^^^Funny name isnt it? I did a little research...
http://www.tcmbasics.com/materiamedica/semen_pruni.htm
Pharmaceutical Name
Semen pruni
Botanical Name
1. Prunus japonica Thunb.; 2. Prunus humilis Bge.; 3. Prunus tomentosa Thunb.
Common Name
Bush-cherry seed
Source of Earliest Record
Shennong Bencao Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations
The ripe seeds from the fruit are gathered in autumn and dried in the sun. The seeds are then ground in a mortar and pestle.
Properties & Taste
Pungent, bitter and neutral
Meridians
Small and large intestines
Functions
1. To lubricate intestines and move feces; 2. To promote urination and reduce edema
Indications & Combinations
1. Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Bush-cherry seed (Yuliren) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren), Peach seed (Taoren) and Arborvitae seed (Baiziren) in the formula Wuren Wan. 2. Edema. Bush-cherry seed (Yuliren) is used with Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi), Phaseolus seed (Chixiaodou) and Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen) in the formula Yuliren Tang.
Dosage
5-12 g
Cautions & Contraindications
This herb is contraindicated in cases with depletion of body fluids, or during pregnancy.
Herbs that transform water
These herbs purge water. They cause the discharge of water, together with feces, from the body. Some of these herbs promote urination and are indicated in cases with edema in the limbs, ascites, fullness in the chest and asthma due to phlegm-dampness. These herbs are toxic; overdosing or prolonged administration is very harmful to the health. When symptoms are relieved, the herbs should be stopped.
The pills you have are probably *fat burning* pills (thats how its marketed anyways) !!!
All they really do is make you go to the bathroom more often....at least from my experience ( a long time ago!)