ren Tang (Coix Seed Decoction)
From: Indispensable Tools for Pattern Treatment by Wang Ken-Tang (1602)

Zhe Chong Yin (Drink to Turn Back the Penetrating Vessel)
From: Formulas from the Discussions on Women's Precious Delivery (1851)

Zhen Gan Fu Sui Tang (Liver Settling Successful Recovery Decoction)
From: Ten Lectures on the Use of Formulas from the Personal Experience of Jiao Shu-De by Jiao Shu-De (2005)

Zheng Yan Tang (Face-Righting Decoction)
From: Ten Lectures on the Use of Formulas from the Personal Experience of Jiao Shu-De by Jiao Shu-De (2005)

Research Links & References: (click to display)

Individual Herbs Notebook

桃 仁  Tao Ren

Translation: Peach Seed

Pharmaceutical: Semen Persicae
Taxonomy: Prunus persica

Other names: Peach Seed

Category: Herbs that Regulate the Blood

Research Links:

Reference Notes: