✵The article records the herb Peach Seed, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and its botanical sources—two plant species: (1) Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. and (2) Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. It provides a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these two species; the macroscopic and microscopic features of the herb Peach Seed; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Semen Persicae (Peach Seed)
Pinyin Name: Táo Rén
English Name: Peach Seed or Peach Kernel
Latin Name:Semen Persicae Property and Flavor: Neutral in nature; bitter and sweet in taste; mildly toxic
Brief Introduction:Semen Persicae is the dried, ripe seed of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. or Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. It is used (1) to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis—for treating amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses, and traumatic injuries—and (2) as a mild laxative for constipation in the elderly and debilitated individuals. The herb is commonly known as Semen Persicae, Peach Seed, or Táo Rén.
Botanical Source: Classical herbal works—including major monographs such as Shennong Ben Cao Jing, Ben Cao Gang Mu, and other authoritative materia medica—define Semen Persicae (Peach Seed, Táo Rén) as the seed of two Rosaceae family species: (1) Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. and (2) Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. Both belong to the genus Prunus (formerly classified under Amygdalus L.), family Rosaceae (rose family), order Rosales. These two commonly used species are described below:
(1) Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.
Botanical Description:Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. is a deciduous small tree of the Rosaceae family and genus Prunus. It is also known as Amygdalus persica L., peach, Táo, or Máo Táo (“hairy peach”). Typically growing 3–8 meters tall, its branchlets are green or reddish-brown on one side and glabrous. Leaves are alternate and tufted on short branches; petioles measure 1–2 cm long and usually bear 1–several glands; leaf blades are elliptic-lanceolate to obovate-lanceolate, with serrulate margins and glabrous surfaces on both sides.
The leaf blade is oblong-lanceolate, elliptic-lanceolate, or obovate-lanceolate, 7–15 cm long and 2–3.5 cm wide; the apex is acuminate, the base is broadly cuneate; the upper surface is glabrous, while the lower surface is sparsely piliferous along the veins or glabrous; the margin is serrate or coarsely serrate, with glandular or absent tooth glands; the petiole is stout, 1–2 cm long, often bearing 1–several glands—sometimes glandular.
Flowers are usually solitary and bloom before leaf emergence; they measure 2.5–3.5 cm in diameter and are short-stipitate. The calyx consists of five sepals, basally connate to form a short hypanthium (calyx tube) and covered with pubescence. There are five obovate, pink (rarely white) petals; numerous stamens; the ovary is unilocular. The style is slender and elongated; the stigma is minute and sphaerocephalous.
Drupes are predominantly subsphaeroidal (nearly spherical), though fruit shape and size vary—oval, broadly elliptical, or oblate—with diameters of 5–7 cm; length approximates width. The fruit surface bears short pubescence; the pulp ranges from light greenish-white to yellow, orange, or red, and tastes sweet or sweet-sour. The kernel is large and may be freestone or clingstone. Each fruit contains one flattened, ovate-cordate seed. Flowering occurs from March to April; fruit ripening varies by region but typically occurs from June to July or September.
Ecological Environment:Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. grows on slopes, valley bottoms, and wild woodlands or shrublands at altitudes of 800–1,200 meters. Native to China, it is now cultivated worldwide. Peach cultivation began in China before the 2nd century B.C. and spread westward along the Silk Road—from Gansu and Xinjiang through Central Asia to Persia—then to Mediterranean coastal countries, and subsequently to France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. However, widespread cultivation in Europe did not occur until the 9th century A.D. The peach tree was introduced to England after the 15th century.
Growth Characteristics:Prunus persica prefers full sun and a warm climate, thriving best in fertile, well-drained, elevated sandy loam soils. It is intolerant of waterlogging and performs poorly in low-lying, alkaline soils. Young trees exhibit weak cold resistance, and branches are susceptible to frost damage. The species tolerates pruning well, though its lifespan is relatively short.
