Evidence supporting the use of: Honey loquat syrup
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Honey loquat syrup, also known as "pei pa koa," has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for soothing sore throats, reducing cough, and supporting respiratory health, including symptoms related to colds. The main ingredients—loquat leaf (Eriobotrya japonica), honey, and various herbal extracts—are believed in TCM to moisten the lungs, clear heat, and relieve phlegm. Honey is also widely recognized in multiple cultures as a traditional remedy for soothing irritated throats and suppressing coughs. However, the scientific evidence supporting honey loquat syrup specifically as a decongestant or for treating cold symptoms is limited. Some small studies suggest that honey may help reduce coughing in children and adults, likely due to its demulcent (soothing) properties. Loquat leaf contains compounds like triterpenoids and flavonoids, which have shown some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in laboratory settings, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. While the syrup may provide subjective relief from throat irritation and mild cough, there is insufficient scientific validation for its use as a decongestant. In summary, honey loquat syrup's use for colds is primarily justified by traditional practice, with modest supporting evidence (primarily for honey’s effect on cough) but not for decongestion or cold treatment per se.
More about Honey loquat syrup
More about Colds (decongestant)
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
allspicewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
capsaicinoids
chen pi
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lemon
licorice root
mint
mustard seed
oregano
peppermint oil
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
water
zinc
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Arani
Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
berry
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Honey loquat syrup
Acid IndigestionAllergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Fever
Gastritis
Inflammation
Influenza
Itching
Laryngitis
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Ulcers