Flowering Quince Extract
Also known as: Quince, Flowering Quince, Chinese Quince, Chaenomeles speciosa, Cydonia oblonga
Overview
Flowering quince extract is derived from the fruit, seeds, or leaves of *Cydonia oblonga* (common quince) or *Chaenomeles* species (Chinese flowering quince). This plant extract is rich in bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid, various quercetin derivatives, other flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides. Traditionally, it has been utilized for its potential anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, cardiovascular, antioxidant, and anti-spasmodic properties. While there is a growing body of research, much of the evidence supporting its benefits comes from preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies, with limited high-quality human clinical trials. The research maturity for flowering quince extract is considered moderate, with systematic reviews on its cardiovascular and metabolic effects beginning to emerge, but comprehensive human data, particularly from randomized controlled trials, is still largely lacking.
Benefits
Research on flowering quince extract suggests several potential health benefits, primarily supported by preclinical studies. For cardiovascular health, animal studies indicate that quince extracts may help reduce blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and protect liver and kidney function. Some studies even suggest effects comparable to certain antihypertensive drugs at higher doses. Regarding anti-diabetic effects, multiple animal studies have shown significant reductions in fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rat models, with proposed mechanisms involving compounds like 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties; *Chaenomeles speciosa* extracts have been shown to inhibit inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and reduce arthritis symptoms in animal models, likely due to its flavonoid and saponin content. Additionally, preliminary research in mouse models suggests a potential antidepressant-like effect for Chinese quince seed extract, though this finding requires further investigation.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of flowering quince extract are attributed to its diverse array of bioactive compounds. Its anti-diabetic effects are thought to involve the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which enhances glucose metabolism. The anti-inflammatory properties stem from the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, and the inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation. Furthermore, the extract exerts antioxidant activity primarily through its phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid and various quercetin derivatives, which scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. While the specific pharmacokinetics of quince extracts are not fully characterized, the phenolic compounds generally exhibit moderate bioavailability.
Side effects
The safety profile of flowering quince extract is not extensively documented in humans. Animal studies have generally reported no significant toxicity at the tested doses, and there are no widespread reports of common or severe adverse effects in the reviewed literature. However, due to the limited clinical data, the full spectrum of potential side effects in humans remains largely unknown. Specific drug interactions and contraindications have not been established. Caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, as the extract may have additive effects with prescribed medications for these conditions. Without robust human safety data, it is crucial to exercise prudence, especially when considering its use alongside pharmaceutical interventions.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for flowering quince extract due to the lack of sufficient clinical trials. Dosage recommendations are primarily derived from animal studies, which show varying effective ranges depending on the intended benefit. For anti-diabetic effects, animal models have used oral doses ranging from 80 to 240 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days. For antihypertensive effects, leaf extracts at doses of 80–320 mg/kg have shown efficacy, with the highest dose demonstrating effects comparable to captopril. It is important to note that extrapolating these animal dosages to humans is complex and requires further clinical validation. The form of the extract (fruit, seeds, or leaves) and the extraction method can also significantly influence the phytochemical content and, consequently, the effective dose. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been determined.
FAQs
Is flowering quince extract effective for diabetes?
Animal studies indicate glucose-lowering effects, but human randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in people with diabetes.
Can it replace blood pressure medications?
While animal data are promising for blood pressure reduction, there is insufficient human evidence to recommend flowering quince extract as a substitute for prescribed antihypertensive medications.
Are there known side effects?
No significant adverse effects have been reported in animal studies. However, human safety data are limited, so potential side effects in humans are not well documented.
How long until effects appear?
Animal studies typically involve administration periods of about four weeks before effects are observed. The timeline for effects in humans is currently unknown.
Research Sources
- https://www.walshmedicalmedia.com/open-access/nutritional-composition-phytochemistry-and-medicinal-use-of-quince-cydonia-oblonga-miller-with-emphasis-on-its-processed.pdf – This review provides an overview of the nutritional composition, phytochemicals, and traditional medicinal uses of *Cydonia oblonga*. It highlights the presence of various bioactive compounds and their potential health benefits, setting a foundation for understanding the extract's properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9576383/ – This systematic review of animal studies investigates the effects of quince extracts on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters. It concludes that quince extracts can lower blood pressure, improve lipid profiles, and reduce glucose levels, with some effects comparable to conventional drugs at high doses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3917013/ – This review summarizes the pharmacological activities of *Chaenomeles speciosa*, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It attributes these benefits to flavonoids and saponins, which suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit lymphocyte proliferation.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/11/5838 – This animal study explores the antidepressant-like effects of Chinese quince seed extract in a mouse model of depression. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic role, although this research is preliminary and requires further investigation in humans.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2022/3185442 – This animal randomized controlled trial investigated the anti-diabetic effects of quince fruit extract. It demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats and identified 5-hydroxymethylfurfural as a key active compound responsible for these effects.