✵The article records the herb Walnut Seed, including its Pinyin name, English name, Latin name, properties and flavor, and botanical sources—two plant species: (1) Juglans regia L. and (2) Juglans nigra L.—with a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these two species; the characteristics of the herb Walnut Seed; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Semen Jugalandis (Walnut Seed)
Pinyin Name: Hé Táo Rén or Hú Táo Rén
English Name: Walnut Seed or Walnut Kernel
Latin Name:Semen Jugalandis Properties and Flavor: Warm in nature, sweet in taste
Brief Introduction:Semen Juglandis is the dried ripe seed of Juglans regia L., used to tonify the kidney and lung, alleviate soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, relieve cough and dyspnea of deficiency-cold type, arrest seminal emission, and treat impotence. It is commonly known as Semen Juglandis, Walnut Seed, or Hé Táo Rén.
Botanical Source: Classical herbal works define Walnut Kernel (Hú Táo Rén) as the kernel of plant species in the Juglandaceae family. The primary source is (1) Juglans regia L. Some authoritative classical works also accept (2) Juglans nigra L. as an alternative source. Both belong to the genus Juglans, family Juglandaceae (Juglandaceae DC. ex Perleb), order Juglandales. These two commonly used species are described below:
(1) Juglans regia L.
Botanical Description: Juglans regia L. is a deciduous tree of the Juglandaceae family and Juglans genus. Synonyms include Juglans orientis Dode and Juglans sinensis (C. DC.) Dode. It is commonly known as Hú Táo or Hé Táo. Mature trees reach 20–25 meters in height. The bark is ash-gray (grayish-white), smooth in youth and shallowly vertically fissured in age. Branchlets are covered with short glandular hairs and bear conspicuous leaf scars and lenticels; winter buds are protected by bud scales; the pith is white and lamellate (flaky). Leaves are imparipinnate (odd-pinnate compound), alternate, 40–50 cm long, with 5–9 (occasionally 13) leaflets; the terminal leaflet is often larger, elliptic-ovate to oblong-ovate, 6–15 cm long and 3–6 cm wide; apex is blunt or acute, base is oblique and suborbicular, margins are entire; upper surface is dark green and glossy; lower surface is pale green, with 9–11 pairs of lateral veins; axils bear tufts of pubescence.
Flowers are unisexual and monoecious, blooming concurrently with leaves. Male catkins are axillary, pendulous, and 5–10 cm long; flowers are small and densely arranged; each male flower has one bract (oblong), two bracteoles (ovate-oblong), 1–4 tepals (all glandular-hairy), and 6–30 stamens. Female inflorescences are spicate and erect, grow at the tips of young shoots, usually bearing 1–3 flowers; each has three phyllaries (involucral bracts), ovate-oblong, adnate to the ovary and enlarging with it after anthesis; perianth is 4-lobed, with linear (filiform) lobes higher than the phyllaries; the ovary is inferior, composed of two carpels; the style is short; the stigma is bilobed and plumose, ruby-red (bright red).
The fruit is subspheroidal and drupe-like, 4–6 cm in diameter. The exocarp is green, derived from the phyllaries and perianth, and spotted on the surface; the mesocarp is pulpy and irregularly dehiscent; the endocarp is bony, unevenly surfaced with two vertical ribs, a short pointed tip at the apex, cracks and corrugations on the endocarp wall, and a thin septum without internal cavities. Flowering occurs from May to June; fruiting from September to October.
Ecological Environment: This species grows in mountainous and hilly regions. It is native to a region stretching from the Balkans eastward through the Himalayas to Southwest China and is widely cultivated in China. China hosts seven genera and 28 walnut species; four are confirmed native: Juglans mandshurica Maxim., Juglans cathayensis Dode, Juglans sigillata Dode (Iron Walnut), and Juglans hopeiensis Hu (Hebei Walnut). The largest natural walnut forests occur in Kyrgyzstan—particularly at Arslanbob in Jalal-Abad Province—at altitudes of 1,000–2,000 meters (3,000–7,000 ft), where nearly pure stands dominate. It is widely cultivated across Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Growth Characteristics: Walnut trees prefer a cool, dry climate; they tolerate warmth but are frost-sensitive, drought-tolerant and cold-hardy, yet susceptible to excessive moisture, heat, waterlogging, and saline-alkaline soils. They grow normally in regions with an annual average temperature of 10–14 °C (50–57.2 °F), an absolute minimum temperature of −25 °C (−13 °F), and annual precipitation of 400–1,200 mm. When the absolute minimum temperature falls below −30 °C (−22 °F), branches and flowers are prone to frost injury. When summer maximum temperatures exceed 40 °C (104 °F), fruits and branches are susceptible to sunburn. The tree requires full sunlight; its lifespan reaches 200–300 years. Typically, first fruiting occurs in the 2nd to 4th year, and peak bearing spans 20–30 years. Cultivation is best undertaken on sites with abundant sunshine, deep soil profiles, loose and fertile neutral sandy loam or loam with good drainage. Heavy clay and infertile soils are unsuitable for growth. Currently, commercial cultivation is generally carried out on low hills at elevations of approximately 200 meters above sea level.
