Peach kernel / tao ren (桃仁)
Prunus persica
Photo credit: Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen (derivative work: Kenraiz)
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
Safety information
Toxicity: Cyanogenic — amygdalin hydrolyzes to hydrocyanic acid; overdose risks cyanide toxicity (nausea, dyspnea, hypotension; severe cases organ damage). Not for young children.
Contraindications: Pregnancy (contraindicated — strong blood-mover); bleeding disorders; children (cyanide sensitivity); never overdose.
Interactions: Additive with anticoagulants/antiplatelets (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) -> bleeding risk.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy (strong blood-mover).
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
in formula (Tao Hong Si Wu Tang; Tao He Cheng Qi Tang) · seed kernel
Part used: seed kernel
decoction (crushed) · seed kernel
Part used: seed kernel
Traditional use: invigorates blood, breaks blood stasis, moistens intestines, moves stool; amenorrhea/dysmenorrhea, masses, constipation, trauma
Proposed mechanism: amygdalin/prunasin (cyanogenic glycosides), fatty oil — antiplatelet, anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, laxative
Dosage note (descriptive only): never overdose
Reference only — not a dosage instruction
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
n/a (kernel is medicinal, not a food).
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- [E36] Prunus persica / Persicae Semen pharmacology & bioactive-compound review