Summary
The pear is a distant member of the apple family. Pears are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, copper, and vitamin K. Most of the vitamins are contained on the skin of the fruit. Pears can also increase urine acidity, which in some cases can stop the formation of kidney stones. Pears also promote heart and colon health because of their high fiber content.
Description
Medicinal Parts
The medicinal part is the fruit.
Flower and Fruit
The fleshy fruit is typically smaller near the stem and larger at the apical end, with a relatively tough skin. The core has a number of carpels, which are large and edible. The seeds are pointed at one end and rounded at the other. When ripe, they are dark brown to black, glabrous and about 0.5 cm long.
Leaves, Stem, and Root
The pear is a tree, up to 20 m tall, with a long, clavate crown. The bark is dark brown to black and broken into square plates. The glabrous or slightly pubescent branches are glossy brown or thorny. The leaves are 2 to 8 cm long, ovate-round, acuminate, tough, and serrate. The ribs are protruding.
Habitat
The pear tree grows mainly in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Production
Pears are the fruit of Pyrus communis.
Actions & Pharmacology
Compounds
Fruit acids: malic acid (0.06-0.1%), additionally citric acid, quinic acid
Cyanogenic glycosides: amygdalin (only in the seeds)
Aromatic substances: including (E,Z)-2,4-deca-dien-(E)-2-octen and -(Z)-4-decenacylethylester, acetic acid hexylester
Caffeic acid derivatives: in particular 5-caffeoyl quinic acid
Pectin
Effects
In folk remedies, Pear is said to be astringent and cooling.
Indications & Usage
Unproven Uses
Pear is used in the treatment of mild digestive disorders, while its syrup is used as a diuretic and laxative.
Precautions & Adverse Reactions
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
Dosage
Mode of Administration
Fresh fruit (as food)