Characteristics of the Herb: The intact kernel is nearly spherical, composed of two cotyledons, with a diameter of 1–3 cm (commonly 2–3 cm); a triangular, protuberant radicle is visible at one end. Kernels are typically split into two valves or fragmented into irregular blocks, exhibiting wrinkled grooves of varying sizes. The spermoderm (seed coat) is thin, ranging in color from hazel (pale brown) to dark brown, and bears prominent longitudinal veins. Cotyledons are yellowish-white; the interior surface, exposed upon fracture, is yellowish-white or creamy white, oily, aromatic, and sweet-tasting; the seed coat imparts a slightly astringent and bitter taste.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Antihistaminic and bronchodilatory effects on bronchial smooth muscle; (2) Antitussive effect; (3) Anticancer activity in murine models; (4) Modulation of cholesterol synthesis, oxidation, and excretion in vivo.
Medicinal Efficacy: Tonifies the kidney, replenishes the vital essence (Jing), warms the lung, alleviates asthma, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel movement. It is indicated for Kidney-Yang deficiency, lumbago due to kidney deficiency, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, low back pain with foot weakness, impotence and seminal emission, frequent urination, enuresis, dyspnea with rapid breathing secondary to chronic cough, asthmatic cough of deficiency-cold pattern, dry stools, intestinal dryness and constipation, urolithiasis (urolithic stranguria), sores and ulcers, and scrofula.
Administration of Semen Jugalandis (Hé Táo Rén):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Semen Jugalandis (Hé Táo Rén)
TCM Books:
①.Internally: 6–9 grams; ②.Internally: water decoction, 9–15 grams; for single-herb administration (chewed and swallowed), 10–30 grams; or prepared as pills or powders. External use: Apply an appropriate amount of finely powdered herb topically.
(2) Juglans nigra
Botanical Description:Juglans nigra is a deciduous tree of the Juglandaceae family (Juglandaceae DC. ex Perleb) and genus Juglans, commonly known as American black walnut. Mature trees reach up to 30 m in height, with a rounded or cylindrical crown. The trunk bark is dark brown or gray-black, deeply longitudinally fissured. Branches are grayish-brown or dark brown, pubescent with short hairs, and bear broad, triangular buds. Leaves are odd-pinnate compound, with 15–23 leaflets borne on very short petiolules; margins are irregularly serrated, and the abaxial surface is glandular-hairy. Female inflorescences consist of 2–5 flower clusters. The fruit is subglobose, light green, with small surface protrusions and a pubescent pericarp. The nuts are subglobose to slightly flattened, with a short apical point and irregular, deep furrows on the shell surface. Shells are thick and extremely hard to crack.
Soil Adaptability: Black walnut exhibits strong edaphic adaptability and can grow across a wide pH range (4.6–8.2), though growth performance varies markedly among soil types. Optimal soils are deep (3–4 m), well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic sandy loams or alluvial soils with good aeration.
Economic Value: American black walnut is among the world’s most highly valued hardwood species and is regarded as a high-economic-value nut tree in the United States. Its wood is dense, possesses high mechanical strength, fine texture, attractive grain and color, and excellent workability—making it ideal for plywood, furniture, carving, architectural millwork, and other premium applications.
Ecological Environment: The tree grows in mountainous and hilly areas. This species is native to the eastern half of the United States and is also found in other parts of North and South America; it has been introduced and widely cultivated in China.
Growth Characteristics: Juglans nigra thrives in open, well-lit habitats and requires full sun for optimal growth and nut production. It is commonly observed as a pioneer or weedy species along roadsides, field margins, and forest edges in the eastern United States. Black walnut exhibits strong edaphic adaptability and can grow across a wide pH range (4.6–8.2), though growth performance varies significantly among soil types. Optimal soils are deep (3–4 m), well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic sandy loams or alluvial soils with good aeration. It prefers full sun and moist to moderately dry, fertile loam or sandy soils—ranging from strongly acidic to slightly alkaline. It grows particularly well on rich bottomlands, in moist and fertile coves, and on lower slopes. Survival, growth, and timber quality are markedly reduced on infertile or poorly drained sites.
✵The article records the herb Walnut Seed, including its Pinyin name, English name, Latin name, properties and flavor, and botanical sources—two plant species: (1) Juglans regia L. and (2) Juglans nigra L.—with a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these two species; the characteristics of the herb Walnut Seed; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Hé Táo Rén or Hú Táo Rén
Botanical Description: Juglans regia L. is a deciduous tree of the Juglandaceae family and Juglans genus. Synonyms include Juglans orientis Dode and Juglans sinensis (C. DC.) Dode. It is commonly known as Hú Táo or Hé Táo. Mature trees reach 20–25 meters in height. The bark is ash-gray (grayish-white), smooth in youth and shallowly vertically fissured in age. Branchlets are covered with short glandular hairs and bear conspicuous leaf scars and lenticels; winter buds are protected by bud scales; the pith is white and lamellate (flaky). Leaves are imparipinnate (odd-pinnate compound), alternate, 40–50 cm long, with 5–9 (occasionally 13) leaflets; the terminal leaflet is often larger, elliptic-ovate to oblong-ovate, 6–15 cm long and 3–6 cm wide; apex is blunt or acute, base is oblique and suborbicular, margins are entire; upper surface is dark green and glossy; lower surface is pale green, with 9–11 pairs of lateral veins; axils bear tufts of pubescence.
