Loquat Leaf (Eriobotrya japonica): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does loquat leaf work to stop coughing?

Loquat leaf contains several bioactive compounds that contribute to its antitussive effects. Ursolic acid and oleanolic acid have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce airway inflammation and soothe irritated respiratory passages. The herb also contains amygdalin, though in lower concentrations than the seeds. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, loquat leaf is said to 'descend lung qi' and transform phlegm, making it particularly effective for coughs accompanied by phlegm production. Evidence level: C (preliminary research and traditional use).

Does loquat leaf interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for loquat leaf in clinical literature. However, caution is theoretically advised when combining with antidiabetic medications, as corosolic acid and other constituents may affect blood glucose levels. Those taking blood thinners should also exercise caution, as the herb's anti-inflammatory properties could potentially enhance anticoagulant effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining herbal remedies with prescription medications. Evidence level: C (theoretical concerns based on constituent properties).

What is the recommended dosage for loquat leaf?

The traditional dosage for dried loquat leaf is 6-15 grams daily when prepared as a decoction. To prepare, simmer the dried leaves in water for 15-20 minutes. The leaves should be processed to remove the fine surface hairs before use, as unprocessed leaves can cause throat irritation. Loquat leaf is also available in capsule, extract, and tea bag forms—follow manufacturer instructions for these preparations. For acute cough, practitioners typically use the higher end of the dosage range. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is loquat leaf safe during pregnancy?

There is conflicting guidance regarding loquat leaf use during pregnancy. Traditional Chinese Medicine sources often list pregnancy as a contraindication, while some modern sources consider properly processed loquat leaf relatively safe. The concern stems from amygdalin content, which can release cyanide, though properly processed leaves contain minimal amounts. Due to insufficient clinical safety data, pregnant women should avoid loquat leaf or use it only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Evidence level: C (limited safety data).

What is loquat leaf used for in herbal medicine?

Loquat leaf is primarily used to treat respiratory conditions, particularly chronic cough with phlegm. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is considered one of the most important herbs for 'descending lung qi' and resolving phlegm. Additional traditional uses include treating nausea, thirst, and stomach discomfort. Modern research has explored its potential antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, though clinical evidence remains preliminary. The herb is commonly prepared as a tea, decoction, or taken in capsule form. Evidence level: C (traditional use supported by preliminary research).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a subtropical evergreen tree native to China with leaves used in traditional medicine for respiratory and metabolic conditions [PMID:27929430, PMID:35870687].

Background

Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. is a subtropical evergreen fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family [PMID:35870687, PMID:38033747]. It is widely cultivated across Asia, Europe, and Africa [PMID:32141509].

Traditional uses

In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, dried leaves are used to treat coughing from pulmonary inflammation, asthma-related dyspnea, restlessness, thirst, and nausea from stomach disorders [PMID:35870687]. Japanese folk medicine utilizes it for stomach ache, ulcers, chronic bronchitis, cancer, and diabetes mellitus [PMID:35870687]. Moroccan traditional medicine uses the leaves to treat diabetes and its complications [PMID:35718052].

Active compounds

Loquat leaves contain phenolics, terpenoids [PMID:27929430], triterpene acids [PMID:28756259], and sesquiterpene glycosides, which are reported to be isolated exclusively from the leaf [PMID:33240683, PMID:28458161].

Mechanism of action

Sesquiterpene glycosides may ameliorate insulin resistance and lipid accumulation via the AMPK signaling pathway [PMID:33240683] and alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through cytochrome P450 2E1 inhibition [PMID:28458161]. Leaf extracts have demonstrated the ability to reduce cardiac indicators and myocardial oxidative stress [PMID:38033747].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDiabetes/Metabolic Syndrome

Leaf aqueous extract and triterpenoid acids showed antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic effects and ameliorated metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet-fed mice [PMID:35718052, PMID:33113426]

Evidence DCardiotoxicity

Ethyl acetate and aqueous leaf extracts shielded the heart from carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats by lowering cardiac indicators and reducing oxidative stress [PMID:38033747]

Evidence DNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Total sesquiterpene glycosides reduced body weight and liver fat deposition in HFD-induced NAFLD mice [PMID:28458161]

Evidence DSkin Disorders

Triterpenoids from leaves showed anti-melanogenesis, anti-acne (specifically against P. acnes), and anti-allergy activities in vitro [PMID:28492484]

Safety & adverse effects

Studies on the oral toxicity of leaf aqueous extract in mice were conducted [PMID:35718052], and ethanol extracts were evaluated for skin and eye irritation [PMID:31463223].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits. There are no human clinical trials provided in the source abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36981255 (2023) — Postharvest Biology and Technology of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 27929430 (2016) — Biological Activities of Extracts from Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.): A Review. · International journal of molecular sciences
3.PMID: 35739209 (2022) — Genetic diversity of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) revealed using RAD-Seq SNP markers. · Scientific reports
4.PMID: 24395491 (2014) — Postharvest physiology and technology of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit. · Journal of the science of food and agriculture
5.PMID: 34490318 (2021) — The Antifungal Activity of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Leaves Extract Against Penicillium digitatum. · Frontiers in nutrition

Loquat Leaf

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Loquat Leaf

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Loquat Leaf

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Loquat Leaf

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Prunus avium

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Solanum xanthocarpum

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources