The side effects of Prunus Persica (tao ren; 桃仁)

Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Health Benefits of Tao Ren

Semen Persicae (peach kernel; persica, Prunus Persica (L. )Batsch;
Amygdalus davidiana; tao ren; 桃仁; tonin; toin) [3]

Prunus Persica can be found throughout China. Traditionally, it was used to "break
up" blood stasis and to treat constipation (because of dehydration). It is believed
that it have anti-coagulative, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic
activities. It may promote bowel movements and kill pain. It contains glycerols,
sterol ester, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, catechin, pruning,
naringenin, guercetin, phosphatidyl serine, kaempferol and some other
compounds. [3]

What are the side effects of Tao Ren?

Raw tao ren is believed to be toxic and it may affect the sexual development of
females. [See Reference 2]

Are there any health benefits of Tao Ren (with scientific support)?

Ejindu A. from London South Bank University studied how the facial massage
compared to that of foot massage affected on sleep induction and vital signs of six
healthy adults. The researcher observed a drop in systolic blood pressure of 8.5
mm Hg was recorded immediately after facial massage using peach-kernel base oil
Prunus persica compared to that of 1mmHg recorded after foot massage using the
same type of oil. [1]

Both treatments were equally effective in reducing subjective levels of alertness
during the interventions, with face massage marginally better at producing
subjective sleepiness. However, it is not sure what role the oil took part in the
seduction or the blood-pressure lowering. [1]

Researchers from Ukrainian Ministry of Public Health, Kharkov, injected 0.2 ml of
peach kernel oil intramuscularly into female rats at prepuberty. They found the oil
inhibited dose-dependently the somatic development of the rats before puberty. It
inhibited the ovarian endocrine function, significantly delayed the initial (opening of
the vagina) and terminal (ovulation) stages of puberty or suppressed it completely
(in 30% of cases). [2]

Reference:

[1] Ejindu A. The effects of foot and facial massage on sleep induction, blood
pressure, pulse and respiratory rate: crossover pilot study. Complement Ther Clin
Pract. 2007 Nov;13(4):266-75. Epub 2007 May 8. [2] Litvinova LB. The effect of
peach kernel oil on the sexual maturation of female rats Eksp Klin Farmakol. 1998
May-Jun;61(3):43-5. [3] http://alternativehealing.org

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