Flowers are unisexual and monoecious, blooming concurrently with leaves. Male catkins are axillary, pendulous, and 5–10 cm long; flowers are small and densely arranged; each male flower has one bract (oblong), two bracteoles (ovate-oblong), 1–4 tepals (all glandular-hairy), and 6–30 stamens. Female inflorescences are spicate and erect, grow at the tips of young shoots, usually bearing 1–3 flowers; each has three phyllaries (involucral bracts), ovate-oblong, adnate to the ovary and enlarging with it after anthesis; perianth is 4-lobed, with linear (filiform) lobes higher than the phyllaries; the ovary is inferior, composed of two carpels; the style is short; the stigma is bilobed and plumose, ruby-red (bright red).
Ecological Environment: This species grows in mountainous and hilly regions. It is native to a region stretching from the Balkans eastward through the Himalayas to Southwest China and is widely cultivated in China. China hosts seven genera and 28 walnut species; four are confirmed native: Juglans mandshurica Maxim., Juglans cathayensis Dode, Juglans sigillata Dode (Iron Walnut), and Juglans hopeiensis Hu (Hebei Walnut). The largest natural walnut forests occur in Kyrgyzstan—particularly at Arslanbob in Jalal-Abad Province—at altitudes of 1,000–2,000 meters (3,000–7,000 ft), where nearly pure stands dominate. It is widely cultivated across Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
Growth Characteristics: Walnut trees prefer a cool, dry climate; they tolerate warmth but are frost-sensitive, drought-tolerant and cold-hardy, yet susceptible to excessive moisture, heat, waterlogging, and saline-alkaline soils. They grow normally in regions with an annual average temperature of 10–14 °C (50–57.2 °F), an absolute minimum temperature of −25 °C (−13 °F), and annual precipitation of 400–1,200 mm. When the absolute minimum temperature falls below −30 °C (−22 °F), branches and flowers are prone to frost injury. When summer maximum temperatures exceed 40 °C (104 °F), fruits and branches are susceptible to sunburn. The tree requires full sunlight; its lifespan reaches 200–300 years. Typically, first fruiting occurs in the 2nd to 4th year, and peak bearing spans 20–30 years. Cultivation is best undertaken on sites with abundant sunshine, deep soil profiles, loose and fertile neutral sandy loam or loam with good drainage. Heavy clay and infertile soils are unsuitable for growth. Currently, commercial cultivation is generally carried out on low hills at elevations of approximately 200 meters above sea level.
Characteristics of the Herb: The intact kernel is nearly spherical, composed of two cotyledons, with a diameter of 1–3 cm (commonly 2–3 cm); a triangular, protuberant radicle is visible at one end. Kernels are typically split into two valves or fragmented into irregular blocks, exhibiting wrinkled grooves of varying sizes. The spermoderm (seed coat) is thin, ranging in color from hazel (pale brown) to dark brown, and bears prominent longitudinal veins. Cotyledons are yellowish-white; the interior surface, exposed upon fracture, is yellowish-white or creamy white, oily, aromatic, and sweet-tasting; the seed coat imparts a slightly astringent and bitter taste.
Botanical Description: Juglans nigra is a deciduous tree of the Juglandaceae family (Juglandaceae DC. ex Perleb) and genus Juglans, commonly known as American black walnut. Mature trees reach up to 30 m in height, with a rounded or cylindrical crown. The trunk bark is dark brown or gray-black, deeply longitudinally fissured. Branches are grayish-brown or dark brown, pubescent with short hairs, and bear broad, triangular buds. Leaves are odd-pinnate compound, with 15–23 leaflets borne on very short petiolules; margins are irregularly serrated, and the abaxial surface is glandular-hairy. Female inflorescences consist of 2–5 flower clusters. The fruit is subglobose, light green, with small surface protrusions and a pubescent pericarp. The nuts are subglobose to slightly flattened, with a short apical point and irregular, deep furrows on the shell surface. Shells are thick and extremely hard to crack.
Soil Adaptability: Black walnut exhibits strong edaphic adaptability and can grow across a wide pH range (4.6–8.2), though growth performance varies markedly among soil types. Optimal soils are deep (3–4 m), well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic sandy loams or alluvial soils with good aeration.
Ecological Environment: The tree grows in mountainous and hilly areas. This species is native to the eastern half of the United States and is also found in other parts of North and South America; it has been introduced and widely cultivated in China.
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