TCMIO

Bai Zi Ren in Traditional Chinese Medicine

柏子仁bǎi zǐ rén

Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen), known in Chinese as 柏子仁 is the seed of Platycladi Semen (Cupressaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts.

This page presents its traditional TCM context, botanical identity, available evidence scope, and safety information — not as medical advice, but as an educational reference.

Traditional TCM ContextSafety information available

Seed of Platycladi Semen.

Image details

License: Source: Sogou Baike (baike.sogou.com)

Attribution: Source: Sogou Baike — 柏子仁

On this page

Key Facts

Material
Seed
Botanical source
Platycladi Semen
Direct human evidence
No verified study currently linked

What Is Bai Zi Ren?

Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Semen), known in Chinese as 柏子仁 is the seed of Platycladi Semen (Cupressaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts. In the traditional TCM framework, it is classified as neutral in nature and sweet in flavor.

Nourishes the Heart, calms the Shen, moistens the intestines, promotes bowel movement. Used in Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.[1]

Botanical description: Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco (Cupressaceae). The seed kernel is ovoid, 4-7mm long, with a thin yellowish-brown seed coat and oily white endosperm.

Traditional TCM Context

Nature: NeutralFlavor: SweetMeridians: Heart, Kidney, Large Intestine

Traditional functions: Nourishes the Heart, calms the Shen, moistens the intestines, promotes bowel movement. Used in Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan.[1]

Traditional uses: Used for insomnia with palpitations, forgetfulness, and constipation due to Heart Yin or Blood Deficiency. Ideal when the patient has both insomnia and dry stools.

Related TCM patterns

Yin Deficiency阴虚

This description reflects traditional TCM theory and is not a modern medical diagnosis or treatment claim.

What Research Applies to Bai Zi Ren?

Research on Platycladi Semen has identified fatty acids, saponins, and diterpenoids with sedative and cognitive-enhancing effects in preclinical models. Clinical evidence specific to Bai Zi Ren as a whole material is limited.

No published research studies are currently linked to Bai Zi Ren in this library.

Research information will be added as verified studies become available.

Safety Information

Safety Summary

What is known

Bai Zi Ren is traditionally regarded as a mild and relatively safe TCM material with low reported toxicity. Its high oil content means improper storage or rancidity may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No herb-specific clinical safety studies (adverse events, toxicity, long-term use) are available for review. Evidence for drug interactions specific to Bai Zi Ren as a whole material is lacking.

Special populations

  • Pregnancy: No herb-specific assessment in this library
  • Breastfeeding: No herb-specific assessment in this library
  • Children: No herb-specific assessment in this library
  • Drug interactions: No herb-specific assessment in this library

What remains uncertain

  • Herb-specific clinical safety data (adverse events, toxicity, long-term use) are not available for review.
  • Drug-herb interaction data specific to Bai Zi Ren may be lacking; most published interaction studies use extracts or isolated compounds.

Who should seek professional guidance

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking prescription medications, people managing chronic conditions, and anyone considering herbal products for children should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Bai Zi Ren or any herbal product.

Platform safety boundary

TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. We do not provide dosage guidance, administration instructions, or individualized treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal product.

Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric use has not been systematically evaluated for Bai Zi Ren as a medicinal material. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Sources Used on This Page(2)

  1. 1.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 Edition), Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020
    Bibliographic details

    Supports: Botanical Identity, Traditional TCM Context, Traditional Functions

    Reliability: High

    Source type: Government Source

  2. 2.

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020. Monograph: Platycladi Semen (Bai Zi Ren).

    Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020
    Bibliographic details

    Reliability: gold

    Last checked: July 2026

    Source type: pharmacopoeia

Prepared by: TCMIO Editorial TeamLast updated: July 2, 2026Editorial PolicySafety Policy

Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.