Xing Ren - 杏仁 - Semen armeniacae

Properties: Bitter, slightly warm, slightly toxic

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lung and Large Intestine

Traditional Actions/Indications:

Stops coughing and calms wheezing
Coughs due to either Heat or Cold (depending on combination) Wind-Dry coughs (especially useful)
Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
Constipation

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.

Cautions: It should not be overused for its slight toxicity. It should be used with cautions for infants and patients with diarrhea.

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. This may also be the substance responsible for suppressing cough as small amounts of cyanide may do this (Xu et al, 2017) but it has a narrow therapeutic index (Lin, Chang & Wu, 2016) so should be a supportive herb and not used singularly or as the primary herb for cough.

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).

Appears in 67 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)

Bu Fei E Jiao Tang (Ass-Hide Gelatin Decoction to Tonify the Lung)
From: Craft of Medicines and Patterns for Children by Qian Yi (1119)

Chu Qi Han Shi Yu Fei Fang (Early Stage Cold-Damp Lung Stagnation Prescription)
From: Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 7), Chinese Medical Journal 2020, 133(9): 1087-1095. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000000819 by Wei Pei-Fang (editor), National Health Commission & National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2020)

Da Qing Long Tang (Major Blue-Green Dragon Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

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

Da Xian Xiong Wan (Major Pill [for pathogens] Stuck in the Chest)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ding Chuan Tang (Arrest Wheezing Decotion)
From: Multitude of Marvellous Formulas for Sustaining Life (1550)

Er Ren Wan (Two Seed Pill)
From: Treatment Decisions Categorised According to Pattern (1839)

Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Zi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Magnolia Bark and Apricot Kernal)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Gui Zhi Ma Huang Ge Ban Tang (Half Cinnamon Twig and Half Ephedra Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Hong Yan Jiu (Red Cheeks Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

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

Hua Shi Bai Du Tang (Transform Dampness and Resolve Toxins Decoction)
From: Trial Version 6 and 7 of Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 (2020)

Huo Po Xia Ling Tang (Patchouli/Agastache, Magnolia Bark, Pinellia and Poria Decoction)
From: Bases of Medicine (1861) by Shi Shou-Tang

Jia Jian Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Modified Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction)
From: Formulas Based on the Experience of Ding Gan-Ren (1927) by Ding Gan-Ren

Jiang Qi Hua Tan Tang (Direct Qi Downward and Transform Phlegm Decoction)
From: Systematic Instructions on Medicine (1534)

Jin Hua Qing Gan Ke Li (Honeysuckle Granules to Clear the Senses)
From: Juxiechang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Beijing (2002)

Leng Xiao Wan (Cold Asthma Pill)
From: Comprehensive Medicine According to Master Zhang (1695) by Zhang Lu-Yu / Shi-Wan

Lian Hua Qing Wen Jiao Nang (Forsythia Flower Capsules for Clearing Heat)
From: Shi Jia Zhuang Yi Ling Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. by Shi Jia Zhuang Yi Ling Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (2002)

Ling Gan Wu Wei Jia Jiang Xin Ban Xai Xing Ren Tang (Poria, Licorice and Schisandra with Ginger, Asarum, Pinellia and Apricot Kernal Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Liu An Jian (Serene Six Decotion)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)

Liu He Tang (Harmonise the Six Decoction)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

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

Ma Huang Jia Bai Zhu Tang (Ephedra plus Atractylodes Decoction)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ma Huang Lian Qiao Chi Xiao Dou Tang (Ephedra, Forsythia and Adzuki Bean Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernal, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernal, Coicis and Licorice Decoction)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Ma Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill)
From: Discussion of Cold Damage by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Nian Ci An Chuan Bei Pi Pa Gao (Fritillaria and Loquat Leaf Syrup in Memory of my Mother)
From: Discussion of Warm Diseases by Ye Tianshi (Qing Dynasty)

Ning Sou San (Calm Coughing Pill)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)

Qian Hu San (Peucedani Powder)
From: Peaceful and Holy Benevolent Prescriptions of the Taiping Era (c. 992)

Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (Lung Clearing and Detoxifying Decotion)
From: Traditional Chinese Medicine: an effective treatment for 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) by Du et al. (2020)

Qing Fei Tang (Clear the Lung Decoction)
From: Restoration of Health from the Myriad Diseases by Gong Ting-Xian (1587)

Qing Fei Yin (Clear the Lungs Drink)
From: Analytical Collection of Medical Formulas (1682) by Wang Ang

Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Pill)
From: Investigations of Medical Formulas (1584)

Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (Clear Dryness and Rescue the Lungs Decoction)
From: Precepts for Physicians (1658)

Ren Shen Ge Jie San (Ginseng and Gecko Powder)
From: Formulas of Broad Benefit (1047)

Ren Shen Xie Fei Tang (Ginseng Decoction to Drain the Lung)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Ru Xing Tang (Mosla and Apricot Kernal Decoction)
From: Selected formulas for Warm-Heat Pathogens (c. 1900) by He Lian-Chen

San Ao Tang (Three Unbinding Decoction)
From: Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People of the Taiping Era by Tai Yi Ju (Imperial Medical Bureau) (1107)

San Jia Jian Zheng Qi San (Third Modification of Rectify the Qi Powder)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

San Ren Tang (Three Seed Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

San Shi Tang (Three Minerals Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chysanthemum Drink)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Sang Xing Tang (Mulberry Leaf and Apricot Kernal Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Shen Mi Tang (Mysterious Decoction)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Shen Qi Jiu (Ginseng and Lycium Wine)
From: Chinese Medicinal Wines and Elixirs (2008) by Various

Shi Hu Ye Guang Wan (Dendrobium Pill for Night Vision)
From: Experiental Formulas from the Auspicious Balmboo Hall (1326)

Shu Yu Wan (Dioscorea Pill)
From: Essentials from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-Jing (c. 220)

Tian Men Dong Hu Fu Mei Rong Yu (Asparagus Bath for Healthy Skin)
From: Shen-nong.com

Wei Rui Tang (Solomon's Seal Decoction)
From: Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces by Sun Si Miao (650)

Wu Hu Tang (Five Tiger Decoction)
From: Collected Treatises of Jing-Yue by Zhang Jie Bin / Zhang Jing Yue (1624)

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

Xiao Xu Ming Tang (Minor Extend Life Decoction)
From: Formulas with Short Articles (Jin Dynasty, 4th Century)

Xin Jia San Ao Tang (Newly Augmented Three Unbinding Decoction)
From: Revised Popular Guide to the Discussion of Cold Damage by Yu Gen-Chu, Revised by He Bing-Yuan (Qing dynasty)

Xing Qian Cong Chi Tang (Apricot Kernel, Peucedanum, Spring Onion and Chinese Garlic Decoction)
From: Revised and Expanded Discussion of Warm-Heat Pathogen Diseases (1907) by He Lian-Chen

Xing Ren Hua Shi Tang (Apricot Kernal and Talcum Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Xing Su San (Apricot Kernal and Perilla Leaf Powder)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Xing Su Yin (You Ke) (Apricot and Perilla Drink (Paediatric Version))
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Xu Ming Tang (Extend Life Decoction)
From: Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library by Wang Tao (752)

Xuan Bai Cheng Qi Tang (Disseminate the White and Order the Qi Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Xuan Bi Tang (Disband Painful Obstruction Decoction)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Xuan Du Fa Biao Tang (Dissipate Toxin and Release the Exterior Decoction)
From: Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition by Wu Qian (1742)

Xuan Fei Bai Du Tang (Disperse Lungs and Resolve Toxins Decoction)
From: Reflections on treatment of COVID-19 with traditional Chinese medicine by Boli Zhang and Professor Qingquan Liu (2020)

Yi Jia Jian Zheng Qi San (First Modification of Rectify the Qi Powder)
From: Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases by Wu Tang / Wu Ju Tong (1798)

Zhong Zheng Qi Yi Du Bi Fei Fang (Severe Stage Epidemic Poison Blocking the Lung Prescription)
From: Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 7), Chinese Medical Journal 2020, 133(9): 1087-1095. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000000819 by Wei Pei-Fang (editor), National Health Commission & National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2020)

Zong Qi Shi Re Yu Fei Fang (Mid-Stage Damp-Heat Lung Accumulation Prescription)
From: Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Version 7), Chinese Medical Journal 2020, 133(9): 1087-1095. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000000819 by Wei Pei-Fang (editor), National Health Commission & National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2020)

Research Links & References: (click to display)

Individual Herbs Notebook

杏 仁  Xing Ren

Pharmaceutical: Semen armeniacae
Taxonomy: Prunus armeniaca seu mandshurica seu sibirica

Other names: Bitter Apricot Kernel

Category: Herbs that Transform Phlegm

Research Links:

Reference Notes: