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Loquat All Extract

Also known as: Loquat, Japanese medlar, pipa, loquat leaf extract, loquat flower extract, loquat all extract, Eriobotrya japonica

Overview

Loquat all extract is derived from various parts of the *Eriobotrya japonica* Lindl. plant, including its leaves, flowers, and sometimes fruit or seeds. Native to China, this plant is widely cultivated globally and has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, metabolic, and antifungal properties. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and triterpenes, which are believed to be responsible for its health benefits. Modern applications include its use in functional beverages, teas, and dietary supplements, particularly for supporting metabolic health and managing inflammation. While preclinical and early clinical research suggests promising effects, large-scale, high-quality human trials are still limited, indicating a moderate research maturity level. The available evidence primarily stems from in vitro, animal, and small human studies, with systematic reviews supporting some of its metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Benefits

Loquat all extract offers several potential health benefits, primarily due to its rich content of bioactive compounds. It demonstrates significant antioxidant activity, with loquat flower water extract (LFWE) showing high bioactive content and antioxidant capacity, effectively scavenging free radicals. This extract also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by significantly reducing PGE2 production, a key marker of inflammation, as observed in cell models. In terms of metabolic health, loquat leaf extract may support blood sugar regulation and promote thermogenesis, although clinical effect sizes are not yet well quantified. Limited human studies suggest potential benefits for weight management and improvements in liver enzymes in obese individuals with NAFLD, though these findings require further validation in larger trials. Additionally, loquat seed and leaf extracts have shown significant antifungal activity, even demonstrating synergistic effects when combined with standard antifungals. While acute effects like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity are observed quickly in cell models, metabolic improvements may take several weeks in human trials. The strength of evidence is moderate, primarily from preclinical and small human studies, indicating a need for more robust clinical research to confirm these benefits and establish their clinical significance.

How it works

Loquat all extract exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its antioxidant properties are attributed to polyphenols and flavonoids, which effectively scavenge free radicals. The anti-inflammatory action involves the inhibition of inflammatory mediators, specifically by reducing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. For metabolic benefits, the extract may activate brown adipose tissue, promoting thermogenesis, and inhibit alpha-glucosidase, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels. Its antifungal activity is thought to stem from bioactive compounds that disrupt fungal cell membranes and enhance the efficacy of standard antifungals. The extract primarily interacts with the immune system by modulating inflammatory responses and with the metabolic system by supporting glucose metabolism and energy expenditure. While specific molecular targets include PGE2 and alpha-glucosidase, the exact pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of its compounds are not yet fully characterized.

Side effects

Loquat all extract is generally considered safe based on traditional use and available research at typical supplement doses, with no significant toxicity reported in cell viability studies. Common, uncommon, or rare side effects have not been widely reported in the available scientific literature. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, particularly with hypoglycemic agents, due to the extract's potential blood sugar-lowering effects. Individuals taking medications for blood sugar control should consult a healthcare professional before using loquat extract to avoid hypoglycemia. There are no specific contraindications identified, but individuals prone to hypoglycemia should exercise caution. For special populations, data on the safety of loquat extract in pregnant or breastfeeding women is limited, and its use is generally not recommended without medical supervision. Overall, while the safety profile appears favorable, individuals with pre-existing conditions or those on medication, especially for blood sugar management, should seek professional medical advice.

Dosage

The optimal dosage for loquat all extract is not yet well-established, as preclinical and small clinical studies have utilized varying doses. For loquat leaf extract, typical doses observed in studies range from 100 to 500 mg per day, though an optimal dose has not been definitively determined. For loquat flower extract, studies suggest that extracts prepared at 80–90°C for 45–60 minutes are most bioactive. The maximum safe dose for loquat all extract has not been formally established, but traditional use suggests safety at moderate doses. There are no specific timing recommendations, and it can be taken with meals, which may support blood sugar regulation and potentially enhance the absorption of polyphenols. While teas and water extracts are the most studied forms, standardized extracts may offer more consistent dosing. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is loquat all extract safe to use?

Generally, loquat all extract is considered safe at typical supplement doses, with no significant side effects reported. However, if you are taking blood sugar-lowering medications, consult your doctor due to potential interactions.

When is the best time to take loquat all extract?

There are no specific timing recommendations for loquat all extract. It can be taken with meals, which may help with blood sugar regulation and potentially improve the absorption of its beneficial compounds.

Can loquat all extract help with weight loss?

Some limited studies suggest loquat leaf extract may support weight management by promoting thermogenesis and stabilizing blood sugar. However, it is not a miracle cure and should be part of a comprehensive health strategy.

What are the main benefits of loquat all extract?

The main benefits include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as potential support for metabolic health and blood sugar regulation. It also shows some antifungal activity.

Are there any contraindications for loquat all extract?

No specific contraindications are identified, but caution is advised for individuals with hypoglycemia or those on blood sugar-lowering medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.

Research Sources

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/1188178 – This study evaluated loquat flower water extract (LFWE), finding that extraction at 80°C for 60 minutes yielded the highest bioactive content and antioxidant activity. It also demonstrated that LFWE significantly reduced PGE2 production, indicating anti-inflammatory effects in cell models.
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/14/11/592 – This research provides a nutritional analysis of loquat juice, indicating it is low in calories, fat, and protein, with moderate sugar content. The study focuses on the basic nutritional profile without exploring specific health outcomes.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/6626834 – This in vitro study investigated the phytochemical composition and antifungal activity of loquat seed and leaf extracts. It found that methanol and hexane extracts exhibited significant antifungal properties and showed synergistic effects when combined with standard antifungal agents.
https://cmja.arakmu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=815&slc_lang=en&sid=1&ftxt=1&html=1 – This study explored the effects of HIIT with loquat leaf extract supplementation on liver enzymes in obese men with NAFLD over 8 weeks. It suggested improvements in liver markers, though the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.
https://www.biowaynutrition.com/news/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-loquat-leaf-tea/ – This source discusses the potential health benefits of loquat leaf tea, including its role in supporting metabolic function, blood sugar regulation, and thermogenesis. It highlights the traditional uses and emerging research on loquat leaf extract's effects.