Evidence supporting the use of: Honey loquat syrup
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Honey loquat syrup, often known as "chuanbei pi pa gao" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is primarily justified for use in alleviating dry cough through historical and traditional use rather than robust scientific validation. Its main ingredients, loquat leaf (Eriobotrya japonica) and honey, have a long history in Chinese herbal medicine for soothing the throat and reducing cough. Several classical TCM texts and centuries of anecdotal usage describe its role in moistening the lungs and relieving cough, especially dry or irritated coughs. The honey component can coat the throat, potentially providing symptomatic relief.
There is some limited scientific evidence suggesting that loquat leaf extracts may have anti-inflammatory and cough-suppressant properties, and honey is recognized for its demulcent (soothing) effect on the throat. However, high-quality human clinical trials are lacking, and most available studies are either in vitro, animal studies, or case reports. Thus, while honey loquat syrup is widely used and considered safe for mild, uncomplicated coughs, its efficacy is not strongly supported by modern scientific research. The tradition-based use continues to be popular in many Asian communities, but patients seeking evidence-based treatment for cough should be aware of the limited scientific support.
Other ingredients used for Cough (dry)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
oregano
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
fumaria parviflora
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
dodder
sweet flag
menthol oil
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ambergris
acacia
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bayleaf
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Honey loquat syrup
Acid IndigestionAllergies (respiratory)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Fever
Gastritis
Inflammation
Influenza
Itching
Laryngitis
Pain (general remedies for)
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Ulcers