Single Herb Glossary
Xìng Rén 杏仁
| Pharmaceutical name | Armeniacae Semen Apricot seed/kernel |
| Category | Stop Cough, Calm Wheezing |
| Key Properties | Directs LU Qi downward Disperses Wind-Cold Moistens Intestines Slightly Toxic |
| Properties | Bitter Sl. Warm Sl. Toxic |
| Tropism | LU, LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Stops cough, calms wheezing: especially for dry cough (exogenous) 2) Moistens intestines, unblocks bowels |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: cough from Qi or Yin Def Caution with infants and patients with diarrhea Toxicity can be reduced by cooking, removing outer coating, and mixing seed with sugar |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Amygdalin, emulsin, hydroxynitrile lyase, amygdalase, punnase, cholesterol, estrone, α-estradiol |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antihypertensive: intravenous injection of 20% water extract has marked and sustained antihypertensive effect • Antitussive and antiasthmatic: after ingestion, amygdalin and emulsin are metabolized in presence of gastric acid to hydrocyanic acid; in small doses, hydrocyanic acid has mild inhibitory effect on respiratory center in brain, thereby exerting its antitussive and antiasthmatic effects • Antineoplastic: oral administration has marked inhibitory effect on liver cancer cells in mice |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.