Objective To summarize the features of clinical dosage of Taoren（ Semen Persicae） since Han Dynasty. Methods A database on the dosage of Taoren in the past dynasties was established. Medical literatures most representitive of each dynasty were chosen and formula name

total dosage

dosage of Taoren

number of all medicinals

volume of water added

administration were collected. The occurrence frequency

regular dosage

upper limit of regular dosage

lower limit of regular dosage

maximum dosage

minimum dosage and average dosage of Taoren was calculated and the characteristics of Taoren dosage in the past dynasties were analyzed. Results Maximum dosage occurred in Han and Tang Dynasties

especially in Tang Dynasty with an everyday dosage of 69 g. In Song Dynasty

there was a decrease of the dosage but still in a relatively high level

i. e. 40 g. Minimun dosage occurred in Jin and Yuan Dynasties

with 4 g as the maximum dosage at that time. The maximum dosage of Taoren changed to30 g since Ming and Qing Dynasties. Conclusion Taoren（ Semen Persicae） had a broad scale of dosage throughout the past dynasties and large dosage（ ≥20 g） of Taoren was used for critical circumstances.