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 respiratory ailments, particularly dry cough. The leaves (pi pa ye) are commonly included in herbal formulas intended to moisten the lungs, stop cough, and reduce phlegm. Classic TCM texts and modern pharmacopeias describe its use for "clearing lung heat" and "transforming phlegm," which often correspond to symptoms of dry or irritated coughs.

Scientific studies investigating loquat for cough relief are limited but suggest some pharmacological plausibility. Extracts from loquat leaves contain triterpenoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cough-suppressant effects in in vitro and animal studies. For example, some research shows that loquat leaf extracts can reduce airway inflammation and inhibit cough reflexes in animal models. However, well-controlled human clinical trials are lacking, and most available evidence is either preclinical or anecdotal.

In summary, loquat is primarily justified for dry cough by traditional use, with a moderate body of preclinical evidence supporting its pharmacological activities. Its effectiveness in humans remains insufficiently validated by rigorous clinical research.

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