Health Guide

Loquat

Meet the Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), often called the Japanese Plum or Chinese Plum. This small, oval fruit, with its smooth yellow skin and tangy-sweet flesh, is more than just a delicious snack. It's a nutritional powerhouse, traditionally used in herbal medicine for centuries to soothe the throat and support the immune system. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and specific plant compounds, the Loquat is nature's answer to respiratory health and inflammation reduction. Whether you eat the fruit fresh or use the leaf extract as a supplement, this botanical gem offers a gentle yet effective way to boost your overall vitality.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Bioavailability: Fruit vs. Leaf Extract

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Bioavailability Score

Form →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Respiratory Support: Loquat leaf is famous for its ability to calm coughs and loosen phlegm. It acts as a natural expectorant, making breathing easier during cold season.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: The fruit is rich in phenolic compounds and vitamin C, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Blood Sugar Balance: Early research suggests that loquat leaves may help improve insulin sensitivity, supporting healthy glucose metabolism.
Anti-inflammatory: Compounds like ursolic acid found in Loquat help reduce inflammation, which is key for joint health and overall longevity.

Deep Dive

The magic of Loquat lies in its unique blend of bioactive compounds. The fruit provides a potent dose of Vitamin A (great for vision and skin) and dietary fiber (excellent for digestion). However, the leaves contain a special compound called Ursolic Acid and Amygdalin (also known as Vitamin B17). While Amygdalin is controversial (see safety section), when used correctly in traditional medicine, it is believed to support cellular health. The leaves are often brewed into a tea to suppress dry coughs and soothe the throat lining, acting as a demulcent.

Natural Food Sources

The best way to consume Loquat is by eating the fresh fruit. The leaves are generally used in teas or extracts rather than eaten raw.

Food Source	Amount (Per 100g)	% Daily Value (Approx)
Loquat Fruit (Raw)	1 Serving	40%
Vitamin C	15mg	~17%
Vitamin A	760 IU	~15%
Fiber	1.7g	~7%

Supplementation

While eating the fruit is delicious, the potent respiratory benefits are usually derived from Loquat Leaf Extract. This is available in capsules, powders, or liquid tinctures.

Usage: It is typically taken to suppress coughs or support immune response during illness.
Dosage: Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the specific supplement. There is no standard RDA for loquat leaf extract, but extracts are usually standardized for triterpenes.

Note: Always prioritize the fruit for daily nutrition; use supplements for targeted support.

Top Food Sources

Loquat Fruit

Eat raw, remove seeds.

Loquat Leaf (Tea)

Brew dried leaves for respiratory support.

Loquat Extract

Standardized capsules for therapeutic use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! The skin is edible and contains a good amount of fiber and antioxidants, though it is slightly fuzzy and less sweet than the flesh.

Absolutely. Loquat leaf tea is a traditional remedy specifically used to coat the throat and reduce irritation and coughing.

Simmer dried loquat leaves in water for 10-15 minutes, then strain. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste.

Botanically, they are in the Rosaceae family, which includes apples, pears, and stone fruits like apricots and plums.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety First:

The Fruit: Is generally recognized as safe for most people. However, the seeds (pits) inside the fruit contain amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide when digested. Do not chew or swallow the seeds.
The Leaves: Loquat leaf preparations should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of safety data.
Amygdalin (Vitamin B17): While some alternative therapies use it, high doses can be toxic. Stick to standard supplement dosages.
Interactions: If you are on medication for diabetes (as Loquat may lower blood sugar further) or diuretics, consult your doctor.

Scientific References

[1]Journal of Ethnopharmacology: 'Antitussive and expectorant activity of Loquat leaf extract.'
[2]Food Chemistry: 'Phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Loquat fruit.'
[3]Phytotherapy Research: 'Ursolic acid from Eriobotrya japonica: Anti-inflammatory effects.'