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Loquat

Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat) is a fruit-bearing tree whose leaves have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cough, sputum, and respiratory conditions. Rich in triterpenoids, particularly ursolic acid and related compounds. The fruit is consumed as food; the leaves and seeds are used medicinally. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is mostly preclinical. May have anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-suppressing), and glucose-regulating effects. The seeds have been added to alcoholic tonics for longevity. Safe as a fruit; medicinal leaf preparations have traditional use but limited modern research.

Quick Answer

What it is

Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat) is a fruit-bearing tree whose leaves have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cough, sputum, and respiratory conditions. Rich in triterpenoids, particularly ursolic acid and related compounds.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Blood Glucose Regulation
  • Grade D: Anti-inflammatory Effects
  • Grade D: Respiratory Function and Cough Suppression

Safety

  • No adverse events were reported.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Loquat

Quick Facts: Loquat

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:6
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Key Effect:Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C1
D6
6 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
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C
Blood Glucose Regulation
Multiple animal studies in diabetic rodent models consistently demonstrate that loquat leaf and seed extracts reduce blood glucose, improve glucose tolerance, and ameliorate insulin resistance via multiple active compounds including corosolic acid, tormentic acid, triterpene acids, and total flavonoids. Mechanisms involve AMPK phosphorylation, GLUT4 upregulation, and gluconeogenesis suppression. No human clinical trials specifically for glycemic outcomes.
moderate↓Improves
D
Anti-inflammatory Effects
In animal models of acute and chronic inflammation, loquat leaf extract reduced leukocyte infiltration, paw edema, and hyperalgesia. Ursolic acid suppressed hepatic oxidative stress and AGE formation in diabetic mice via the LKB1/AMPK/FOXO3 pathway. In vitro studies show inhibition of phospholipase A2, COX-2, and iNOS expression.
moderate↓Improves
D
Respiratory Function and Cough Suppression
In mouse models, loquat leaf aqueous and ethanol extracts demonstrated antitussive and expectorant activities. In ovalbumin-induced asthma models, leaf extract reduced airway inflammation, mucus production, and inflammatory mediators (IL-4, IL-13, IgE). Triterpene acids showed anti-oxidative effects in chronic bronchitis rat models. Supports traditional TCM use but no human trials exist.
moderate↑Improves
D
Antioxidant Status
In vitro studies demonstrate that loquat leaf flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol glycosides, chlorogenic acid) inhibit free radical generation and lipid peroxidation. In animal NASH models, seed extract enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced oxidative DNA and lipid damage markers (8-OHdG, 4-HNE).
small↑Improves
D
Cholesterol and Lipid Levels
One small human RCT using a combination product (loquat + olive leaf extract) showed 14.3% cholesterol reduction with supplement alone and 24% with statin co-administration over 3 months. Animal studies show triterpene acid and flavonoid fractions reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides in diabetic models. Human evidence is confounded by combination product.
small↓Improves
D
Cognitive Function
A single 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 75 healthy adolescents found that 1.5 g/day of loquat leaf ethanol extract significantly improved total K-MMSE scores (p=0.043) and memory subscale scores (p=0.014) compared to placebo. No adverse events were reported.
small↑Improves
D
Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
A single 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 27 healthy adults found that 2.5 g/day of loquat leaf supplement significantly reduced itchy nose, itchy eyes, and eye symptoms compared to placebo. Anti-allergic activity attributed to ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and related triterpenoids.
small↓Improves

Research Citations (19)

Protective mechanisms of loquat leaf extract and ursolic acid against diabetic pro-inflammation
(2022)
PMID: 35962799
Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Eriobotrya japonica leaves: A summary
(2022)
PMID: 35870687
Eriobotrya japonica leaf water extract in the treatment of cough variant asthma
(2021)
PMID: 34438032
Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity in extract from the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica
(2020)
PMID: 31770567
Eriobotrya japonica leaf extract attenuates airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced mice model of asthma
(2020)
PMID: 31310829
Corosolic acid isolated from Eriobotrya japonica leaves reduces glucose level in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, zebrafish and rats
(2019)
PMID: 30867526
Effect of Loquat Leaf Extract on Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass, and Muscle Function in Healthy Adults
(2016)
PMID: 27999607
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Eriobotrya japonica leaves extracts
(2015)
PMID: 26124811
Evaluation of the antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, and antioxidant activities of Eriobotrya japonica leaves
(2015)
PMID: 25880139
Tormentic acid, a major component of suspension cells of Eriobotrya japonica, suppresses high-fat diet-induced diabetes and hyperlipidemia
(2014)
PMID: 25317836

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