Diospyros lotus (Diospyros lotus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Diospyros lotus work as a digestive remedy?

Diospyros lotus contains active compounds including tannins, betulinic acid, quercetin, and ellagic acid. The tannins are primarily responsible for its astringent properties, which help tighten and tone mucous membranes in the digestive tract. This astringent action reduces secretions and helps manage diarrhea by creating a protective barrier on irritated tissues. The fruit also provides antioxidant activity through compounds like quercetin and ellagic acid, which may help protect digestive tissues from oxidative damage. Evidence level: C (preliminary evidence from in vitro and animal studies).

Does Diospyros lotus interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for Diospyros lotus in current medical literature. However, due to its high tannin content, it may theoretically interfere with the absorption of certain medications, particularly iron supplements and alkaloid drugs. Patients taking medications should separate dosing times by at least 2 hours to minimize potential absorption issues. The herb's astringent properties may also affect how quickly some drugs are absorbed in the digestive tract. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining herbal remedies with prescription medications. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Diospyros lotus?

The traditional adult dosage for Diospyros lotus is 2-4 grams of dried fruit or leaf prepared as a tea. This can be taken up to three times daily for digestive complaints. The dried fruit may also be consumed directly as a nutritive food. For acute diarrhea, the higher end of the dosage range may be more appropriate. Always start with the lowest effective dose and adjust based on individual response. Evidence level: C (based on traditional use and pharmacopoeial standards).

Is Diospyros lotus safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Diospyros lotus is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The high tannin content and astringent properties may stimulate uterine contractions or interfere with nutrient absorption during this critical period. There is insufficient safety data for use during breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended for nursing mothers as well. Pregnant women experiencing digestive issues should consult their healthcare provider for pregnancy-safe alternatives. Evidence level: C (based on traditional contraindications and pharmacological principles).

What are the side effects of eating Diospyros lotus fruit?

The primary side effect of Diospyros lotus is constipation, particularly when consuming unripe fruit. The unripe fruit is highly astringent due to elevated tannin levels, which can cause significant digestive binding and discomfort. Ripe fruit is less likely to cause this effect and is generally better tolerated. Rare allergic reactions have been reported, typically manifesting as skin irritation or mild gastrointestinal upset. Discontinue use if constipation, nausea, or allergic symptoms occur. Evidence level: C (based on traditional use reports).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Diospyros lotus, also known as date plum, is an edible fruit from the Ebenaceae family with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and medicinal properties [PMID:36112569, PMID:39129303].

Contexte

Diospyros lotus is a deciduous plant native to southeast Europe and Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Korea [PMID:37346401]. It is a frost-tolerant species often used as a rootstock for persimmon cultivation in colder regions [PMID:35216308, PMID:23179692].

Usages traditionnels

In traditional medicine, Diospyros lotus is used as an antipyretic, antidiabetic, and anticancer agent [PMID:37346401], and it has been used in the treatment of infectious diseases [PMID:25702900].

Composés actifs

The plant contains phenolic compounds including gallic acid (the most abundant), myricetin, myricitrin, astragalin, and myricetin-3-O-glactosside [PMID:24803703, PMID:28850926]. Other identified constituents from the roots include lupeol, 7-methyljuglone, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, betulinic acid, diospyrin, and 8-hydroxyisodiospyrin [PMID:25702900].

Mécanisme d'action

Leaf extracts and myricitrin inhibit pruritus by blocking inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 in astrocytes, thereby inhibiting STAT3 activation, GFAP expression, and LCN2 release [PMID:37346401]. In obesity models, leaf extracts enhance lipolytic activity by stimulating glycerol release from adipocytes [PMID:41016817]. Fermented extracts protect MIN6 cells from high glucose-induced apoptosis by upregulating the Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio and downregulating AIF and Cyt-C [PMID:33682148].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DPruritus (Itch)

Leaf extract and myricitrin ameliorated histamine-independent pruritus and inhibited itch-related IL-6 and IL-31 by suppressing microglial inflammation and astrocyte activation [PMID:37346401, PMID:39129303]

Preuve DObesity

A mixture of D. lotus leaf extract and red okra (or grape stalk extract) reduced lipid accumulation, prevented weight gain, and improved plasma lipid profiles in HFD-induced obese mice [PMID:41016817, PMID:31275721]

Preuve DSkin Damage (UVB-induced)

Topical application of leaf extract reversed UVB-induced skin damage in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and collagen degradation [PMID:28850926]

Preuve DCardiotoxicity (Cisplatin-induced)

Fruit extract showed a protective role against cisplatin-induced heart damage and oxidative stress in rats [PMID:35509232]

Preuve DOsteoporosis

Leaf extract enhanced differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts and increased osteogenic molecules in ovariectomized mice [PMID:38674937]

Preuve D

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Consumption of Diospyros lotus fruit has been reported as a cause of gastrointestinal phytobezoars [PMID:22721161].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with some supporting review data (Level C). No human clinical trials were provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 36112569 (2022) — Drying date plum (Diospyros lotus L.) fruit: Assessing rehydration properties, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds. · Journal of food science
2.PMID: 24803703 (2014) — Antioxidant activities and phenolic compounds of date plum persimmon ( Diospyros lotus L.) fruits. · Journal of food science and technology
3.PMID: 39479648 (2024) — Anticancer therapeutic potential of genus Diospyros: From phytochemistry to clinical applications-A review. · Food science & nutrition
4.PMID: 37346401 (2023) — Diospyros lotus leaf extract and its main component myricitrin regulate pruritus through the inhibition of astrocyte activation. · Experimental and therapeutic medicine
5.PMID: 41016817 (2025) — Dual Mechanistic Anti-Obesity Effects of Red Okra and Diospyros lotus Mixture via Fat Binding and AMPK-Mediated Lipid Metabolism.

Diospyros lotus

Sources et citations

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