Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Pruni Semen |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 郁李仁 · Yu Li Ren |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Purgative |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature seed of Prunus humilis Bge., Prunus japonica Thunb., Prunus pedunculata Maxim.(Rosaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Bitter, Sweet; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Spleen, Large Intestine, Small Intestine |
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What Is Yu Li Ren?
Yu Li Ren (Dwarf Flowering Cherry Seed) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the areas of northeast of China, and Hebei, Shandong.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter, Sweet; Neutral
Channels Entered: Spleen, Large Intestine, Small Intestine
Yu Li Ren: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Pruni Semen
Botanical Origin
The dried mature seed of Prunus humilis Bge., Prunus japonica Thunb., Prunus pedunculata Maxim.(Rosaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the areas of northeast of China, and Hebei, Shandong.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has full kernels, intact, pale yellowish-white, and does not seep oil.
Macroscopic Features
Prunus humilis Bge.: Drupe is sub-spherical, dark red, about 1cm diameter, externally smooth. Prunus japonica Thunb.: Drupe is sub-spherical when mature, red or purplish-red, 1.5~1.8cm diameter; externally has ridge on two sides of back surface, no ridges at other side. Prunus pedunculata Maxim.: Seed is oval, 6~10mm long, 5~7mm diameter. Externally yellowish-white to pale brown, one pointed end, another end is blunt round. Pointed end has linear hilum at one side; round end had dark chalaza at center, numerous longitudinal vascular bundle lines from chalaza upwards. Thin seed coat, cotyledon is milky-white, oily, slightly bitter taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Bitter, Sweet; NeutralSpleenLarge IntestineSmall Intestine
Traditional Functions
Moistens the intestines and frees stools, and descends qi and promotes diuresis.
How Yu Li Ren Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Yu Li Ren is classified among the Purgative herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
