PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Xing Ren (Prunus armeniaca), specifically the apricot seed, is used in traditional medicine for respiratory and intestinal disorders [PMID:36806484, PMID:38323080].
Background
Prunus armeniaca L., commonly known as the apricot tree, is a species of the Rosaceae family [PMID:35890519, PMID:30728542]. The seed, known as Armeniacae Semen Amarum or Kuxingren in Chinese, is recognized as an herbal medicinal product in Chinese and Korean pharmacopeias [PMID:35890519, PMID:36806484].
Traditional uses
It is traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to relieve cough and asthma, moisten the intestines, and treat constipation [PMID:36806484, PMID:38323080]. Other reported medicinal uses include applications as an antipyretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, emetic, and ophthalmic remedy [PMID:35890519].
Active compounds
Active components include amygdalin, bitter almond oil, essential oil, proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates [PMID:36806484]. The kernel oil contains unsaturated fatty acids (high proportion of oleic acids), phenols, and tocopherols [PMID:36778095], as well as steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides [PMID:39544277].
Mechanism of action
The kernel oil is noted for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects [PMID:39170485]. Aqueous extracts of the leaves (PAAE) have demonstrated the ability to lower blood pressure parameters in hypertensive rats [PMID:35702770].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DHypertension
Aqueous extract of P. armeniaca leaves lowered blood pressure in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats without affecting normotensive rats [PMID:35702770]
Evidence DNeuropathic Pain
Apricot kernel oil showed analgesic effects in rats with chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain [PMID:39170485]
Evidence CCancer
Reviews suggest the kernel may help fight against various diseases such as cancer and cancer immunotherapy [PMID:35892769, PMID:35890519]
Safety & adverse effects
Prolonged use of a TCM supplement containing apricot kernel, licorice root, and caffeine was potentially linked to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) in a 62-year-old male [PMID:39845 la8485]. The seeds contain amygdalin [PMID:35919360], and cyanide poisoning is associated with the 'bitter-almond' smell [PMID:15317203].
Drug interactions
The safety of TCM herbal remedies containing apricot kernel requires careful consideration when used with modern medications [PMID:39845213].
Evidence summary
The evidence consists primarily of review articles (Level C) and animal/in vitro studies (Level D). There is a lack of high-level clinical trial data (Level A or B) in the provided abstracts.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 35892769 (2022) — Apricot Kernel: Bioactivity, Characterization, Applications, and Health Attributes. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 39845213 (2024) — Cardiac Complications From Herbal Remedies. · Cureus
- 3.PMID: 36778095 (2023) — Apricot kernel characterization, oil extraction, and its utilization: a review. · Food science and biotechnology
- 4.PMID: 35702770 (2023) — Antihypertensive Activity of Prunus armeniaca in Hypertensive Rats. · Cardiovascular & hematological agents in medicinal chemistry
- 5.PMID: 30728542 (2019) — Production, pomological and nutraceutical properties of apricot. · Journal of food science and technology
- 6.