Pruni Semen
Aliases：Yù Lǐ Rén (Pruni Semen); Yù Zǐ (Plum Seed); Shān Méi Zǐ (Mountain Plum Seed); Yù Lǐ Rén (Pruni Semen); Wū Lā Nài Rén (Ula Nut Kernel); Xiǎo Lǐ Rén (Small Plum Kernel); Lǐ Rén Ròu (Plum Kernel Flesh).
Yù Lǐ Rén (Pruni Semen) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried ripe seed of Prunus humilis Bge., Prunus japonica Thunb., or Prunus pedunculata Maxim., plants of the Rosaceae family. The first two species are commonly known as “Xiǎo Lǐ Rén” (small plum kernels), and the last as “Dà Lǐ Rén” (large plum kernels). This herb was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer‘s Materia Medica) as a lower-grade herb. It is named for its moistening and purgative properties. Yù Lǐ Rén is both a commonly used medicinal substance and a medicinal and edible substance recognized by the National Health Commission of China.
Efficacy & Actions
Moistens the intestines to relieve constipation, descends qi, and promotes diuresis.
Indications
Used for fluid depletion with intestinal dryness, food stagnation with qi stagnation, abdominal distension with constipation, edema, beriberi (foot swelling), and difficult urination.
Modern Pharmacology
Promotion of intestinal motility and defecation: Exhibits effects in promoting intestinal peristalsis and defecation. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Certain flavonoids, amino acids, and cyanogenic components exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Antioxidant and anti-aging effects: Exhibits antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Antitumor effects: Exhibits certain antitumor effects. Anticonvulsant effects: Exhibits anticonvulsant effects. Antihypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic effects: Exhibits antihypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Antitussive effects: Exhibits antitussive effects.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: With effects on moistening dryness, lubricating the intestines, anti-inflammation, and analgesia, among others. Fatty Acids: With effects on moistening dryness and lubricating the intestines. Amino Acids. Glycosides: Contains the toxic glycoside amygdalin. Mineral Elements.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 3–10g; alternatively 6–10g; some sources record 5–12g. It should be crushed before decoction. In pills or powder: Should be crushed when used raw.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with spleen deficiency and diarrhea. Use with caution during pregnancy. Use with caution in patients with yin deficiency and fluid depletion. Contraindicated in patients with loose stools. Should not be taken for a prolonged period, as it may damage yin. Overdose may cause poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, dizziness, headache, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and others. Should not be used together with benzodiazepine sedatives or anesthetics, as this may cause respiratory depression.
Selected Formulas
For constipation due to fluid depletion, senile constipation, or postpartum blood-deficiency constipation (Shiyi Dexiao Fang, Wuren Wan) Take Yuliren (Prunus japonica seed), Baiziren (Platycladus seed), Taoren (Peach kernel), Xingren (Apricot kernel), and Songziren (Pine nut). Make into pills and take. For generalized edema and difficulty in urination and defecation (Sheng Hui Fang, Yuliren Wan) Take Yuliren, Gansui (Euphorbia kansui), Tinglizi (Lepidium seed), Fuling (Poria), Qumai (Dianthus), and Chenpi (Tangerine peel). Make into pills and take. For wind-heat constipation (Shengji Zonglu, Yuliren San) Take 1 liang each of Yuliren (peeled, tip removed, stir-fried), Chenjupi (tangerine peel, white part removed, boiled with 1 cup of wine until dry), and Jing Sanleng (Sparganium, processed). Grind into powder. Take 2 qian each time with ginger decoction. For beriberi with swelling, dyspnea, and constipation (Sheng Hui Fang, Yuliren Congee) Take 0.5 liang of Yuliren (peeled and ground), 3 he of rice, 1 he of honey, and 1 shellfish shell of ginger juice. Cook into congee and eat on an empty stomach. For edema with chest fullness and dyspnea (Shengji Zonglu, Yuliren Tang) Take 3 liang each of stir-fried Yuliren, mulberry root bark (roasted and chopped), and stir-fried red beans, plus 2 liang of Chenjupi, 1.5 liang of Zisu (Perilla), and 4 liang of Maogen (Imperata rhizome). Coarsely grind and sieve. Take 5 qian of the powder, add 1.5 cups of water, decoct to 80%, strain and drink warm. For sudden cardiac pain (empirical formula) Take 27 pieces of Yuliren, chew thoroughly, and swallow with fresh cold water.
Daily Consumption
Yù Lǐ Rén Congee (from Yi Fang Lei Ju citing Shi Yi Xin Jian) : Take 30g of Yù Lǐ Rén (Pruni Semen) and 100g of polished rice. Soak and wash the Yù Lǐ Rén, peel, lightly stir-fry, and grind into powder. Soak in water, filter to obtain the liquid, and cook with the rice to make congee. Consume on an empty stomach. It helps moisten the intestines, relieve constipation, and promote diuresis. Suitable for constipation, difficult urination, and abdominal distension. Five-Seed Congee: Take 10g of Yù Lǐ Rén, 20g of Biota Seed (Bǎi Zǐ Rén), 15g of Pine Nut (Sōng Zǐ Rén), 10g of Angelica Root (Dāng Guī), and 100g of rice. Crush the Yù Lǐ Rén and decoct with Angelica Root to obtain the liquid. Cook with crushed Biota Seed, Pine Nut, and rice to make a thick congee. It helps nourish the heart, calm the mind, and moisten the intestines. Yù Lǐ Rén and Coix Seed Congee: Take 10g of Yù Lǐ Rén and 30g of Coix Seed (Yì Yǐ Rén). Cook together into a congee and consume.
Medicinal Parts
Dried ripe seed.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from insects.
