Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating coughs, especially those classified as "damp" coughs, which are characterized by phlegm and moisture in the lungs. In TCM, loquat leaf (pi pa ye) is said to clear lung heat, transform phlegm, and relieve cough. Loquat is a key ingredient in traditional herbal syrups such as "Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa," widely used in East Asia to soothe sore throats and suppress coughs.

Modern research provides some support for these uses, although the evidence is not robust. Several in vitro and animal studies have found that loquat leaf extracts possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties. Certain compounds isolated from loquat, such as triterpenoids and flavonoids, are thought to contribute to these effects. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are limited. Most scientific validation comes from laboratory and animal studies rather than rigorous clinical evidence.

Overall, while loquat’s use for damp cough is well established in traditional practice and supported by preliminary pharmacological findings, it lacks strong clinical trial data. Therefore, its use is primarily justified by tradition, with moderate supporting evidence from basic scientific research.

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