Characteristics of the Herb: The seeds are oblate-elliptic, with a pointed apex, a slightly enlarged middle portion, a blunt and deflexed base, and a thin margin. They measure 1.2–1.8 cm in length, 0.8–1.2 cm in width, and 2–4 mm in thickness. The surface is reddish-brown or yellowish-brown, bearing fine, granular protrusions. A ridge-shaped hilum is present on one side near the apex, and the chalaza is located at the base; numerous brown vascular bundle veins radiate from the base, forming longitudinal, dimpled striations across the seed coat, which is thin. The cotyledons are hypertrophied and oily. The herb has a faint odor and a slightly bitter taste.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Promotes uterine contraction in primiparous women; (2) facilitates postpartum uterine involution and hemostasis; (3) exerts an anti-exudative effect in early-stage inflammation; (4) increases cerebral blood flow; (5) reduces tissue oxygen consumption.
Medicinal Efficacy: Promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis; breaks up and eliminates stasis; moistens dryness and lubricates the intestines; unblocks the bowels. It is indicated for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses (including palpable abdominal lumps), fever accompanied by blood stasis syndrome, wandering bi syndrome (wind-damp obstruction), malaria, traumatic bleeding and swelling pain, constipation due to blood deficiency and intestinal dryness, and constipation caused by intestinal dryness.
Administration of Semen Persicae (Táo Rén):
Reference:
Administration Guide of Semen Persicae (Táo Rén)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 4.5–9 grams, typically as a water decoction. (2) Internally: water decoction, 1.5–3 qián (≈4.5–9 grams), or prepared into pills or powders. External use: Crushed fresh seeds applied topically as a poultice. (3) Internally: water decoction, 1.5–3 qián (≈4.5–9 grams), or prepared into pills or powders. External use: Crushed fresh seeds applied topically as a poultice.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Semen Persicae should be used with caution during pregnancy and is contraindicated in pregnant women.
(2) Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch.
Botanical Description:Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. is a deciduous small tree of the Rosaceae family (rose family) and genus Prunus. It is commonly known as Shān Táo (“mountain peach”), Amygdalus davidiana (Carr.) C. de Vos ex Henry, Persica davidiana Carr., Prunus persica var. davidiana, Chinese wild peach, or Shān Máo Táo (“mountain hairy peach”). It grows up to 5–9 m tall. Leaves are alternate; stipules are caducous; petioles measure 1.5–3.0 cm in length; leaf blades are ovate-lanceolate, 4–8 cm long and 2–3.5 cm wide.
Flowers are solitary; the calyx consists of five sepals; there are five broadly obovate petals, pink to white in color.
Drupes are predominantly subsphaeroidal (nearly spherical), yellowish-green, with a surface covered in tawny (yellowish-brown) pubescence. The pulp is freestone; the endocarp (stone) is small, firm, and hard. Each fruit contains one red-brown seed. Flowering occurs from March to April; fruit ripening occurs from June to July.
Ecological Environment:Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. is a common species in temperate and cold zones. It is frequently found in sunny hillside shrublands. In recent years, it has been widely utilized in farmland-to-forest conversion projects, afforestation of barren hills, and landscape greening.
Growth Characteristics:Prunus davidiana prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. It is highly resistant to cold and drought. Soil requirements are not stringent; it thrives in infertile hills and desolate mountains. It is tolerant of cold, salinity, alkalinity, and drought. Optimal cultivation conditions include neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained sandy loam soils with ample sunlight. The species grows wild across various mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, exhibiting strong adaptability to natural environments and robust growth capacity.
Characteristics of the Herb: The seed is ovoid, with a deflexed, small, and hypertrophied base. It measures 0.9–1.5 cm in length, approximately 7 mm in width, and approximately 5 mm in thickness. The spermoderm (seed coat) is reddish-brown or yellowish-brown; surface granules are coarse and densely packed.
✵The article records the herb Peach Seed, including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and its botanical sources—two plant species: (1) Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. and (2) Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. It provides a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these two species; the macroscopic and microscopic features of the herb Peach Seed; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Táo Rén
Botanical Description: Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. is a deciduous small tree of the Rosaceae family and genus Prunus. It is also known as Amygdalus persica L., peach, Táo, or Máo Táo (“hairy peach”). Typically growing 3–8 meters tall, its branchlets are green or reddish-brown on one side and glabrous. Leaves are alternate and tufted on short branches; petioles measure 1–2 cm long and usually bear 1–several glands; leaf blades are elliptic-lanceolate to obovate-lanceolate, with serrulate margins and glabrous surfaces on both sides.
The leaf blade is oblong-lanceolate, elliptic-lanceolate, or obovate-lanceolate, 7–15 cm long and 2–3.5 cm wide; the apex is acuminate, the base is broadly cuneate; the upper surface is glabrous, while the lower surface is sparsely piliferous along the veins or glabrous; the margin is serrate or coarsely serrate, with glandular or absent tooth glands; the petiole is stout, 1–2 cm long, often bearing 1–several glands—sometimes glandular.
Drupes are predominantly subsphaeroidal (nearly spherical), though fruit shape and size vary—oval, broadly elliptical, or oblate—with diameters of 5–7 cm; length approximates width. The fruit surface bears short pubescence; the pulp ranges from light greenish-white to yellow, orange, or red, and tastes sweet or sweet-sour. The kernel is large and may be freestone or clingstone. Each fruit contains one flattened, ovate-cordate seed. Flowering occurs from March to April; fruit ripening varies by region but typically occurs from June to July or September.
Ecological Environment: Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. grows on slopes, valley bottoms, and wild woodlands or shrublands at altitudes of 800–1,200 meters. Native to China, it is now cultivated worldwide. Peach cultivation began in China before the 2nd century B.C. and spread westward along the Silk Road—from Gansu and Xinjiang through Central Asia to Persia—then to Mediterranean coastal countries, and subsequently to France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. However, widespread cultivation in Europe did not occur until the 9th century A.D. The peach tree was introduced to England after the 15th century.
Characteristics of the Herb: The seeds are oblate-elliptic, with a pointed apex, a slightly enlarged middle portion, a blunt and deflexed base, and a thin margin. They measure 1.2–1.8 cm in length, 0.8–1.2 cm in width, and 2–4 mm in thickness. The surface is reddish-brown or yellowish-brown, bearing fine, granular protrusions. A ridge-shaped hilum is present on one side near the apex, and the chalaza is located at the base; numerous brown vascular bundle veins radiate from the base, forming longitudinal, dimpled striations across the seed coat, which is thin. The cotyledons are hypertrophied and oily. The herb has a faint odor and a slightly bitter taste.
Botanical Description: Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. is a deciduous small tree of the Rosaceae family (rose family) and genus Prunus. It is commonly known as Shān Táo (“mountain peach”), Amygdalus davidiana (Carr.) C. de Vos ex Henry, Persica davidiana Carr., Prunus persica var. davidiana, Chinese wild peach, or Shān Máo Táo (“mountain hairy peach”). It grows up to 5–9 m tall. Leaves are alternate; stipules are caducous; petioles measure 1.5–3.0 cm in length; leaf blades are ovate-lanceolate, 4–8 cm long and 2–3.5 cm wide.
Flowers are solitary; the calyx consists of five sepals; there are five broadly obovate petals, pink to white in color.
Ecological Environment: Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. is a common species in temperate and cold zones. It is frequently found in sunny hillside shrublands. In recent years, it has been widely utilized in farmland-to-forest conversion projects, afforestation of barren hills, and landscape greening.
Growth Characteristics: Prunus davidiana prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. It is highly resistant to cold and drought. Soil requirements are not stringent; it thrives in infertile hills and desolate mountains. It is tolerant of cold, salinity, alkalinity, and drought. Optimal cultivation conditions include neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained sandy loam soils with ample sunlight. The species grows wild across various mountainous and semi-mountainous regions, exhibiting strong adaptability to natural environments and robust growth capacity.
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