earticle

영어

There are two types of Hangin (杏仁): Cheom-Hangin (甛杏仁) and Go-Hangin (苦杏仁). However, it was not previously known which species of the apricot kernel they belonged to. This study aimed to review medicinal uses of various Hangin by comparing herbological bibliographies and morphological investigations. Results obtained revealed: 1) From the last period of the Ming Dynasty to the period of the Qing Dynasty, Cheom-Hangin (甛杏仁) was presumed to be Padan-Hangin (巴旦杏仁, Pruni Dulcis Semen). 2) Although Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China presented Nam-Hangin (南杏仁, Pruni Armenicae Semen) as Go-Hangin (苦杏仁), Nam-Hangin (南杏仁) was still marketed as Cheom-Hangin (甛杏仁). 3) Ya-Hangin (野杏仁, Pruni Ansus Semen), Dongbuk-Hangin (東北杏仁, Pruni Mandshuricae Semen), San-Hangin (山杏仁, Pruni Sibiricae Semen) and Nam-Hangin (南杏仁) were used to treat the relative excess syndrome, and Padan-Hangin (巴旦杏仁) to treat relative deficiency syndrome of the Lung. 4) Unlike other samples, Ya-Hangin (野杏仁) and San-Hangin (山杏仁) were indistinguishable from each other in shape. The results of this study highlight the medicinal uses of two types of Hangin (杏仁). These results should be supported by further studies such as genetic analysis.