LOQUAT

BOTANICAL NAME: Eriobotrya japonica

FAMILY: Rosaceae

CLASSICAL CLASSIFICATION:

Bhavaprakash: Phala varg

COMMON NAME:

Hindi: Lukat
Bengali: Lukat
Tamil: Elakkayi
Kannada: Nispero

REFERENCE: BHAVAPRAKASH SAMHITA with link e Nighantu:

https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/e-Nighantu/bhavaprakashanighantu/?mod=read

HABITAT:

Loquat is a subtropical fruit tree native to China and widely cultivated in Japan, India, and the Mediterranean region. It thrives in warm climates with well-drained soil.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION:

Loquat is a small, evergreen tree with large, dark green, leathery leaves. The tree produces fragrant white flowers in autumn, which develop into small, pear-shaped, yellow to orange fruits. The fruit has a slightly tangy and sweet taste, with 2-5 large seeds inside.

MAJOR CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:

Tannins, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

THERAPEUTIC USES:

– Respiratory Disorders – Loquat leaves are used in decoction to relieve cough and asthma.
– Diabetes Management – The extract of loquat leaves helps regulate blood sugar levels.
– Digestive Health – The fruit is rich in fiber and aids digestion, relieving constipation.
– Skin Health – The antioxidants present in loquat protect the skin from oxidative damage.
– Cardiac Health – Loquat is beneficial for heart health, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure

INDICATIONS

Cough (Kasa), Asthma (Shwasa), Diabetes (Prameha), Constipation (Vibandha), Skin disorders (Kustha), Cardiac disorders (Hridroga).

USEFUL PART: Fruit, leaves, seeds

DOSAGE:

– Fruit: Consumed fresh, 2-4 fruits per day.
– Leaf Decoction: 40-50 ml twice a day.
– Powder: 3-6 gm daily.

AYURVEDIC FORMULATION:

– Loquat Leaf Tea
– Herbal Loquat Syrup
– Loquat Fruit Churna
– Loquat Oil Extract

Loquat is a nutritious and medicinal fruit with various health benefits, making it an essential part of traditional medicine systems.